From the blog of Ovidia Yu:
Thio Su Mien is publicly out as part of the new Aware ExCo takeover team now.
I deleted the post I was preparing on how Aware could/might/should try to work it out together for the best of all women in Singapore–it’s not going to happen.
Oh–and I hear they’ve fired the center manager tonight (paid staff who was not involved in the elections)
And changed the locks–apparently you’ll need special hi tech pass cards to get in–very different from being a welcoming place for all women to come to help & be helped right?
The press are there, so watch out for statement in papers tomorrow!
Note: Dr. Thio Su Mien, is a former Dean of the Faculty of Law of the National University of Singapore (NUS) and presently Senior Executive Director of TSMP Law Corporation; her brother, Thio Shen Yi, is Joint Managing Director of the same law firm.
Clarification from Ms Ovidia Yu: Thio Shen Yi is Thio Su Mien’s son not brother. Shen Yi and Thio Li Ann are siblings.
From Channel NewsAsia:
Showdown at AWARE office over lock change by new exco
SINGAPORE: It was a tense atmosphere at the AWARE office on Thursday evening as members of the old guard tried to prevent the new executive committee from changing the locks at the office.
The centre’s manager, Schutz Lee, said she was not informed of the plans to change locks.
Ms Lee, who has been working there since February, was also fired without reason by the new executive committee at 8pm on Thursday.
Members of the old guard turned up hurriedly at the scene, anxious over the documents kept there.
Dana Lam, former AWARE president, said: “I walked in and there were three burly men sitting at the counter. It’s not something we encounter at AWARE because it’s a women’s centre and we are giving counselling sessions to women who have been abused.
“The men have apparently been instructed by the president to change the lock in the centre. There is a vote of no-confidence going on here. By right, they have no right to make any changes. I am worried for my materials – 25 years of research material, including confidential material.”
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Tsk tsk….shame on those giving death threats to them…..do these actions warrant a death threat? No. The people who sent the death threats must really be irrational
These may OR may not be real, but if they are, it just shows they had been lying that there wasn’t any hidden agenda-
http://singsupplies.com/showthread.php?t=26201
37) T on April 24th, 2009 7.56 am
“gemami – what say you?.
I have been reflecting on the numerous posts speaking up both for and against the new exco. Ignoring all the rhetoric pertaining to the issues on one’s faith, gender orientations and the legitimacy of the election results, I have been fighting my case based on one simple factor – the reality of the situation.
What I mean by this is that the legitimacy of the new team to lead was constitutionally legal and legitimate. Period. All else are speculations with no concrete evidence to proof the fears expressed.
You may say I have been stubborn, very stubborn even, to not look at the other factors that resulted in this saga, ignoring good advice from Joshua especially. Well, I cannot, after reflecting the whole night, continue to ignore these factors. For this, I thank the numerous friends who were patient enough to argue their cases with me. I am grateful to Joshua, lockeliberal, yw, HT, mirax, Orchid, Zheng Xi, David, Trust and so many others for bearing with me.
To those who supported my argument, I am sorry, I am a very reasonable chap (although some may not agree, never mind), and I must say that I have been won over by the pro-AWARE supporters to their case.
This is not to say that all questions have been answered, far from it. I am basing my new position simply for the fact that I am now sure that the takeover was staged – without reasonable doubt.
Dear Orchid, your comment moved me the most and your argument, I must say, was the one that got me to reflect deeper on my position. I thank you.
I apologize whole heartedly and sincerely to all whom I may have affended in the course of my argument. No hard feelings.
gemami,
It is great to see that you have the moral courage to have a change of heart about your stand on the issues, having considered all that has happened. It does now appear quite certain that the take-over was planned and that Josie misrepresented herself on national TV.
The larger question was why did she need to lie about the planned takeover? It has been pointed out that the takeover was legal and constitutional and is very much a part of the democratic process. She could have admitted to the planned takeover, laid out the reasons for doing so (concerns about the supposed pro-gay bent in recent years and the impact on society at large) and have a diplomatic debate about it with the old guard. She chose not to do so and avoided all questions until her ‘mentor’ (aka her aunt-in-law) has provided the green light.
Germami
Never hard feelings dude. That’s the nature of debate, sometimes it gets a bit vigorous, sometimes arguments will be passionate. Again, whatever your stance, it wasn’t personal. Neither did bear any ill-will towards the people who staged this. As individuals, I’m sure most of them are good people, good mothers and wives.
But as a group, their actions pertaining to this issue are clearly wrong. Their stone-walling and double-speak very divisive. You were right to caution against jumping to conclusion, but in this case, this is how they play it – as long as they don’t say it openly, everyone will be accused of jumping to conclusions despite the evidence at hand.
At the end of the day, this is clearly an anti-gay matter for them. But for the rest of us, it’s an issue of preserving the diversity of views in society as opposed to the dominance of only one voice. The terms ‘liberals’ and ‘conservatives’ are mere distractions.
DIdnt she say he did not know the her other new exco? Guess now she will say it was my aunty in law who knew them and i act blurr.
Feminist Mentor Thio Su Mien (mother of anti-gay NMP Thio, related to josie lau) worked with COOS and i suspect another church to cleanse AWARE of its lesbian tendencies.
Membership dropped from 600 to 200 before the ‘coup’ and then climbed from 200 to 800 . Clearly the old woman’s club wasn’t going in the right direction .The gay and lesbian issue has hijacked the club’s main purpose and therefore need to be steered back.The new AWARE should be given a chance instead of being accused of fundamentalism.I am sure they are not going drive down your throats or up through your nose or through whichever.
Instead of hurling insults and vulgarities , mirax and the other supporters should give the old women a vote,if you believe in democracy. I am frightening too if this is how atheists behave?
Gemami – thanks.
My view is that if the team’s agenda is not quite the same as the old, then the decent thing to do is set up another organisation, and not to hijack an existing one under stealth.
Hi Gemami,
That was very brave and gracious of you, thank you.
Sorry comment #49 is mine, not sure why it appears under the TOC nick.
Thanks again Gemami for your courage.
Zheng Xi
To all my TOC friends,
The answer to HATE is not MORE HATE. It is LOVE.
We may disagree with Dr Thio and co., but as fellow humans they deserve our hugs.
Christians, please give them your hugs.
People of other religions please give them your hugs.
Atheists, please give them your hugs.
Straight people, please give them your hugs.
Gay men, please give them your hugs.
Lesbians, please give them your hugs.
HUGS.
Sorry that last comment belongs to me, posted it while logged into admin.
Thanks again Gemami, it takes alot of courage to get to where you are.
To Zefly (aka Joshua Chiang) on April 24th, 2009 9.09 am
Thank you for the link!
“..Please ask your like-minded friends to join Aware so that you can give the vote to those who wish to be an agent of change for the Lord. They could also contribute to the activities of the oprganization as there is much to be done for women and families in this dowturn of the economy. Unfortunately, I cannot surface but shall be assisting in the background .” extracts of email from Thio Su Mien.
Agent of change for the lord? I cannot surface? Why not I wonder???
No religious agenda? crossed out. Not conspiracy? crossed out.
gemami,
tell me which takeover is NOT STAGED, planned, strategised, premeditated ? don’t be naive. You don’t walk into the old AWARE and ask Singam , “I like to take over AWARE” and he hands over to you and says, take it , iti is yours.
No one is going to hand over to you on a platter. I am disappointed. You caved in for whatever reasons.
Aware has been hijacked by a bunch of Christian fanatics. Singapopre is a secular society, and Aware is not a religious organisation. The government should stop this. (And why does Thio Su Mien and her family hate homosexuals with such intensity?)
Re: New exco got death threats
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_367873.html
While it is disturbing that anyone would resort to these tactics, it is obvious that whoever is making this is NOT an old guard supporter:
The letter writer called himself a ‘masculine gay’ and a ‘jihadist sleeper’ and claimed to have joined a militant group.
In fact if you were completely naive and just wanted to create a stir, this is the kind of nonsense you would write. Quite frankly I question whether it comes from a new exco supporter. I’m not suggesting that the new exco is behind this simply that one of their misguided supporters may be.
Okay guys, no need for the thanks. I am here to learn things by sharing my thoughts and see what you guys think of them. For this I am grateful for the time and trouble all of you went through to share yours with me.
I still have many questions left unanswered but the main point here is the conclusive evidence which brought my case for them to nought – the evidence of a planned takeover and mainly, the underlying motive for such a takeover, something which I had refused to acknowledged earlier for lack of evidence.
This is not to say that some of my other points of contention, like, how did this saga even unfolded, the lack of tender-loving-care from the old guards on something they claim is dear and near to them etc. no longer hold.
They don’t matter much now because of the conclusive evidence mentioned above. The old AWARE has a mountain to climb and with the continued support from all of you, they have to realize that they must not kill their baby even as they fight to reclaim it.
Once again I thank all and there is no more need to thank me for anything. It is I who must thank you ;)
The Christian church is very powerful in mobilising its sheep who can easily be brain washed. It will be a numbers game in the EOGM really. The old guards could lose, and if this scenario happens, will the old guards form a new group to continue the good works of AWARE?
MY GOD! what era are we living in?
unbelievable, what these homophobics are doing?
so much for fair play.
boos to AWARE new exco.
If the new exco lose, will they form their own group called
Bloody Exasperating Women’s Association of Right-wing Extremists – or BEWARE?
Looking at today’s straits times’s report on yesterday’s exco members’ press meetings as well as a ST forum reader saying that the important phrase all-inclusive (regardless of race, culture, reliion and sexual orientation) has been deleted from the exco statement, I think it is clear that the current exco do have some reservations about inclusiveness.
I remember reading somewhere from ST about Thio L A and Andy Ho saying that it is natural that elected religious pple using extending their religious point of views to their secular organisation work e.g. government. (Can anyone point me to the Andy Ho article on secular government written last year?)
From my personal experience and as well as pple above professing this trait. I think that it is hard for the new exco to do things the secular way without consulting their own personal beliefs. I am not saying that it is not possible but it seemed that it will be hard…
54) fairplay reeks of religious bigotry. Talking about attacking the whole Christian faith based on the action of one church.
It is sad when the agenda proposed by the new AWARE is one of exclusion and of hate. There is possibly a recourse should the Old Guards lose at the EOGM. They could easily form a rival Women’s group and do even better and bigger things to promote women’s issues in Singapore.
why are both my comments under Rich (9 and 58) moderated??
Gemami,
you are now new convert. you are converted because the old AWARE was ousted, planned ..Let me ask you , before you relish in your new found , might be mistaken , faith , which takeover is not planned, staged or premeditated? You changed because of this? I am sorry for you.
Regardless of Race, Religion & Sexuality (incl. gay, leabian & trans), the AWARE are here to serve, protect those in need and advocate equality.
By the look of these NEW EXCO & getting Thio Su Mien out as part of the new Aware ExCo takeover team now. One look at these profile you can sense these NEW EXCO have their own agenda in AWARE and likely so to upgrade their SOCIAL STATUS and be known.
Frankly I don’t care whether religion is involved or whatever it is that motivates the various parties to form their opinions. I am however perturbed that the new exco and their advisors have chosen to propagate their views in such a heavy-handed manner. They have given the impression that that are dismissive of others and their views; their actions to clear out most if not all of the old guard signals their intention to remove dissenting voices. So much for having an inclusive society.
I call for conclusive proof.
Conclusive proof falls into my lap.
If only i could replicate this in Toto.
Quod erat demonstrandum. The burden of reasonable doubt has been removed and the true agenda of Thio Su Mien is out of the closet. Figuratively speaking of course.
Until this came to light, i could not conscientiously put down the AWARE takeover by Josie Lau as a conspiracy due to the presumption of innocence.
I am chagrined by this turn of events. Though i still believe in the principle of ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat so i don’t know how i would have done things differently.
Thio Su Mien, how does one become so prejudiced? And also how do men voting or joining AWARE to advocate women rights necessitate them being homosexual and even if they are, what is wrong with that?
This reminds me of old SDP under Mr Chiam and the new SDP taken over the CEC by Dr Chee. Same scenerio
@54 fairplay.
how true abt galvanising troops (sheeps)… maybe the old exco will loose unless more likeminded members support them on the next vote.
This episode tells us that there are some people whose religious and value system to be so pure and upright and do not tolerate the deviant and fallouts. I’m inclined to think that the old AWARE can learn from this episode and consolidate its effort for greater contributions. Winning or losing the EOGM does not matter if the group is willing to continue the legacy of the AWARE values. It may be its re-election into office in the forthcoming EOGM or forming a new group. Losing a battle does not mean losing the war. Whatever the outcome, may the old AWARE members continue to contribute to the well-being of womenfolk in Singapore.
Can we have more goodwill toward men & women (both normal & queer) from all sides, please….not necessary to spew vile remarks.
First, there was the appearance of her daughter as an NMP. Daughter spoke out loud and clear. Then, AWARE coup. We were initially told that there was no hidden agenda. Now, we are shown the king maker. A lie has manifested.
As in the case of the daughter, we are informed of death threats soon after. They appear to be victims rather than perpetrators. We also know that the indoctrination began more than 10 years ago.
All these smack of some military operation – well planned and coordinated.
Can there not be some bigger hidden agenda?
What next? The inquisition? Will I be burnt for being a heretic?
All these started from one church – one pastor . We should nip it in the bud. Should we help put out the fire in our neighbour’s house?
i feel worried when i see women struggling for power in such a fierce way.
11) jimdog
BKK is looking good, cheap food, housing, no mind games. Really freedom, no thou shall not this and that short of crap
Hmmm…. i must agree that the new exco should not call the christian flock to support a secular cause….bad move
nice link joshua…..opened my eyes LOL
Thio Su Mien must be suffering from a lack of work due to the downturn. How else could anyone one, especially a lawyer, have the time to pre-occupy themselves with all this nonsense? After all, isn’t an empty mind a devil’s workshop? I love hot ST has quoted her so many times. Only goes to show what fundamentalists she and the rest of the Thio clan (and extended “Christian” family) truly are. To use AWARE as a platform for their anti-homosexuality campaign is truly repugnant and not to mention, putrid taste in the mouth. Also, i’ve never seen such stupidity being publicly displayed before. The next time people decide to band together, make sure you pick people who are savvy and have a reasonable amount of intellect. To making fumbling statements at press-conferences or worse, statements which only heighten the inconsistencies and reduces whatever shred of credibility these people have. I’m glad the press conference went ahead before the EOGM because now it is all out in the open – everyone knows what the true agenda is and who the true puppeteer is. Next thing you know, they will try to take over ST.
In view of the latest distasteful outcome of the AWARE saga for a “one religion dominance of the EXCO”, it is time to amend Aware’s constitution to bar “one-religion, one-racial, one-whatever orientation” to dominate the EXCO.
AWARE should not become “BEWARE’ and contentious and as such it ‘s EXCO Board should reflect a multi-religious (including atheists), multi-racial, multi-orientation (if need be) members. The tug-of-war of between Taliban-type (of all religions) and Secularist should be avoided because it has deeper repercusssion for all in our homeland.
It is perhaps now time for the men to set up a similar association to represent mens’ issues. The Womens’ Charter days are over. See how women are so capable and efficient to do a power-grab and go into hen battle. They seem to have the power even to fight the men, rightly or wrongly.
Women enemies are women themselves.
62) LOL on April 24th, 2009 12.24 pm
Too late ! It already done,even staff join two months ago all terminated yesterday.
Notice how people like to place death threat on the Thio family.. ??
Curious.. everytime the Thios stand up and spread their voice of hatred and intolerance, people are “rushing” to give them death threats.
It would seems that only with the people that place death threat on this people, the thio family message of hate and intolerance seems less hateful and less intolerant.
People are just so full of hate now..
I believe that the death threats were self fabricated by the “new” exco, after all, they have shown themselves to be completely unethical so far, what’s 1 more lie?
why would a militant gay (who ? is there such an organisation? Music and Drama company in SAF?) be associating with a jihadist organisation (muslim terrorist cell?) its is an antithesis of ideology.
If the new exco’s argument is that the old AWARE had over-extended themselves by being Pro-Homo (which I think is arguable, reasonable even), isn’t being Anti-Homo, the flip side of the same coin???
Whether they are gay or not, AWARE is simply Pro-Women right?
Hi Gemami
Good to know you are a ‘reasonable chap’.
It’s just the sense of righteousness that propels me to speak up for the old exco members of AWARE.
Amazing and amuse at the way AWARE is being play out in such an entertaining fashion.
I have notice that many Singaporeans have become Christians in the last 20 years. There are so many different Churches to choose from, all with different beliefs and interpretation from the Bible. It is unbelievable.
85) loupgarou on April 24th, 2009 1.06 pm I believe that the death threats were self fabricated by the “new” exco, after all, they have shown themselves to be completely unethical so far, what’s 1 more lie?
This is what i really don’t understand. If this is the way, then they are misguided.
I never knew some Christians can behave in a manner to justify their beliefs
#70) Peace,
I admit I am deserving of your reproach. But one cannot deny unquestionable facts that are presented before you.
This goes beyond a coup. It was a premeditated war strategy to conquer, colonize and convert all that is of the old AWARE, in one fell sweep.
Don’t get me wrong. I am still flabbergasted with the manner in which the old guards had handled the situation. It made me puked because these old guards, if I have a choice, would never see their office ever again. They have neglected the interest of women simply by taking things for granted. I continue to fault them for this turn of events.
The statements provided by Thio Su Mien, the e-mails she sent to her congregation, the behind-the-scene orchestration of events (even till this stage), the direct references to an anti-gay stance; these are no longer elements that are questionable but real, and will be pursued by the new exco.
I have stood by Josie in the hope that when she showed her cards it would very much be in line with what AWARE generally stood for. But the stealth elements have surface and they no longer give the representation I had hoped for. These are my reasons.
Trying to straddle ,eh, Jolene? This won’t make you look fair and impatial. You are 100% biased and pro old woman club. Violence or threat of violence , you care?. it was you who whipped up this anti new aware frenzy and now you say you worry about violence? Crocodile tears, lah.
As for gemami, let me tell you, you are a great disappointment. You have been poisoned , drugged that you beleive that the whole saga was wrong because it was planned takeover. Just like that and you crossed over. Either you are too naive or stupid or you lost of sense of reasoning.
Anyway , good luck and you need it , because your conscience will be picked from now
#Amaze
Glad u find it amusing. But it goes far deeper than that. I have never posted before but I am concerned and galvanised enough to spend a substantial amount of time these few days to post several times.
U should look at the far right churches in the US and u will understand their thinking and actions, militancy even. The tactics are all there. Almost from a rulebook. Mount a covert operation. Then gloss over it. Demonise the opposition. Play the martyr (death threats – yeah sure). The sad thing is, they really believe that what they are doing is right. If only they could channel that energy and will to a more positive cause. But the kicker is – they are willing to do what it takes to achieve their goals. All else is irrelevant.
I hope I am wrong but I believe that it goes far deeper than what we have seen.
I love what’s happening to AWARE at the moment.
Basically, AWARE will cease to function as a bastion for feminism and “female rights” This is because AWARE first alienates the very people they purport to protect, that is, the weak and vulnerable.
The function of AWARE has always been a negative instead of a positive one. By negative, I mean that AWARE always defines itself against something, such as perceived discrimination against pregnant women, the vulnerability of young girls, the unfairness facing female divorcees etc.
Through Mrs Thio’s press conference, what we see is that AWARE has now taken on another negative agenda, this time an overarching one. Since the main motive of the takeover was to change AWARE’s “pro-lesbian” slant, AWARE has now defined itself primarily against homosexuality.
As long as AWARE operates in this capacity and fails to redefine itself as an organization that supports all women in “realizing their highest potential” (Aware’s mission statement), then it will necessarily fail to achieve any of its goals, negative or otherwise.