Tuesday, November 3, 2009 0:53
Reform Party hopeful that Balldev will be fully exonerated
In Main Stories • 807 views • 7 Comments
The Reform Party and Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam issued the following press release following yesterday’s extradition hearing for Balldev Naidu:
The Reform Party takes terrorism and terrorism-related offences very seriously which is why we have called for the repeal of the outdated ISA and its replacement by an Act specifically designed to deal with and combat terrorism in its current form. We also completely understand why The U.S. needs to take a firm stance on terrorism. Having said that however, the Balldev I have come to know, since taking over leadership of The Reform Party, is a gentle family man and someone who would never intentionally become involved with terrorists or arms dealers. Even though these alleged incidents pre-date the formation of The Reform Party by several years, Balldev was a loyal supporter of my father, JB Jeyaretnam and I will continue to support him in my personal capacity.
In a way, it is for the best that he should be extradited speedily to the US so that this matter can be resolved as soon as possible. I have confidence in the US judicial system which, unlike Singapore, provides for court-appointed legal representation and trial by jury. Balldev has maintained his innocence throughout and I am hopeful that when this goes to trial he will be fully exonerated.
At the request of Balldev’s wife I have contacted several international human rights organisations such as Amnesty International in the US and UK, the Centre for Constitutional Rights in Washington, and Tamils Against Genocide in Maryland, USA who have taken a great interest in this case and provided help and legal advice. Tamils Against Genocide will work with Balldev’s court-appointed lawyer to see that he receives the best possible legal defence and have set up a support network in Maryland should his family be able to visit. My only hope is that there is a speedy trial so that Balldev can return to his family as soon as possible.
To a family who were, like so many families in Singapore already struggling to make ends meet, the financial effects have been devastating and the emotional impact, particularly upon his children, has been at least as great. I find it deplorable that there is no legal aid available in Singapore for defendants in serious criminal cases unless it is a capital offence. I will continue to do what I can to help Balldev and his family through this incredibly difficult time.
Balldev’s case has had little impact on the activities and popularity of The Reform Party. We continue to receive enormous public support for our meet the people sessions both at our headquarters and on our walkabouts and membership is growing steadily on a weekly basis. As soon as The MDA have satisfied themselves that our designated printer’s Fire Certificate is in order we hope they will finally approve our application for a newsletter named the “New Dawn” so that we can communicate our policies to a wider audience.
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7 Comments
Straight Talker
temasek patriot
now now… imagine if that accused was a PAP chap… what will have done? none of the following which KJ has done
1) stand by his people to do his best to alleviate their problems and suffering
2) get the accused no matter if he is a friend to stand trial and defend himself
justice, empathy and fairness… three qualities that we cannot find in the MIW
A Tan
First was the internal bust-up with chairman resigning.
Then this.
The party that can’t shoot straight.
JBJ’s legacy of booboos is maintained — remember in 2001, JBJ’s team filled in forms wrongly. Now all RP needs is for guy responsible for filling in form wrongly to join RP. And in next election Gomez can make it three garbras in a row.
Would hve hated being NCO or officer having Gomez in live firing or grenade throwing exs, or even range.
KJ got a lot of work to do — take care.
Mission Possible
It is good that TOC keeps up-to-date on Balldev’s case. This case tells a lot again in what kind of Govt the PAP is. Do people know how easy it is for Govts to get people (innocent people) into serious trouble with the US for terrorism charges if they want to, given the US’ invitation for Govts to co-opeerate? I haven’t heard of any other countries doing this and frankly it is only Spore Govt that is capable of doing such a deplorable thing to its own citizen. It is incredibly sickening that a Govt can do this if Balldev is innocent. So, the people must know.
Jeannette Aruldoss
This RP/ Ken Jeya press release reminds us that Balldev is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by due process of a fair trial.
It might seem bad news for Balldev that the Court has decided to extradict him to face trial in the US. However, a trial will provide Balldev with the opportunity to tell his side of the story. Right now, we do not know the detailed facts, so we should not jump to any conclusion about Balldev’s alleged complicity.
MMS all tend to sing in one voice i.e. they have all given the same (negative) perspective to this story. It sometimes so tiring to read different newspapers (ST, TNP, TODAY, MY Paper) all giving the same take on a piece of news. With this press release, we get to hear a different perspective.
Sporeans are so seldom offered a different view, so when one is at last given, it can be such a welcome relief from the monotonous diet of sama sama views.
Btw, am looking forward to reading the 1st copy of the “New Dawn”.
Moe Gan Thai
What ever the case, we should give full support to RP and KJ. Hope they can win at least a GRC.
We must know
“Balldev is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by due process of a fair trial….. MMS all tend to sing in one voice i.e. they have all given the same (negative) perspective to this story. It sometimes so tiring to read different newspapers (ST, TNP, TODAY, MY Paper) all giving the same take on a piece of news.” ~ Jeannette Aruldoss @5
Our MSM did not get the 133rd position in Report without Borders for nothing.
It is indeed very commendable for the Reform Party and the Secretary General of the Reform Party to stand by the supporter of JB Jeyaretnam.It is telling of a great leader.
I support that there be a replacement of the ISA by an Act specifically designed to deal with and combat terrorism in its current form.Terrorism is our biggest concern and not Political Ideologies.
Are the PRCs in Singapore being monitored?How about the ‘Ukranians’ or Indian ‘Maoists’? The PAP is obviously not afraid of communist insurgencies since it is cajoling with the Red Party, so why the need of the ISA?Or is it specifically meant for all parties other than the PAP?
I am humbled to hear that the Reform Party is taking care of the family during this time of distress.I hope the children get emotional support and understanding from the schools.These school administrators can be unsympathetic.
There is also no conclusive evidence for an incident that supposedly took place in 2006.Something is not right.It’s all speculation.
It is deplorable and absolutely disgusting that there is no legal aid available in Singapore for defendants in serious criminal cases.
Where are our lawyers?There is something seriously wrong with our legal profession.Again, this profession attracts the opportunists.I am not surprised why lawyers leave, especially the good ones.They get disillusioned when it is not a sevice to the public.Just look at pro bono wok.Or the recent elections of the Law Society.No one is stepping forward.
I wish the family well and hope the man gets redress and gets fully exonerated.
On a seperate note, I hope the Reform Party continues their good work.Don’t be disheartened.There are external factors at play here to derail your progress. Absurd that the MDA has not given them their license.I won’t be surprised that the license be available only in 2013 after the elections.
My respect for Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam grows.I am sure his team will win a couple of seats despite all these insurmountable hurdles.The Singaporeans see through all the deceit.