A letter from your Leaders
Dear Singaporeans,
In a few hours from now, a Caucasian bottom that once graced the lush meadows of the Swiss Alps will be given the pounding of its life in the hallowed grounds of New Auschwitz…oops sorry, Changi prison. This is a moment of great pride for Singapore, a mark that we are finally standing up to the world. Other nations that punish people in a similar way, and with whom we share similar political ideologies, such as our dear brothers in North Korea, Iran, Zimbabwe and Cuba, have extended their sincere congratulations on our great achievement.
Yes we cane.
With regard to this Swiss individual’s extremely serious crime, we are glad to inform you that SMRT has concluded its detailed investigations into the matter. Using state of the art technology, it has found that Mr Fricker used a highly potent chemical, known as alcohol, to gain stealth powers while trespassing into the depot. He and his colleague utilized a highly advanced programme known as the “Internet” for communications. A high-powered reconnaissance program that we believe goes by the name of “Google earth” was used to obtain detailed maps of the area. The army, which was previously unaware of the presence of such a program, will now begin to use this “Google earth” to plan upcoming military operations.
Security will have to be drastically revamped. In view of this, passenger fares on all SMRT lines will be raised by 30%. In so doing, we hope to be able to raise the pay of the SMRT CEO from the current paltry 1.7mil pa to 2.3mil. It is hoped that the additional revenue will enable her to formulate new plans to counter the threat of this “Google earth”.
Vandalism is a huge threat to the future security of this country. Many years ago, in a corner of Europe, there was a large and beautiful wall that was built to keep the people safe, much like we, in your caring government, try to keep you safe. But thanks to lax government laws, this wall was heavily vandalised. And then, in 1989, the unthinkable happened. The people tore down the wall and as such, damaged public property. Last year, we brought a piece of this once beautiful wall to Singapore, so that the public may witness, first hand, the devastating effects of vandalism. If we remember correctly, the name of this wall was the “Berlin Wall”.
If only it had stood. What a crying shame.
__________________________
By Hansel K
Cartoons courtesy of My Sketchbook
Part of the beautiful wall from Berlin now at Bedok Reservoir – graffiti and all.
Minister for Foreign Affairs officiating at the opening of the display (read his speech here).
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The CEO of SMRT should resign. That is the only honourably thing to do.
cocomut,
Die, die also cannot resign and forego the $1.7m before share options. Just be thick skin because she is “protected”
It’s incredible how our media and SMRT focus on the “crime” of vandalism so much so as to distract concerned citizens about the lax security. Sure, fine the guy and jail him for a couple of months… but to cane him and jail him for 5 months is excessive. His crime isn’t as great as SMRT’s security lapse. If he be jailed and caned, the CEO of SMRT should also be sacked and caned.
Is it not ironical that as the Berlin Wall is torn down, Singapore need a part of the Berlin Wall to be enshrined in Bedok ?
The purpose of having this wall in Bedok is even more dubious, when Singapore is already ‘walled in’ by the paranoia of the Pro Alien Party.
The paranoia of the Pro Alien Party – of an unruly and ungovernable Asian Population – has resulted in the passing of tough legislations that will subject Singaporeans to absurd mandatory sentences of caning or death for the most insignificant mundane transgression.
Carrying 20g of heroin – [the weight of two pieces of S$1 coin] – will subject the person to a mandatory death sentence, even if one is 18 years old.
A property owner can be subject to mandatory caning, jail and fine – if the owner should unwittingly rent his premises to an illegal immigrant.
Clearly, the Pro Alien Party has adopted the methods employed in ancient China, in which the tyranny of legal ruthlessness will keep society in order.
Singapore’s reputation will be shredded with that of the Swiss.
This is good publicity for the upcoming YOG in August 2010.
Can we cane the CEO of SMRT? Have women been ever been caned?
True. The punishment is totally unproportional to the mistake committed. Lapse of security is a far bigger crime than vandalism, as it has potential much bigger consequences, like a bomb plant. If that’s the case, why is SMRT forgotten & the overly harsh, unfair & totally uncalled for punishment dealt to the Swiss who committed such a petty crime?
Yalor canning is a harsh punishment and should not be use for such insignificant crime. The Pro Alien Party is out of their mind.
SMRT – Short of an “A” to make it SMART.
What does “A” stands for?
IOC must be regretting awarding YOG to Singapore now….maybe our local organisers can introduce caning delinquent teenagers as a sport and introduce it to the world.
Singapore is a mix of two societies. On one hand, we’re trying to show an ultra-modern face to the world, hence a plush airport, huge malls, the IRs. That face is for the world, and the throngs of expats enclaved in Holland village and bukit timah. Hence the berlin wall in bedok, coz we’re a suave 21st century land of liberty. Who needs new york when you’ve got s’pore?
And then there’s the 14th century medeival mongolia of genghis khan that is reserved for us Singaporeans. Welcome to the world of caning, the highest execution rate in the developed world, the defamation suits cutting down the opposition, the poorly maintained hdb estates (e.g. bugis, queenstown), the govt controlled local media. The world doesn’t really see this. And when they do (e.g. IHT in 2008), they get slammed by one of them defamation suits and the artciles get censored here.
S’pore is one of the few places in the world where the opposition can get slammed by a defamation suit for things said in a general election. Has the PAP not heard of democratic debate?
Without question, the head of SMRT has to go. Security of train depots left to smrt? What bullshit. It’s the duty of the police, as it is everywhere else in the world. If somebody can sneak in and vandalise a train, what’s to stop somebody from sneaking in with a bomb?
hey like i said,”did anyone got killed”
why then the canning thing, are we “BARBARIANS” or some “NUT HOUSE” run by “NUTS”
eaglefly 28 June 2010
hey like i said,”did anyone got killed”
If this is a ‘rationale’ against caning, then I ask, “do we then wait until someone is killed?”
Hansel K 28 June 2010
And then there’s the 14th century medeival mongolia of genghis khan that is reserved for us Singaporeans.
First off, you are lumping too many things together…
Secondly, your way of arguing seems to be associating anything that is old (14th century) to be ‘negative’. If Gengkis Khan has great loyalty to his family, do we then think that ‘family’='bad’?
In short, it’s best you talk about the merits/demerits of caning by itself, and stop labelling it so that people are ‘forced’ to agree with you (with the option of looking like tyrant supporters if they don’t).
to place it bluentLEE..lets react a ole koreean feulda law..where corrupted ministers would hav all his fingers chopped off..its LEGAL in korea..since singapoor wants to be on world class..used that as well…alternativeLEE
can also followed africans countries laws..where oppositions candidates is led into the forest and shot..fed to the monkeys…
Can someone justify the ceo’s pay of S$1.7 million per annum?
She designed the mrt’s engine, reduced it noise level, designed the underground tunnels and flyovers???
I am puzzled.
Clueless,
It is becos she knows the right people!!! That’s all you need to succeed in S’pore.
If a country can jail any of its citizens without trial for almost 2 decades, what does it say about its leaders ?
Cruel, evil, barbaric, very selfish, small-minded, ungracious ?
Do you think our leaders would give a damn to a few strokes of the rotan ?
Would anyone create an online petition to the president to pardon the Swiss from whipping?
We need a balance of fun city environment and keeping on the right side of the law. Let’s not test the criminal system. No one likes to have his home or car spray painted. You would love to kick the culprit’s butt if it happens your property. Take some pride in your own country. This incident is unlike the Michael Fay fiasco if you guys can recall. These are no teenagers who are ignorant. These are mature adults playing with fire. The Briton is smarter n stayed away. He left his mark n a slap in the face for all S’poreans. It’s like ” ha! Ha! He got away” I am not touching on the consequential outcome ie smrt etc. I am focus on our sovereign rights as a country n our laws and the application of laws n punishment ot all regardless of nationality within our country’s boundaries with no discrimination. Let’s not be made a fool of by individuals and please take some pride instead of throwing ridicule in such incidents when dispensing our justice.
WHY ? !
He did the crime and he should be ready to pay the dues.
the negative publicity that this will create is not good for s’pore in the long run. we run the risk of looking even more heavy handed and sterile than we already are. There are far too many negative connotations associated with flogging, especially given that it is mostly practiced in countries where radicalised wahhabist beliefs predominate (saudi arabia, somalia, taliban-occupied afghanistan). In 1994, the world was a different place.
If you want to punish him, then he should be snagged for trespassing, a much more “acceptable” charge in today’s world, and he should be jailed or fined. But not for vandalism. and smrt should be fined as well for what is an unforgiveable lapse of security on their part.
The issue is not about whether Fricker should be punished but whether the punishment of whipping is cruel and excessive.
The principle of punishment can be “an eye for eye,a tooth for a tooth.” He sprayed a grafitti ART (nicely done) on the train. Wouldn’t a cruel punishment of whipping for that too much? I believe imprisonment for this case is adequate.
Let’t not be carried away by “negative publicity” n it not being good for Spore. If you’re comparing it to western standards, do not over rate the negative impact. I have lived in the western countries for 17 years n you will be surprised of the positive responses to the likes of the Michael Fay incident inspire of former President Clinton intervention on the caning. The intervention was due to 2 factors. Firstly, as you know, the minority shouts the loudest especially the so- called rights org but general public think otherwise. Secondly, just like a parent who does not like others to criticize or cane their children inspire of their unacceptable behavior.
It’s foolish to compare Spore to Taliban or North Korea. It’s like saying, we can associate the US with Talibans because Americans do own guns n other extreme weapons. Pleas do not insult the intelligence of foreigners. Every country has the sovereign right to pick the policies that suit it’s environment. It’s the basket of policies that makes the country whether it’s a safe country or the investment climate is conducive to foreigners.
I must admit that there are many kinds of vandalism n the punishment should vary. In this case, they actually broke in to a “protected environment” with signs posted along the fences. I am sure you have seen the pictorial signs. How the govt handles smart is a separate issue. The judge did a good job in drawing the analogy to someone breaking into your home. How comfortable will you sleep at night. I guess you will be raising he’ll n high water if it occurred. If the individuals spray painted a wall by the public road, then the punishment will be less.
Once in while we will get recalcitrant foreign elements testing our system n try to get away just to achieve the feather in cap. Let’s not be weak n submit to a soft approach. I have seen some of the soft approaches in countries wishing they could overturn their changes. They now have to live with the impact.
The good thing arising from this publicity is that it will be a while before another foreign vandal will attempt such a mission. Local vandals, be warn that such actions have dire straits. I am sure that local vandals are getting their butts warmed too but witout the fanfare from the media. This publicity will serve as notice to all.
Honestly, I think this Swiss should be punished but I think caning him is a little too harsh. I am not sure when they started this law, but shouldn’t we move together with time? I think a fine & jail term is good enough for this ‘crime’ & honest to goodness, it’s not as if he destroyed the MRT station or something.
Alex the Peasant Boy 29 June 2010
Honestly, I think this Swiss should be punished but I think caning him is a little too harsh. I am not sure when they started this law, but shouldn’t we move together with time?
So far, looking at kids today, I am not very impressed with the ‘moving with time’ as we drastically reduced corporeal punishment.
For vadalism,an accused can be charged under the law on vandalism or mischief.
For Fricker, he wanted to put his grafitti art on a train. I believe it is an act of mischief. For vandalism,it should be an act to damage some properties. If what he did enhanced the beauty of the train, could it be vandalism?
Under the law on mischievious act, there is no caning.
poor boy…a high price for a small mistake. i hope he will be fine. why pimps are not canned but he is?
prp,
who determines what is beautiful? Should we hold a referendum everything that is vandalism?
Frankly, all lawyers defending the accused will then have ‘art appreciaters’ to say that the ‘vandalism’ is art lor.
Reality Check,
Which first world country has canning as punishment on vandalism? Why is the sentence for vanalism “light” compared to Singapore in just about every modern society? Perhaps your view is in the extreme minority. Perhaps it is time for reality check!
P.s. You are among the slim minority who return to Singapore after 17 years. I suspect Singapore is where you belong!
My dear Amused
Thank u for the compliment. I suspect Spore is not where u belong. I am no PAP behind kisser but having lived in 2 big continents, worked and socialise, Spore is still the best place to live for those who were born and bred here. I must agree that the weather sucks as well as open spaces to enjoy. Those who chose to stay on in their adopted countries have various reasons. Most of them do not bother about hanging, caning, etc. as long as economics work in their favor and they can place their kids in good schools, enjoy the wide spaces to travel during he weekend as well as the 4 seasons. They did not stay away because Spore has caning. Please wake up. Even someUS states have corporal punishment like the gas chamber.
So let’s be clear if your stats is correct that the majority stayed away from Spore, but the reasons are definitely not caning or corporal punishment.
I mentioned my 17 years in western countries not to brag but to draw from life experiences and to illustrate that hopefully we are not going
down the wrong path. We can have liberal thoughts but not just blindly adopt western practices. Please refrain from using the terminology “first world country” as it’s not being used for a very long long time. Use developed nations or if you refer to west, then it’s western countries . Since as you noted that Spore is where I belong then, all the more I have a special interest to ensure that Spore is still a good place to live in. I hope that we retain those things that
work for us in this unique environment and not just blindly adopt all things western. Not all things in the developed nations or first world as you call it are right. Just because they do not have it does not make it right.
I am with Reality Check on this. Not saying that vandalism deserves caning (a bit too harsh I think) but caning should definitely apply for serious, violent crimes.
I am living in England now and after England’s loss to Germany on Saturday, I made sure to stay at home that night. The freedom Singaporeans enjoy to wander around safely at night comes at a price…
Do you know that we also cane illegal immigrants and drug addicts regularly? I feel that these people are more deserving of sympathy than a person who deliberately set out to damage public property, whatever his reasons.
lobo76,
You can judge whether Fricker’s work was an art piece.The majority of the ppl can judge too.
Didn’t the train run normally for a few days without any complaint?If the spraying of paint on the train was vandalism, could nobody seem not to notice it?
Put it simply,vandalism is how loan sharks harass lenders.There are no art!
Amused 29 June 2010
Which first world country has canning as punishment on vandalism?
Let me ask you a question: Is EVERYTHING a first world country does automatically considered to be ‘first rate’?
If ‘no’, (note that the abv is a rhetorical question where the answer is ‘no’), then why is caning one of those that you considered to be ‘first rate’?
Please, don’t argue your point using ‘labels’ (e.g first world, third world, asian values, etc). They mean nothing.
Dear prp
Whether it’s art or not is immaterial, it’s how and where it’s placed. We can have art or graffitti art on approved areas or on a big piece of drawing board or like this individual who decides to paint it on the train. Basically it’s a challenge on whether they can get away with it knowing full well the consequences. They typically have big egos, since they will place it on the internet world. It’s an affront to our law abiding citizens. My concern is the consequences if our govt decides to soften their position due to political pressure. Not sure how this will play out. How will locals feel about the double standard and the message it delivers to other would be foreign graffitti vandals.
On your point concerning the “train running normally for a few days without complaints”, it’s not the acceptance of art. Being a Singaporean, we know that we take a lot of things for granted especially security. We assume that the graffitti is an approved advert or an approved graffitti on public transportation. Basically we expect and assume that security and stability works 100% in Singapore not because we accept graffitti on public transportation. We do not expect that individuals would break into a “secure / protected place” unless they are terrorists or imagine that such an act can take place in “tough Spore”. It takes foreigners to show the flaws in our system and I thank them for the unintended consequence. Therefore being silent to the graffitti does not automatically translate to acceptance of art on the train. We just assume it must be an advert or an approved graffitti art. Isn’t it scary what we all take for granted.
We should have a Fort Canning Museum where
all those foreigners got canned for vandalism/mischiefs, should have their photos displayed with the type of crimes on vandalism mentioned.
Truely a “Canning Nation” to protect our assets and can be a Tourist Attraction.
that guy sure must get canning lah. last time micheal faye also got canning mah, must be fair. ang moh think they tau ki ah?
they come to my country, must respect our law.
Some days before the Fricker’s case, a French man was charged under the law of mischievious act. He damaged an emergency button of the airport.
It was obviously a case of vandalism.Emergency button is an important facility.What if a fire break out and the emergency button is damaged?How many ppl may die?What if many ppl follow the example of this guy? Blab blab … So he should be flogged.
But this ‘lucky’ guy was fined $5000.
I’m amused by the number of pro-canning comments in this forum. Hopefully you are the minority. There are many barbaric laws in the world and canning for vandalism is certainly one of them. If canning is a great idea, don’t you think many first world countries would have adopted it? I have found in many instances the lack of compassion among Singaporeans. This is not good for the future of the country.
This is not a case of double standard. It simply brought attention to the barbaric nature of the sentence.
The above opinion is right.
Vandals get at least 3 strokes of cane.
Drivers who kill ppl on the road may get $5000 fine.
It seems things are more precious than human lives.
Dear Reality Check,
You wrote that “We can have art or graffiti art on approved areas or on a big piece of drawing board.” You know it is not true and not likely to happen soon. You are deflecting the issue here.
Then you followed “Basically it’s a challenge on whether they can get away with it knowing full well the consequences. They typically have big egos…It’s an affront to our law abiding citizens.” Mr Fricker probably did not set out to challenge the barbaric Singapore “law.” He would have done the same thing in a different country in all likelihood. You presumed his guilt in your statements. Your view is very self centered, self righteous, and arrogant. Unfortunately your view is very Singaporean.
Next you wrote a bunch of assumptions (100% security, stability etc etc.) You are like a child under the protection of a parent at all times. Seriously, grow up!
Spraying grafitti on trains is illegal.The two guys thought that our MRT trains were too dull or they wanted to show off their artistic skill on the train.Either motive, what they did should be considered as acts of mischief.If Fricker was charged under the appropriate law, he should not get whipping punishment.
“Pancho”, a nice msg from you.
Pls note “canning” should be “caning”
Dear Amused
Quote from article ” The Youth Council sanctioned graffiti art at its Skate Park after graffiti started appearing on the grounds. Since then, the council has also added a mural wall at Youth Park.
And for the past two years, the National Arts Council has supported numerous events where organisations invite graffiti artists to decorate their walls. Both the Esplanade and the Singapore Art Museum have invited artists to decorate their walls or specially constructed platforms. Graffiti artists are also commissioned to do work for club openings and product launches.” Both of us may need some leg work to view them.
Mr Fricker admitted that he knew it’s illegal and he has been working in Spore for past 2 years. Apparently, it was noted that he was jailed in his own country for similar incident. Why did he do it then?? To show us how lapsed our security is? To get an adrenalin rush from doing something illegal. He did that in own country but the punishment there did not help. When people signed off their graffitti same as both Fricker and the Briton (McKoy and Banos), you think it’s to sell their art piece. You must be living in stratosphere.
I guess Fricker must be glad to get caning instead of being shot at. Certain “First World country” allows gun ownership, some areas require gun permits while some do not need permits. Apparently, its in their constitution under the 2nd amendment. If someone breaks in your home or protected area, he can be shot. Please choose, be caned after or get shot at before you can explain that you broke in for art sake.
I have grown up and seen how unsafe some of the “First World conntries” can be. I am writing from life experiences from having lived numerous years in 2 “First World countries”. As a comparison, I rather be in Spore. So please don’t preach to me about quote “self centered, self righteous, and arrogant”, as I have lived and breathed in the so-called “first world environment, and they can be more self centered, self righteous and arrogant” than Sporeans. Don’t let the foreign media muddle your head. Learn to differentiate. I noticed you spell your words the American way. Are you from Spore?
Anyway, I will sign off for good on this issue, as I notice that this site caters to the hard core anti establishment. I am not a “PAP” suck-up as I do not agree to a number of issues but I hold dear to certain important policies. I am all for an increased in capable opposition members to argue issues in parliament with a louder voice.
FYI – To read what local Americans think of the caning in Spore, go to this web site : http://law.rightpundits.com/?p=1860&cp=all#comments