Community
Dr Gomez on SFD’s Dissolution
By Kumaran Pillai –
Kumaran Pillai, the Chief Editor of The Online Citizen spoke to Dr. James Gomez over the recent announcement that Singaporeans For Democracy’s has moved to de-register as an ROS society and the launch of its report next week.
Why did Singaporeans For Democracy choose to de-register?
SFD’s membership chose to dissolve the society to draw attention to two sets of rules that hinder its work as a political association in Singapore. One set of laws pertain to the registration and the day-to-day operation of SFD. These laws are found in the Societies Act, Political Donations Act and Broadcasting Act. The other set of laws pertain to the operation of SFD’s program of activities. These laws are the, Films Act, Public Order Act and several others. The report entitled “Democracy and Civil Society in Singapore: The Politics of Control” will enumerate in detail how these have affected our work in the last two years. The upcoming report authored by Roderick Chia will be launched at 10am on 25 August 2012. The event is free, free copies of the report will be available then and all are welcome. See this link for event details:
What is involved in de-registering SFD?
Dissolving a society registered with the Registrar of Society involves the following steps. First, you need to hold a General Meeting of the membership to decide on the dissolution. SFD did this on 28 April 2012 and got the approval of its membership. Second, some forms need to be completed and a series of documents needs to be compiled such as minutes of the meeting and financial statements and these have to be submitted to ROS. SFD has now complied all the relevant documents and plans to submit these documents to the ROS in the next days. Third, once the ROS has validated these documents it will officially finalize the dissolution.
What will happen once SFD is officially “dissolved” by the Registrar of Societies?
While the SFD’s dissolution is being processed by ROS, we will update our website one last time to upload the SFD report “Democracy and Civil Society in Singapore: The Politics of Control” so that it is also available online. But once the dissolution is processed and finalized, SFD as a society under the ROS, will cease to exist and operate. However, SFD’s Facebook Page with its over 800 members will remain and continue to be a platform for the page members to continue posting and sharing information on civil society and politics in Singapore. We welcome, the phrase Singaporeans For Democracy to be appropriated by Singaporeans to continue their work on civil and political reform.
What will happen to SFD’s members?
Our members were already active in civil society when they came together to set up SFD. Even during their time with SFD our members were concurrently involved in other initiatives. As such it will be business as usual for our members as they continue their contributions in Singapore’s civil society landscape.
So what are your personal plans after SFD?
At the moment, I am busy supervising the completion of the SFD report and its release later next week. I will continue to contribute to civil society as there is still a lot of work to bedone, however the manner and approach of contribution I will decide after the launch and dissolution.
So what can we expect to see in the Report next week?
The report will chronicle the history of the first and second generation political associations and the evolution of civil society related laws in contemporary Singapore. It will contain never before published correspondences to the Internal Security Department and exchanges with the Elections Department. There will also be an analysis of local media coverage of SFD and a projection on the future of political associations in Singapore. There will also be a section on recommendations for legal reform to improve the functioning of civil society in Singapore.
Community
Singapore performer impersonating Sivaji Ganesan dies after collapse during live show
Asokan S/O Muniyandy, a Singaporean performer famed for his impersonation of Indian actor Sivaji Ganesan, passed away on 12 October at the age of 60. Dubbed the “Singapore Sivaji,” he collapsed after a performance. His final rites will take place on 15 October at 5 pm.
SINGAPORE: Singaporean performer Asokan S/O Muniyandy, renowned for his impersonation of Tamil cinema legend Sivaji Ganesan, passed away on Saturday (12 Oct) at the age of 60.
Known as “Singapore Sivaji” for his uncanny resemblance to the iconic actor, Asokan was a regular performer at cultural events in Singapore and Malaysia.
He reportedly collapsed and died at the end of a live performance, leaving the audience in shock.
Videos circulating on social media show Asokan dancing moments before he suddenly collapsed face-first as the emcee spoke to the crowd.
The sudden incident left onlookers stunned.
Seithi Mediacorp reported that Asokan’s final rites will take place on Tuesday (15 Oct) at 5 p.m.
Animals
Controversy erupts as NParks sets traps for wild chickens following resident complaints
A video showing NParks contractors trapping wild chickens in Yio Chu Kang has sparked online controversy. Many netizens criticize the agency for targeting harmless chickens while ignoring more disruptive animals. They argue that chickens contribute to the local charm and should be preserved instead of culled, raising questions about the complaints received.
SINGAPORE: A video showing contractors hired by the National Parks Board (NParks) laying chicken traps has ignited controversy online.
The incident occurred in the Cactus estate, located in Yio Chu Kang.
The video, first uploaded on 9 October to the Facebook group Singapore Wildlife Sightings, shows two men in green vests kneeling on a grass patch and setting up what appeared to be traps for wild chickens.
According to the original post, the contractors were responding to complaints from local residents.
In response to media inquiries from MS News, Mr How Choon Beng, NParks’ Group Director of Wildlife Management, confirmed that both NParks and the Cheng San Grassroots Organisation had received numerous complaints about free-ranging chickens in the Cactus and Sunrise estates over the past year.
The complaints cited issues related to disturbances caused by the chickens, referred to as “dis-amenities.”
Mr How explained that NParks is currently conducting “population management measures” to address the growing number of chickens in the area.
He emphasized that NParks adopts a science- and community-based approach to managing animal populations, including free-ranging chickens.
These efforts include studying the birds’ population ecology, conducting biosurveillance programs, and implementing a variety of management strategies such as public education and habitat modification.
Mr How noted, “There is no one-size-fits-all management approach when it comes to addressing the multi-faceted issues related to free-ranging chickens.”
In addition, NParks collaborates with Grassroots Organisations to promote best practices in population control and engages residents by sharing tips on managing disturbances caused by the chickens, including the removal of eggs.
NParks also reminded the public to avoid feeding the chickens, as this contributes to their overpopulation and exacerbates the problem.
Netizens criticize NParks for trapping and culling wild chickens
Under an MS News Facebook post, many netizens expressed their opposition to the trapping and culling of wild chickens, arguing that they are harmless creatures.
Some users commented that they enjoy the presence of chickens, as they contribute to a “kampong” atmosphere in the neighbourhood.
One user mentioned that it is always nice to see chickens roaming around, helping to create that nostalgic vibe of home.
Another user shared their fondness for the sight of chickens, stating it feels reminiscent of the kampong days.
They suggested that instead of targeting chickens, NParks should focus on managing more disruptive animals like pigeons and otters, which can be a nuisance.
Several commenters questioned why NParks would catch harmless chickens while allowing other animals that pose more significant issues, like otters and pigeons, to remain unchecked.
One user criticized NParks for wasting time on chickens, emphasizing that they do not pose any threat to the public, unlike otters or wild boars that have attacked people.
Another commenter pointed out that chickens play a role in controlling harmful insects and pests, while otters contribute to the removal of pet fish in local ponds.
Others urged NParks to prioritize addressing the pressing issues posed by crows and pigeons rather than focusing on roaming chickens.
Many argued that NParks should aim to preserve nature by leaving harmless chickens alone and managing genuine pests instead.
A frustrated user criticized the authorities for succumbing to complaints rather than making decisions based on what is right.
They recalled a personal experience at Alexandra Village hawker centre, where they admired a group of wild chickens with a Malaysian worker, only to learn that authorities planned to cull them due to complaints.
One user questioned the nature of these complaints, urging NParks to clarify what is so problematic about having chickens in the neighbourhood.
They argued that these animals are harmless, self-sufficient, and do not bother humans.
As urban development continues to encroach on their natural habitats, many believe it is unjust to deny them the right to coexist with people in their own neighbourhoods.
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