154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTESTS

[makapaaa]

[h=1]ST REPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTESTS[/h]
Post date:
26 Jul 2014 - 4:12pm








The Straits Times carried an article today by reporter Toh Yong Chuan who advocated that the government should put even more restrictions on demonstrations at Hong Lim Park.
He felt that people shouldn't go there to simply vent frustrations and anger without "rational criticism".
Straits Times Reporter, Toh Yong Chuan, who is also the former Press Secretary of Wong Kan Seng at MHA asks for Code of Conduct in Hong Lim Park to be implemented and decries the anti-government tone of the protests.
Is this guy alright? We citizens have already ceded so much of democratic space to a dictatorial Government and now he wants to implement rules to govern our conduct in the only token free space?
And why do these Straits Times reporters all sound like each other in their false pretenses of being champions of rational criticism?
Boycott Straits Times & Zaobao
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/BoycottSTZB/photos/a.480957448685338.1073741825...

 

[makapaaa]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

Pinoy FTrash lover too!

http://www.straitstimes.com/news/op...-8-year-old-learnt-philippine-school-20140629

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

This chap is a real class act.

No one has ever burned effigies or done anything remotely incendiary, but he suggests that this could be one area of concern.

What he wants first and foremost is a code of conduct for speaker's corner. This is the kind of desperate, knee-jerk response you'd expect to get from a PAP lapdog who senses the kind of threat the PAP is facing at each Hong Lim rally, and wants a code of rules to reign the voices in.

Notice how he wants people to disagree without being disagreeable. WTF.

This is a place to protest what is wrong with society, and with the government, and this chap wants it to be all balanced and touchy-feely.

The Public Order Act criminalizes even an assembly of one - which makes Hong Lim the only public space we've got. And this guy wants it to be known for picnics and games and positive messages. Tell him to shove his positivity and balance up his arse.








<>

SINGAPORE - In less than two months, the Speakers' Corner at Hong Lim Park will celebrate its 14th anniversary.


In the last year or so, thousands of Singaporeans turned up there to protest against the Population White Paper and the Central Provident Fund (CPF) system.


The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community has also made its presence felt through its annual Pink Dot mass picnic at Hong Lim Park. The picnic last month drew a reported 26,000-strong crowd.


The park's current popularity stands in stark contrast to its early years, when it languished in obscurity. Indeed, there was no shortage of cynics and critics when the Speakers' Corner was first set up on Sept 1, 2000.


One of its strongest opponents was then Non-Constituency MP J.B. Jeyaretnam. He tabled an adjournment motion in Parliament in May 2000 on the planned opening and said the move does not open up freedom of expression in Singapore. It was "just a pretence".


A year later, in May 2001, he even asserted in the House that the setting up of Speakers' Corner was a trap. He was referring to a police investigation which resulted in two activists being warned for holding an assembly at Hong Lim Park without a permit.


"You will not get me there any more," the late Mr Jeyaretnam famously said.


There was a surge of initial excitement on the free speech zone in 2000 but it soon died.


The relaxation of rules in 2004 to allow performances and exhibitions to be held at the park also did little to perk up the fledgling effort to establish a free-speech venue.


While more activities could be held at the park without permits, protests continue to be barred.


The biggest shot in the arm was the Sept 1, 2008, move to allow demonstrations at Hong Lim Park without the organisers having to apply for police permission, as long as they are Singaporeans and they stay clear of race, language and religious issues.


Since then, protests can be held round the clock at the park, and a previous prohibition of loudhailers was lifted to allow their use from 9am to 10.30pm.


The changes came eight years after the free speech zone was first set up and Hong Lim Park remains the only outdoor venue where citizens can hold protests without permits. They can also do so indoors without asking for permission.


The changes were part of a broader slate of cautious moves towards political liberalisation that came about two years after the May 2006 General Election in which the People's Action Party (PAP) saw its vote share reduced, and it was read as a sign of the electorate clamouring for more political space.


The first protest at Hong Lim Park, after rules were relaxed, was an unmemorable affair by a non-profit group which hit out at employers who abused maids. The ones that followed were equally lacklustre. That was until February last year.


Public unhappiness over the Government's Population White Paper, which set out a planning parameter of up to 6.9 million people here by the year 2030, drew thousands to protest at Hong Lim Park, bringing it to life.


A more recent example was the public unhappiness over the CPF system, leading to protests in June and earlier this month.


The popularity of Hong Lim Park soared as hot button issues emerged. That is a key factor in explaining the park's surging popularity as a protest venue.


Even Mr Jeyaretnam's son Kenneth, chief of the opposition Reform Party, is now a regular face at Hong Lim, speaking up against the CPF system and turning up at the Pink Dot event last month.


But its rising popularity may pose a conundrum for the Government. It has contributed to pressure for further liberalisation, from several fronts.


For example, there have been calls for more Speakers' Corners to be set up.


In 2005, Workers' Party chief Low Thia Khiang tried to persuade the Government to set up a Youth Speakers' Corner at the youth park in Orchard Road. The suggestion was immediately shot down by then Minister for Community Development, Youth, and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan.


In 2012, a national committee which reviewed the arts and culture policies even called for a No-censorship Zone, akin to a Speakers' Corner for the Arts.


Apart from having more Speakers' Corners, there could be pressures on public order laws to be further relaxed, or even existing prohibition on topics of race, language or religion, or on the participation of foreigners at Speakers' Corner, to be reviewed.


But those expecting further relaxation of existing rules will have to be prepared for disappointment.


I do not see the Government yielding on potentially divisive topics such as race, language and religion.


And while foreigners, including permanent residents, can clamour for more space for political expression, it is unrealistic for them to expect the same latitude given to Singaporeans.


This was made very clear in May 2012 when the police rejected an application by Malaysians to stage a peaceful sit-in at Hong Lim Park to support a rally in Malaysia by electoral reform advocacy group Bersih.


Also, while credit must be given to the Government for gradual liberalisation, it has also stressed that public order laws will have to evolve in tandem with societal changes. That means things will move along at a slow and steady pace, rather than in big steps.


But even so, the attention on Hong Lim Park gives Singapore an opportunity to shape its own political culture, especially in how Singaporeans can disagree with and protest against government policies without being disagreeable.


There are three ways on how this might be done.


First, the time is ripe for political parties and civic groups to draw up a code of conduct on public protests or demonstrations.


For example, the code can make it clear that protests can be done in a civil manner, without having to incite hatred or anger through acts like effigy burning or poster defacement.


Second, I hope to see a broader range of issues being raised at Hong Lim Park.


Violence against women, human trafficking, low wages of workers, the wealth gap, these are some worthwhile issues which have not been given enough airing at the park.


Third, the recent protests have taken a distinctive anti-government tone, drawing the usual slate of speakers who repeatedly slammed and attacked policies.


While such views have a place, so too are the moderate or mainstream voices that are largely absent at Hong Lim.


There is a little known online movement called Stand Up For Our Singapore where volunteers go around spreading messages on graciousness and kindness.


It held a picnic at Hong Lim on May Day last year and went around spreading messages of appreciation to bus drivers during Christmas 2012.


They were ridiculed online, with a blogger writing: "This event's so positive, you've to attend at least two Hong Lim Park protests to be an angry Singaporean again."


While they may be scoffed at for being positive, without these voices, the echoes that ring from Hong Lim will not represent the range of views in Singapore society, and the park will just remain a place for those frustrated to vent their anger.


That is not what the park was intended to be, and I hope that is not what it becomes known for.


[email protected]




This article was first published on July 26, 2014.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.
- See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/rise-and-rise-speakers-corner#sthash.PAT3fVUE.dpuf​

 

[scroobal]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

He should be more concerned how to move away being called a whore and a prostitute than worry about serious issues having a forum which did not exist under the prostitute press.

 

[xingguy]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

 

[rusty]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

What about a restriction here, reducing from1000 fucks to 100 fucks on LKY per handle per day?

and that's a whopping 90% reduction!

Generous enough or not?

 

[tanwahtiu]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

He never learn from this opposition leader that protest was good for the nation'

“But we either believe in democracy or we not. If we do, then, we must say categorically, without qualification, that no restraint from the any democratic processes, other than by the ordinary law of the land, should be allowed… If you believe in democracy, you must believe in it unconditionally. If you believe that men should be free, then, they should have the right of free association, of free speech, of free publication. Then, no law should permit those democratic processes to be set at nought.”
- Lee Kuan Yew as an opposition leader, April 27, 1955


“If it is not totalitarian to arrest a man and detain him, when you cannot charge him with any offence against any written law – if that is not what we have always cried out against in Fascist states – then what is it?… If we are to survive as a free democracy, then we must be prepared, in principle, to concede to our enemies – even those who do not subscribe to our views – as much constitutional rights as you concede yourself.”
- Opposition leader Lee Kuan Yew, Legislative Assembly Debates, Sept 21, 1955

“If we say that we believe in democracy, if we say that the fabric of a democratic society is one which allows for the free play of idea…then, in the name of all the gods, give that free play a chance to work within the constitutional framework.”
- Opposition leader Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore Legislative Assembly, Oct 4, 1956

He should be more concerned how to move away being called a whore and a prostitute than worry about serious issues having a forum which did not exist under the prostitute press.

 

[escher]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

]

Hang all the fucking collaborators of PAP as well

Hang all those PAP bastards from piano wires, upside down or right way up.

 

[laksaboy]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

All the SPH dogs are out in full force to score points. Hardly surprising.

 

[xingguy]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

All the SPH dogs are out in full force to score points. Hardly surprising.

The nearer the next GE is the more of this shit you can expect to see.

 

[blissquek]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

All the SPH dogs are out in full force to score points. Hardly surprising.

Got picture of this guy or not..???

Others may want to throw rotten eggs at him.

For me I want to disassociate and avoid him like a plague...

 

[laksaboy]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

Got picture of this guy or not..???

Others may want to throw rotten eggs at him.

For me I want to disassociate and avoid him like a plague...

This guy had also volunteered for CASE. Truly, I rest my case.

http://www.ntuc.org.sg/publication/Citations2012/files/assets/seo/page63.html

Brother Toh Yong Chuan first joined the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) in 2002 as a volunteer. He has always been an ardent supporter of CASE’s mission, playing a vital role in driving home the organisation’s message of consumer protection.

Since being co-opted as a CASE Central Committee member in 2003, Brother Yong Chuan has worked tirelessly to help CASE continue its mission to educate and protect the consumers in Singapore.

Despite his busy schedule, Brother Yong Chuan has also taken up the role of Vice-President in the CASE Central Committee to help the organisation chart its future directions. Another of his great contributions to CASE is his performance as Vice-Chairperson of the Marketing & Communications Committee. Brother Yong Chuan extended CASE’s outreach and helped to raise public awareness of consumer rights and protection as well as participated in education outreach programmes such as the annual World Consumer Rights Day and the Fair Trading Carnival.

Besides making elaborate inputs for the dissemination of clear and newsworthy information to the public, Brother Yong Chuan has also helped represent CASE in the positions it has taken during times of adversity. He adopted a pragmatic approach when he was a mediator, settling disputes between consumers and companies in a swift and amicable manner.

In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the National Trades Union Congress is pleased to present Brother Toh Yong Chuan with the Friend of Labour Award.

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

What a fuck face

 

[Dragonhead]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

This papee por-lan-par actually wanted to say "close down HL Park" but he knew it would only cause papees to lose more votes in GE2016.

 

[Dragonhead]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

All the SPH dogs are out in full force to score points. Hardly surprising.

... and hope he will be selected in the line up for the GRC in GE2016 and have a walk over to become an MP and wealthy overnight.

 

[Dragonhead]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

Hang all the fucking collaborators of PAP as well

Hang all those PAP bastards from piano wires, upside down or right way up.

Without your red bold fonts, your post does look weird and timid, like a lion losing its roar.

 

[dr.wailing]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

Closing down Hong Lim Park is no big deal.

We have social media.

 

[Dragonhead]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

He never learn from this opposition leader that protest was good for the nation'....

LKY tolerated no one who opposed him when he was the PM. What he had said in the 1950s are no longer relevant today. The sinkies, both young and old, are no longer willing to accept the status quo. They will continue to vote against the papees in GE2016 and beyond.

 

[Leepotism]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

All the PAP apple polisher are trying to outdo each other. More $$$ throw at them is their motive.

 

[jw5]

Re: 154th LEEPORTER CALLS FOR MORE RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON HONG LIM PARK PROTEST

Rather similar to a certain Scroobal in this forum huh? LOL ........................................

LKY tolerated no one who opposed him when he was the PM. What he had said in the 1950s are no longer relevant today. The sinkies, both young and old, are no longer willing to accept the status quo. They will continue to vote against the papees in GE2016 and beyond.