Dear NYT from Chan Heng Chee

[kingrant]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/23/opinion/singapore-is-evolving.html

LETTER
Singapore Is ‘Evolving’
Published: June 22, 2012

To the Editor:

Re “As Singapore Loosens Its Grip, Residents Lose Fear to Challenge Authority” (news article, June 17):

Singapore’s approach to governance is evolving. Civic groups are more active, and the government engages them on many issues.

In the case of the Bukit Brown cemetery, the government engaged various groups before proceeding with the highway, with modifications to preserve more of the old cemetery.

Encouraging Singaporeans to think through issues is integral to a vibrant democracy. Although you describe Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean as “dodging pointed questions” by students recently, in fact he had an interactive dialogue and encouraged students to share their thoughts on Singapore’s challenges.

Even as Singapore evolves, we cannot forget our fundamental vulnerabilities as a small, multiracial society.

The Internal Security Act was used in the past to deal with a violent insurgency and active subversion by the Communists. It remains relevant as a pre-emptive tool to safeguard security, especially against the threat of terrorism.

Several countries have introduced similar preventive measures.

CHAN HENG CHEE
Ambassador of Singapore
Washington, June 21, 2012

 

[ahsoo]

I thoroughly enjoyed her PS lectures in the U and had great respect for her independant thinking.

I have been following her writings defending PAP policies and I am very disappointed with her stance. Perhaps she is just doing her job, but she should also know that she is defending the undefendable.

 

[kingrant]

It must take real skin to deny the undeniable, to pretend the elephant is not in the room, or the emperor's naked.

What a bald-face lie and half truth to say

Several countries have introduced similar preventive measures.

when our next door neighbour Malaysia which cant get any closer in similarity in history has already abolished the ISA.

What a difference from her ex-hubby!

I thoroughly enjoyed her PS lectures in the U and had great respect for her independant thinking.

I have been following her writings defending PAP policies and I am very disappointed with her stance. Perhaps she is just doing her job, but she should also know that she is defending the undefendable.

 

[scroobal]

From a vehement critic to an obedient poodle. Not just her, her siblings as well. Brother controls the local press and she attempts to guide the foreign press.

This is one person who has stretched the word "evolve" to new heights.

I thoroughly enjoyed her PS lectures in the U and had great respect for her independant thinking.

I have been following her writings defending PAP policies and I am very disappointed with her stance. Perhaps she is just doing her job, but she should also know that she is defending the undefendable.

 

[wendychan]

what a farce..

does she really believe in what she wrote or she had to write it to keep her job...
if its the latter, then yes, peeps get used to the money and the the so called elevated social status, and that is suppose to justify their actions...




If my familee's actions are so honorable,
no need to get a lawyer to put a gag order on me
so that you can use your millions to keep suing me

 

[kukubird58]

It must take real skin to deny the undeniable, to pretend the elephant is not in the room, or the emperor's naked.

hahaha....this behaviour is prevalent in sbf....
the worst kind is doing it and then at the same critising other pple doing it........lol.

 

[zhihau]

The Internal Security Act was used in the past to deal with a violent insurgency and active subversion by the Communists. It remains relevant as a pre-emptive tool to safeguard security, especially against the threat of terrorism.

Several countries have introduced similar preventive measures.

CHAN HENG CHEE
Ambassador of Singapore
Washington, June 21, 2012

first and foremost, me strongly believe that the United States of America believes in the rights of every individual to be able to defend oneself in a court of law, in having every rights to claim trial.

next, it would be nice to know which are the countries which adopted such preemptive measures, and of course the description of these said measures.

last but not least, does Chan hope that the United States would "evolve" into the likes of those nations with such ability to have injustice inflicted upon any individual without any traverse?

what was the purpose and intent of such article?

 

[kukubird58]

first and foremost, me strongly believe that the United States of America believes in the rights of every individual to be able to defend oneself in a court of law, in having every rights to claim trial.
:

hahaha......USA is one of the great pretenders which impressionable pple looked up to.
have u not heard of Guantanamo Bay detention barracks???
u are lucky to be locked up......they may simply finish u off with a missile from a drone.......no question need to be asked.....lol.
i bet my last dollar that innocent pple had been killed accidentally by such acts.

 

[zhihau]

bet my last dollar that innocent pple had been killed accidentally by such acts.

those killed are Americans? oh dear... what happened to their Constitutional rights?

 

[Narong Wongwan]

Shameful and shameless behavior from an ambassador no less.
Ambassadors are obedient dogs selected based on their obedience?
Then how did someone like the esteemed David Marshall got the post?

 

[kukubird58]

hahaha...it is alright to kill other nationalities.......
what double standard.......lol.

 

[RWSSLOTS]

CHC is enjoying life in NYC...does she really care for the Peasants suffering?
I bet she is enjoying her NYC Cafes, musicals, etc..
U peasants die your problem lah...

 

[borom]

Very sad and dissapointed to read about what Chan Heng Chee (CHC) wrote.

Reminds me of Ho Kwon Ping but could there be still hope as he said not so long ago
"Many of those people who were young, idealistic and got into jail or got kicked out of universities, and are successful people today, haven't forgotten their ideals. They've just found different ways to express them."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/11910973

Wonder whether Bilveer Singh is following his lecturer CHC or worry about "broken rice bowl".

By keeping the ISA, it shows that the PAP is fearful and do not have the confidence like the Malaysian government that it has the support of the people.
The 30% vote for the father of Patrcik Tan does indeed reflect the true support of the PAP.
How long can a govvernment with just 30% support survive?-until the old man passes on?.

 

[steffychun]

She wont be saying that in her role as Ambassador anymore

http://twitter.com/SingaporeEmbDC/status/215945460265918464

Amb Chan completes tour as S'pore Amb to USA on July 14th after 16 years in DC. Amb Ashok Mirpuri takes over July 23rd

 

[bhoven]

From a vehement critic to an obedient poodle. Not just her, her siblings as well. Brother controls the local press and she attempts to guide the foreign press.

This is one person who has stretched the word "evolve" to new heights.

Bro you mustnt forget the other sibling who was GCT' press secretary and one time Singapore High Commissioner in HK....all ardent supporters of the establishment
.

 

[neddy]

From a vehement critic to an obedient poodle. Not just her, her siblings as well. Brother controls the local press and she attempts to guide the foreign press.

This is one person who has stretched the word "evolve" to new heights.

Another point to ponder from Neddy.

Just this morning, an Ah Tiong spoke about a friend who is back to "normal" after leaving the Chinese Commie Party. He is also "normal" before he joined the CCP.

Somehow, he is NOT himself when part of the CCP.

That is why it is so important to rope in the critics to your side so that they become voiceless.

A bit like this emigrant who found my voice outside the red red dot

 

[cunnilaubu]

Teo Soh Lung's reply.......

Chan Heng Chee "mouthing PAP mantras"

By Teo Soh Lung

Professor Chan Heng Chee’s letter of 21 June 2012 to The New York Times cannot go unchallenged. She said:

“Even as Singapore evolves, we cannot forget our fundamental vulnerabilities as a small, multiracial society.

The Internal Security Act was used in the past to deal with a violent insurgency and active subversion by the Communists. It remains relevant as a pre-emptive tool to safeguard security, especially against the threat of terrorism.

Several countries have introduced similar preventive measures.”

As a political prisoner once upon a time and a friend of several former detainees who were imprisoned for decades and subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment by the PAP government, I am convinced that though Singapore is a small country, we do not need the Internal Security Act (ISA). Indeed, if we had abolished the ISA after the British left our shores or even after we were ejected from Malaysia, Singapore would today be a thriving democracy and an intellectual hub in South East Asia.

If only we have leaders like former ISA detainees, Dr Chia Thye Poh (jailed for 32 years), the late Dr Lim Hock Siew (20 years), Dr Poh Soo Kai (17 years), Mr Said Zahari (17 years) and Mr Tan Jing Quee (4 years), just to name a few, Singapore would be a more equal and just society today. Our elderly would not have to worry about hospital bills for the state would have provided basic health care. Our school going children would not need tuition every day of the week. They would have been able to enjoy their childhood as much as we did in the past. Our working adults would not need to compete for jobs by working long hours, neglecting their own families. There would have been time for leisure and the pursuit of hobbies that enrich lives.

For more than half a century, the PAP has only one method of governing Singapore – that of instilling FEAR in our people. Those who managed to rid part of this Fear are swiftly arrested and imprisoned under the ISA. The PAP believes and practises the Chinese idiom “Slaughter the chicken to teach the monkey”. Yes, Singaporeans are all monkeys and we need bloody chickens to keep us docile. Hence the periodic mass arrests under the ISA.

The PAP’s constant refrain that “we cannot forget our fundamental vulnerabilities as a small, multiracial society” is simply a ploy to perpetuate Fear in us. I know of no government which uses such a threat to govern a country.

Professor Chan’s bold claim that the ISA “was used in the past to deal with a violent insurgency and active subversion by the Communists” is a claim without basis. I would like to see the evidence that there was any insurgency, let alone, violent insurgency. As Singapore’s ambassador and a citizen who has lived through the 1970s as an adult and had witnessed her friends and contemporaries like Mr Ho Kwon Ping arrested under the ISA, I expect her to know more than others about the PAP’s ruthless use of the ISA. I expect her to read books such as Dark Clouds at Dawn, The Fajar Generation and The May 13 Generation in addition to Men in White and speak the truth instead of following her master’s voice.

Professor Chan also said that the ISA “remains relevant as a pre-emptive tool to safeguard security, especially against the threat of terrorism.” Before she makes such a claim, she should ask if she would like to be imprisoned for 20 years without trial under the ISA. It is easy to talk of the use of the ISA as a pre-emptive tool when the victim is not the speaker.

And finally, Professor Chan claims that “Several countries have introduced similar preventive measures.” Name me one first world country that has such a law as our ISA. Name me one first world country that has a record of imprisoning good citizens without trial for 32, 20, 17 or 4 years.

I am tired of intelligent people like Professor Chan Heng Chee mouthing PAP mantras without making any attempt to investigate the past and without reflecting on what their friends who have been imprisoned under the ISA went through. It is time they stand up for what is right and speak the truth.

 

[steffychun]

Teo Soh Lung's reply.......

Chan Heng Chee "mouthing PAP mantras"

By Teo Soh Lung

Professor Chan Heng Chee’s letter of 21 June 2012 to The New York Times cannot go unchallenged. She said:

“Even as Singapore evolves, we cannot forget our fundamental vulnerabilities as a small, multiracial society.

The Internal Security Act was used in the past to deal with a violent insurgency and active subversion by the Communists. It remains relevant as a pre-emptive tool to safeguard security, especially against the threat of terrorism.

Several countries have introduced similar preventive measures.”

As a political prisoner once upon a time and a friend of several former detainees who were imprisoned for decades and subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment by the PAP government, I am convinced that though Singapore is a small country, we do not need the Internal Security Act (ISA). Indeed, if we had abolished the ISA after the British left our shores or even after we were ejected from Malaysia, Singapore would today be a thriving democracy and an intellectual hub in South East Asia.

If only we have leaders like former ISA detainees, Dr Chia Thye Poh (jailed for 32 years), the late Dr Lim Hock Siew (20 years), Dr Poh Soo Kai (17 years), Mr Said Zahari (17 years) and Mr Tan Jing Quee (4 years), just to name a few, Singapore would be a more equal and just society today. Our elderly would not have to worry about hospital bills for the state would have provided basic health care. Our school going children would not need tuition every day of the week. They would have been able to enjoy their childhood as much as we did in the past. Our working adults would not need to compete for jobs by working long hours, neglecting their own families. There would have been time for leisure and the pursuit of hobbies that enrich lives.

For more than half a century, the PAP has only one method of governing Singapore – that of instilling FEAR in our people. Those who managed to rid part of this Fear are swiftly arrested and imprisoned under the ISA. The PAP believes and practises the Chinese idiom “Slaughter the chicken to teach the monkey”. Yes, Singaporeans are all monkeys and we need bloody chickens to keep us docile. Hence the periodic mass arrests under the ISA.

The PAP’s constant refrain that “we cannot forget our fundamental vulnerabilities as a small, multiracial society” is simply a ploy to perpetuate Fear in us. I know of no government which uses such a threat to govern a country.

Professor Chan’s bold claim that the ISA “was used in the past to deal with a violent insurgency and active subversion by the Communists” is a claim without basis. I would like to see the evidence that there was any insurgency, let alone, violent insurgency. As Singapore’s ambassador and a citizen who has lived through the 1970s as an adult and had witnessed her friends and contemporaries like Mr Ho Kwon Ping arrested under the ISA, I expect her to know more than others about the PAP’s ruthless use of the ISA. I expect her to read books such as Dark Clouds at Dawn, The Fajar Generation and The May 13 Generation in addition to Men in White and speak the truth instead of following her master’s voice.

Professor Chan also said that the ISA “remains relevant as a pre-emptive tool to safeguard security, especially against the threat of terrorism.” Before she makes such a claim, she should ask if she would like to be imprisoned for 20 years without trial under the ISA. It is easy to talk of the use of the ISA as a pre-emptive tool when the victim is not the speaker.

And finally, Professor Chan claims that “Several countries have introduced similar preventive measures.” Name me one first world country that has such a law as our ISA. Name me one first world country that has a record of imprisoning good citizens without trial for 32, 20, 17 or 4 years.

I am tired of intelligent people like Professor Chan Heng Chee mouthing PAP mantras without making any attempt to investigate the past and without reflecting on what their friends who have been imprisoned under the ISA went through. It is time they stand up for what is right and speak the truth.

Teo SL, I name the Patriot Act and the creation of Guantanmo Bay.

 

[kingrant]

Agree with you. USA is not a good example. She shld have cited Malaysia, which has already abolished the Act.

Internally and externally, the U.S. is a fucking bully, good to see but not good to eat. The US President is mostly a puppet, heavily smoked by the Generals, Pentagon, the military-industrial complex, lobby centres, even his own closest aides manipulate him for their own ends.

Teo SL, I name the Patriot Act and the creation of Guantanmo Bay.

 

[steffychun]

Agree with you. USA is not a good example. She shld have cited Malaysia, which has already abolished the Act.

Internally and externally, the U.S. is a fucking bully, good to see but not good to eat. The US President is mostly a puppet, heavily smoked by the Generals, Pentagon, the military-industrial complex, lobby centres, even his own closest aides manipulate him for their own ends.

Not sure if Malaysia has fully abolished the act or has released all political prisoners.

Again, to follow CHC's argument, what about the anti-terror laws in the UK? Israel's security checks on Arabs?

Teo SL, yes you have suffered but you're dream that Singapore is the only villain the world is not true.