Jaslyn Go’s Blog

It took 6 months of intensive planning and hard work but from the roaring success of the event on Saturday, we all knew that all the hard work and sleepless nights we selflessly put in were well worth it

SDP has proven once yet again, that despite being the party with the least resources financially and in numerical strength, as long as one is willing to put his/her heart and soul into something worth doing, nothing can stop them from putting up a night to remember.

I would like to say a Big Thank You to all our guests, to took time off to grace our event. Your presence is the reason for our success.

A big Thank You to all personnel involved in organising and executing the dinner, it wouldn’t have been possible without all your help. Special thanks to my wonderful girlfriend who, despite not knowing the SDP, went all out to help them with their make-up and photography. You know who you are ^_^!

Finally, a big Thank You to the SDP for giving me the opportunity to be part of this wonderful and meaningful event.

It is indeed a night to remember

Dazzle with the Democrats: A night to remember

Sunday, 28 February 2010

Singapore Democrats They came, they saw and they cheered. From the lone voice of Dr Chee Soon Juan’s 10-year-old daughter, An Lyn, singing the national anthem to the loud crescendo of the finale, the dinner commemorating 30 years of democratic service of the SDP was, judging from the feedback, a huge success. Hosts Pam and Jag It was, indeed, a night to remember. There was fantastic music, there was great food and drink, and best of all there was warm company. What more could a birthday celebrant ask for? A sumptuous spread The evening’s show, entitled An Evening of Dazzle with the Democrats, was hosted by the debonair emcee Mr Jagjit Singh and his glamorous co-host Pamela Tan. The guests were greeted by Mr Gandhi Ambalam and Dr Chee Soon Juan with their spouses. They were ushered into the ballroom and serenaded by the soothing symphonies of Bach, Brahms, and Beethoven as they sipped on their pre-dinner drinks. Then suddenly the lights dimmed and the pulsating beat of Black Eyed Peas took over. Tonight’s the Night boomed through the speakers as pictures of the Singapore Democrats, past and present, flashed across two giant screens on each side of the stage. An Lyn reciting the national pledge This was followed by the national anthem and the recital of the pledge by An Lyn after which dinner commenced with a sumptuous buffet spread of Asian and International cuisine. Wine and soft drinks flowed freely as the guests mingled and chatted. Entertainment from Fire Nation In the background, the diners were entertained by Fire Nation, an up and coming local band. The trio of two guitarists and a percussionist provided mellow popular classics from the 1960s to the 90s. Party Chairman Gandhi officially welcomed everyone present who included leaders and representatives of the various opposition parties such as Singapore People’s Party, National Solidarity Party, Reform Party, and the PKMS as well as from the Australian, French, Thai, and US foreign missions. Michael Hwang Albert Lim Two senior democrats were then presented with the party’s Long-Service Awards. Messrs Michael Hwang and Albert Lim were honoured for their dedicated services through the decades and were greeted warmly as they got on stage to be recognised. Leaders of the Young Democrats then took over to recite the SDP’s pledge. YD President also read out a congratulatory YD leaders reciting the party pledge message from the International Federation Liberal Youth whose 3.5-million strong membership of youths spans across the globe. The next item was pure eye-candy as four men paraded the party’s past uniforms in a Fashion Walk. Mr Jufrie Mahmood wore the classic blue pants and white shirt, followed by Mr Gerald Sng who showed off a later version of the blue-and-white outfit with the red vest. SDP’s uniform over the years Mr Priveen then strutted the stage in rhythm to the background music wearing the more recent uniform of the blue polo-shirt and khaki trousers. The Fashion Walk was capped off with Mr Teoh Tian Jing showing off the latest outfit of a red polo-shirt complemented by the earthy-khaki pants. Mr Teoh was no stranger to the catwalk as he was the winner of the Mr Singapore Universe pageant in 2006. Chee and Ambalam launch magazine The programme took a more serious tone when Dr Chee gave his address. He spoke about the expansion of the party and called on friends and supporters to show even greater fervour in their support for the party. Then came the highlight of the evening. As the lights dimmed and the ballroom hushed into silent expectation, the magazine was unveiled amidst the blaring of orchestral fanfare and strobe lights. The unveiling was greeted with enthusiastic applause befitting the stature of the smart-looking magazine.Even before the applause subsided, waiters and waitresses marched in with complimentary copies to distribute to the guests. Guests with the magazines The entire ballroom was transformed into a library look-alike where everyone’s eyes were glued to the pages of the magazine. While our guests attention were transfixed on the magazine, the entire leadership of the party had quietly gone backstage to do a quick change into our uniform of red-and-khaki. And before the excitement could die down the leaders marched smartly back in to the ballroom with the YD in tow – the entrance announced by the majestic fanfare of trumpets. Happy 30th Birthday SDP! Then the familiar refrain of Happy Birthday filled the hall as the birthday cake was brought on stage. The house joined in the singing: “Happy Birthday to SDP!”  The words on the 10-kg, giant cake which was specially baked for the occasion declared: “SDP – 30 years and going strong.” And as the candles were blown out, the party made a not-so-secret collective wish. As the flames on the cake flickered out, the flame of democracy continued to burn bright within the hearts of everyone present. This was followed by the familiar popping of the champagne bottle and a round of toasts presented first by Assistant Secretary-General John Tan who thanked all our friends and supporters for their support and encouragement all through the years. A toast from us to you The champagne flows CEC member Ms Chee Siok Chin proposed the second, and more personal, toast.  She held her glass up to our family members who have quietly but courageously stood by us through all the trials and tribulations. “Hear! Hear!” responded the leaders on stage. The audience returned the compliments with Ms Harn Ho, Ms Mathia Lee, and Mr Alex Au, all toasting the SDP in return. Ms Ho wished the Democrats well in the next elections while blogger Ms Lee thanked the SDP for supporting the NGO community. Mr Au was pleased to see the Young Democrats working hard and offered a toast to their political future. Harn Ho (right) Mathia Lee The evening concluded on a high note that saw the leadership acknowledge the crowd by taking a final bow. The finale ended with a bang – literally – as canisters of streamers and confetti were exploded, enveloping the stage with a cascade of glitter. It was a sight to behold and the audience responded with loud and enthusiastic applause. It ended with a bang As Dr Chee said in his address: “This is a celebration of the triumph of the spirit of the Singapore Democratic Party. “It is the triumph of courage in the face of persecution, the triumph of grit and determination over adversity.” It was a wonderful end to a great evening. To all of you who were present we hope that we have been as gracious a host as you have been wonderful guests and we look forward to many more such celebrations. From all of us at the Singapore Democratic Party, we say a heartfelt thank you for helping us make our 30th birthday such a special and memorable occasion. Like we said, it was a night to remember.

I was driving out of my carpark on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year at about 7pm when my friends pointed out to me “look at these two banners, someone must be so angry with LKY and your MP to slash their face like that”..

I took a glance and saw that true enough, MM Lee banner on the CNY dinner at Commonwealth on 18 Feb 2010 and Baey Yam Keng’s CNY greeting to the constituents, both of their pictures have a slash across their face, same stroke, same slash spot on their face.  Must have been from the same ‘culprit’.

As the cars behind were honking impatiently at me, I was not in time to take the 2 pictures of the banner.

The next day when I send Jo-Elle to school at 8+ in the morning, I have my camera ready to take pictures of these 2 banner.

To my great disappointment, these 2 banners were gone overnight.  The banner were likely removed by our RC members here.  I am truly impressed by their efficiency.

This incident truly reflected the sentiments from the ground, I am sure with the skyrocketing cost of living in Singapore whereby public housing and transportation becomes rather unaffordable, this is citizens way of showing their displeasure.

This incident also show how efficient our Brickworks Zone RC Committee are. Damage control of their beloved master in such short period of time is amazing.

If election is really coming this year, PAP beware, the ground might not be as sweet as you think.

Yesterday was one of those rare occasions I went out at night to have a coffee with some friends in a nice wine bar in NUS.

I drove off after the coffee session and got lost in NUS, going round in circles wanting to get to the exit at Science Park.  I ended up going one big round and exiting at Clementi Road instead.

I decided it was a nice night to take a leisurely car ride back home, so I took the long route and drove towards Pasir Panjang leading to Science Park Road.  As I was about to turn into Science Park Road, I saw Kent Ridge Park, a place I have fond memories of, and decided to detour up there.

Kent Ridge Park is the place I used to go with my beloved dog, Rambo. We used to go there for walks.   This is the place we spent many nice and quiet moments together enjoying the nature and fresh breeze.

Amongst all the dogs I have had before, I loved Rambo the most.  He is the dog that I have spent the longest time with, and my love for him was truly unconditional despite the fact that he was the most temperamental and difficult dog I had ever had.

My beloved Rambo has since left me and as I sat in my car, listening to Gold 90.5 on my radio, I reminisced those wonderful times we had together .

I still do not have the courage to have another dog yet, and I know it will take a very long time before I can get over the loss.  To many, the best way to get over the loss is to take on a new one, something I strongly disagree.   Commitment towards a dog is for life; a pet is not something you use to tide over your emptiness only to chuck it aside when you no longer need it.  For me, to be able to love another like I used to love Rambo, I have to first get over the loss of Rambo.

As I drove out of Kent Ridge Park, I know I will never look back again.  It’s been a long time since Rambo left me, and it is time for me to learn to let go and stop blaming myself for the decision I made to put him down when I saw that he was suffering at that time.  It will be a long time before I will step foot again at Kent Ridge Park as I will be relocating somewhere else. I hope the next time I am back to Kent Ridge Park, I will be there with a new dog.

Unlike other developed nations who discriminate against foreign workers, the ruling party of Singapore is extremely pro-foreigner and amendable to your interests..

In Singapore , you will enjoy essentially the same rights and benefits as the Singapore citizens without their accompanying responsibilities such as serving two years of mandatory National Service in the army.

You will be welcomed as a “talent” with the red carpet rolled out for you whether you are really talented or not.

Here are 10 top reasons why Singapore is the best place to work in for foreigners:

10. Getting a social visit pass or work permit is relatively EASY:

You can go to Singapore under a tourist vist ( Social Visit Pass ) and you will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 30 days. This can even be extended for another 30 days so that’s almost 2 months in total. Use that time to find work and chances are, you will find one.

Many women from China came to Singapore to work as freelance prostitutes and they can earn a year of their salaries back home within a month.

If you have the right connections, getting a work permit to work in Singapore is very easy as it is in desperate need of cheap foreign workers. As long you are willing to work long hours for a pittance without asking for too much, you are sure to get a job in Singapore which pays more than what you are getting in your country.

9. Safe place protected by citizens serving NATIONAL SERVICE:

Singapore is one of the safest place in Asia . All Singapore male citizens have to serve two years in the army followed by another 10 years of reservist. They will be  mobilized during times of unrest to protect your lives and properties. In the event that war breaks out which is highly unlikely, you can always return back to your own country with your money and let the Singaporeans do the fighting and dying for you.

Singapore ’s ruling party has no qualms sacrificing its citizens to protect the interests of foreigners. Every year, there are unknown numbers of Singapore citizens who are killed, crippled or injured during National Service, yet there is no outcry among Singaporeans.

8. Easy to ADAPT to local culture and language:

Singapore is a multi-cultural immigrant society. Regardless of where you are from, you will bound to find your fellow countrymen in Singapore . If you are mainland Chinese, you will realize that certain parts of Singapore resemble some small towns in China like Geylang and Chinatown . One can find Chinese from all the 23 provinces of China congregated along the narrow alleys of Geylang between Lorongs 4 and 22.

If you are from India , you won’t feel lost in Serangoon because so many of your kind is there! You can find Indian cuisine from all across India in Singapore itself!

For Filipinos, Thais, Burmese and Vietnamese, you have enclaves of your own such as Lucky Plaza, Golden Mile Complex and Peninsula Plaza where you can hang out with your friends during the weekends.

7. No need to INTEGRATE into  Singapore society:

Unlike other countries where you belong to the minority and may be pressurized to conform to the resident population, there is absolutely no need to do so in Singapore where 36 per cent of its population are foreigners. Of the remaining 64 per cents so-called “citizens”, a rising proportion are new citizens born overseas like you.

There are large number of mainland Chinese in Singapore and it is likely that you will be able to find your own clique there without bothering too much about the locals. The Indians have their own gang too and they are now branching out into HDB estates like Punggol, Sembawang and Seng Kang.

In Singapore , foreigners are the kings and you call the shots. The timid locals will not dare to step on your toes so long you assert your rights and they will give in to you like sheep, as they were called lately by a Senior Minister.

6. PREFERENTIAL treatment for foreigners:

Racism is rife in some countries like Australia which saw a spate of protests against Indians lately, but not in Singapore where the ruling party is extremely protective of foreigners to the extent of dishing out preferential treatment to them.

Singaporeans will never dare to attack foreigners openly or protest against their presence because they will be arrested immediately by the police under the new Public Order Act.

However, foreigners are free to campaign for their rights and interests without much interference from the authorities.

When over 200 PRC workers protested outside the Manpower Ministry last year over unpaid wages, they were allowed to block the traffic to its entrance for hours. The employer was eventually forced to repay the workers.

In a recent case, a PRC couple together with 3 others “hijacked” a SBS bus for six hours and was given a free cab ride home in the end. The police was called to “escort” them from the bus down to the cab.

5. Get PERMANENT RESIDENT status easily:

Getting a PR means you get almost the same benefits as Singapore citizen without necessarily giving up your native citizenship which enables you can reap the full benefits offered by both and enjoy the best of the two worlds.

If you are a Singapore PR, you are allowed to stay in the country over a long period of time, you can sponsor your family to come over and stay legally, you can set-up a business here, and many other benefits.

You do not have to be a professional or world class talent to qualify for PR. Singapore’s ruling party is so desperate to boost its flagging population via immigration that they will accept any Tom, Dick or Harry.

Even cleaners, masseurs, construction workers and prostitutes are able to become PRs and citizens. Two out of every three applications for PRs are successful and you do not have to wait very long for it.

On average, if you are a professional like doctors or nurses, you will get your PR within half a year of application. A China national and Singapore PR Zhang Yuanyuan who worked as a teacher in a private school received her PR in just 2 months.

4. Take up Singapore  CITIZENSHIP as a springboard to greener pastures elsewhere:

One good thing about the Singapore passport is that it enables you to travel around the world without a visa to most countries. If you have made up your mind to leave your country for good and wishes to emigrate to other countries like Australia , Canada or Britain , the easiest way to do it is to take up Singapore citizenship first and use it as a springboard.

A Filipino nurse worked in Singapore for a 5 years after which she obtained its citizenship. Within a year, she applied to work in Britain and was accepted immediately. She is now a British citizen and has brought her entire family from the Philipines to Leicester where she now works in a local hospital.

Since Singapore has already offered you a stepping stone to a better future elsewhere, it will be a waste not to make full use of it.

3. There are MANY jobs available:

There are plenty of jobs available in Singapore and foreigners are usually preferred to locals as they cost less and do not have reservist obligations.

It is easier to get a job in Singapore than in your own country. That is why your leaders are all turning to Singapore to solve the rising unemployment back home

Philipines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sent a delegation to Singapore last year to explore possible job opportunities for migrant Filipino and they were offered a cool 5,000 jobs by the Resort World Sentosa. (read report here)

As long you are willing to try your luck, you are assured of getting a job in Singapore .

2. The pay can make you RICH:

Though you will earn less compared to Singapore workers, you will still earn far more than what you will back in your own countries due to the strong Singapore dollar.

As of now SGD$1 = RM$2.4 = RMB$4.9 = PHP32.

Even if you earn only SGD$500 a month, you will be able to set up a business in your homeland, buy a property and send your children to school if you use your earnings wisely.

1. Easy chance to become a MILLIONAIRE in Singapore :

It’s easier to become a millionaire in Singapore than in your own country. Just get a PR, buy a HDB flat and wait for a few years for its price to go up before selling it off at a hefty profit.

Though this may seem shocking to you, it is true that the ruling party allows PRs to buy HDB flats meant for citizens in the open market liberally and to pocket the profits upon selling them later absolutely TAX-FREE!

With the prices of HDB flats set to continue rising due to limited supply of new flats and increased demand contributed by the relentless influx of foreigners, you will surely stand to make a profit when you invest in one now.

In other countries, you will have to either rent a place to live in or buy an expensive flat from the private sector, but in Singapore you get to buy public housing at affordable prices and somemore can make money out of it. Where else can you get such a good deal in the world?

Two case studies in point:

1. A Malaysian and Singapore PR bought a 5-room HDB flat in the prime district of Bishan for $150,000 in the early 1990s. He sold it recently for $600,000 thereby making a profit of $450,000 which amounts to more than RM$1.1 million dollars! He became a millionaire in Malaysia after working for 2 decades in Singapore . Do you think he can earn that much money in his lifetime had he remained in Malaysia ? The best part of it is, after his children completed their secondary and college education in Singapore , he packed them off to Australia with his earnings to further their studies so that they can evade National Service. They are now Australian PRs and he is going to retire in Australia together with them.

2. A Chinese national and Singapore PR bought a 4 room HDB flat in Bukit Merah for $250,000 in the early 2000s and sold it for $460,000 at the peak of the market last year, pocketing $210,000 in an instance which is more than RMB$1 million dollars when converted to Chinese currency. She has since returned to her hometown in China where she built a luxurious 3 storey mansion for herself and family. She can live on her earnings made in Singapore for the rest of her life without lifting a finger to work.

So if you want to become a millionaire in your lifetime, come to Singapore now and you will not be disappointed by its extremely pro-foreigner government!

Adapted from this article posted on sugarpinoy.com

28th January 2010 was a special day to me.

This was the day when the TBT trial finally came to the end.  Prosecution and defendants have both closed their cases and what is left is submission from both sides which is due on 25th February 2010, and judgment will be on 8th March 2010.

I am so proud of myself for having the perseverance to stay on the trial till the end despite the objections, ‘threats’, and the lack of support from family and some of my close friends.

I am so proud that I have overcome this trial without any legal counsel to represent me and having to do my own cross-examination which was daunting for me as this was the first time I was charged in court.

I am also proud that despite having E-Jay and Ti Lik leaving the trial, I am able to hold my own fort and persevere till the end.   My persistence has surprised many of our activist friends and it is always interesting to have them come up to me to tell me how I shocked them.

Martyn once told me that unlike others who start from beginner to intermediate, mine was a straight jump to intermediate.  How true.  Unlike many who are still struggling to overcome their fears, I was forced to address my fear when I was first faced with the police investigations and thereafter the charge. The long drawn trial was really a challenge, not just because of having to sit through the trial, but having to juggle sending and picking up my kids from school.

I remember someone once told Dr Chee that this TBT trial is a good way to sieve out the leaders from the followers. At that time, I was rather offended by this statement because my good buddy E-Jay has chosen to plead guilty at the very start of the trial which I empathize with, and to me, E-Jay has every quality to be a leader.

However, on hindsight, I came to realize that it does hold certain truth in it.  It does not mean that those who stay on are definitely of leaders’ quality, but I know real leaders will be able to withstand the test of time and will never be a quitter despite the adversity faced.  To this, I give my utmost respect to Dr Chee, Gandhi, Siok Chin, John and Jufrie Mahmood who have been through many more trials than us, but have never given up. These are the leaders who when they called upon me, I will willingly follow.

Come 8th March 2010, I will face with the possibility of a a hefty fine which is taxing for a mother of 2 young children, but this is the price I am prepared to pay for standing up not only for myself, my family but also to my fellow citizens against the rising cost of living in Singapore, standing up to the rights of citizens to speak up for what they believe in, standing against a autocratic government who do not respect our Singapore Constitution and the rights of their citizens.

They can charge me, fine me, but they should not take that right away from me.

As we approach the last tranche of our TBT trial, there are alot of emotions build up for myself and my fellow co-defendants.

It was not easy to come this far, let alone still carrying on in this long and draining trial.

Tranche after tranche our numbers are dwindling due to way our cases are being dealt with.  For eg, Francis was forced to plead guilty as he will be away on 19th Jan 10 and judge insisted the hearing to start on 18 Jan 10.  Sylvester having to plead guilty due to work commitment.

As for myself, my boy, Joe-En has started his Primary One this year, a phase that is important to him as well as for me as a mother.  I have made application to Judge Chia Wee Kiat with the understanding and support from my 10 remaining co-defendants to have the lunch break from 1130 to 1330 so that I could rush home to bring my boy to school.  Thankfully the judge allowed my application without objection from the DPP.

As I struggle everyday to send my girl to school before coming to court and 1130 rushing back home to walk my boy to school which was about 3 bus stops away, then back to court to continue the trial and end of the day rushing to pick both of them up from school at 1700.

During those bus rides be it back home or back to court, many times I was in tears, not only because I feel the aching pain of my legs and feet from the long walk to the bus stop and the walk from my home to my boy school, but also of this predicament  I am in and asking myself whether is it worth doing what I am doing?

This is especially made worse by not having the support from those closest to you.  Despite my desperation for help, I am too proud to ask for one and knowing full well that I will have to go through another round of lecturing  of “I told you so”, “you should have taken my advice and PG much earlier and you won’t end up in this state” blah blah blah.

Not someone who asked or expects favors to be reciprocate, I do appreciate the offer of help from the very same people I used to offer similar help to but am disappointed to realize that the offer of help was  just patronizing with no intention to carry out at all.

I gave thanks to my buddy U-Wen, who was the first to offer to send Joe-En to school for me though he is staying so far away from me.

I gave thanks to my sister – Siok Chin, who, as and when she can, will always try to drop me off at my kids school and always buying lunch for me to munch in court as I always couldn’t make it in time to have lunch.

I gave thanks to Choon Hiong too, whom after knowing my predicament, try to work out a way to help me too.

I gave thanks to John, who became my ‘new’ breakfast buddy after Ti Lik and Sylvester left our TBT trial.

While I gave thanks to my friends who stood by me, though I declined their help as I do not want to impose myself on to others.   I also mourn for a lost of a friendship whom I used to cherish dearly only to find out that in time of need, offer of help was insincere and not meant to be.  I don’t expect favors to be return nor reciprocate, but I am disappointed by how our friendship has come to this point, having to see how one can turn their back on a friend in need.

I see the past 4 days of our trial, how Dr Chee and Gandhi were cuffed and shackled to court, Mrs Gandhi coming to court just to catch a glimpse of Gandhi to make sure he is all right.  and the heart wrenching moments when Mrs Chee and kids came to court to see Dr Chee, I do feel a sense of loneliness of not having the blessing from my family and close friends for my chosen path.

Today as I sat down in court after having most of my cross-examination objected and rejected, I reminded myself that I should not be wallowing in self pity but find ways to face the adversity with my head up.

As I try to strike a balance between my responsibility as a mother and a activist who believe in the work I am doing, I also know that I should not inconvenient others because of my chosen path.

If there is anything I still have, that is perseverance.  Perseverance to continue on this fight even when face with obstacles and desertion from closed ones  who do not share the same ideals as me.

The trial will be coming to an end soon, and as I close this chapter, I know there will be another awaiting to be open.  The experience I learn from this chapter will make me a stronger person to face whatever new challenges that awaits me.

WHAT FAILS TO KILL ME WILL ONLY MAKE ME STRONGER!

Among us F4, I was the least interested in politics..not forgetting, the one with the worse political knowledge.

Kelvin’s political knowledge was the best, which even Ti Lik as a politician takes his hats off to.

E-Jay’s political knowledge came pretty close to Ti Lik’s, and he being a very keen and fast learner, he absorb very fast.

I am the most hopeless among the 4 of us..my mind always drift off when they start to discuss politics or the recent policies, too ‘cheem’ for me as what I always tell them..

Ti Lik and E-Jay were the one who always drag me to attend SGHR and SDP meeting back then..Even though I told them I am not keen, but they always managed to persuade me to join them eventually..

I remember once in a meeting at SDP office..I was day dreaming when suddenly Dr Chee ask..”how about Jaslyn”.. I got stump and didn’t know what Dr Chee was talking about as I have not been paying attention..Ti Lik and E-Jay were laughing and save me the embarrassment further by replying ..”Jas cannot…she is not ready yet”..

I remember during Dr Chee and Siok Chin’s contempt of court trial, I hurriedly walk out from high court as I know hordes of reporters were waiting outside for them and I am not ready to be seen together with them (like many Singaporeans, to be seen with these 2 are a taboo).  I stood a distance away from them as I watched in total disbelief how our reporters were behaving like paparazzi, going after Siok Chin with the video and cameras blocking her path.  That was when I walk up to Siok Chin and put my hand on her shoulder and told her, “how can I let you walk alone, come, let me walk with you”.  The video crew follow us, blocking our path while we were trying to cross the road from High Court to Funan, and we were smiling and laughing about their silly antics.

That footage appeared in the evening  in CNA news and immediately my phone was swarmed with smses from friends and family asking me what am I doing with Siok Chin.  The next day, my neighbors were telling me they saw me on TV with SDP people and asking me how come I am mixing with SDP people.

Looking back 2 years on, while my 2 ‘bodyguards’ – Ti Lik and E-Jay has pleaded guilty to the protest 3 of us were involved with, I chose to continue on the trial.  Not because I am stubborn, or that I have the the whole world of time to play with them, in contrary, I do at times feel the strain of the trial taking time away from my responsibility aa a mother, and the thought of pleading guilty and just get over and done with is rather tempting.

What keeps me going is none other than my sister in arms – Siok Chin.  She is always my source of strength whenever I am feeling the strain.  As someone who had been through a number of trials and a jail sentence, she is always reassuring and find ways to cheer me up.  On some days when the court adjourn early, she never fail to suggest that we bring my kids out for play which makes my kids so happy.

Now, this sister of mine is yet again jail and this time for 7 days for ‘distributing pamphlets criticizing the PAP Government without a permit’.

If criticizing our government is illegal, then aren’t all opposition parties illegal parties since the basis of opposition is criticizing on government policies they feel strongly about?

In my views, only a incompetent government are afraid to be criticize and will hide behind the judiciary for protection against anyone criticizing.  A competent government will stand up to criticism and refute with facts and not let others do the dirty work of ’silencing critics in the form of arrest, prosecute and jailed.

As I sit here writing this article and feeling sad because I can’t be there for my sister who never failed to be there for me, I feel even sadder for Singaporeans who failed to see the autocratic government they have given mandate to for the past 40 years.  Until Singaporeans wake up and start to see how our government has really been ruling us, Singapore will be in a sad state.

I urge my fellow Singaporeans, even a least interested in politics mother like me, who has been brain washed for the past 30+ years to be apathetic to politics has since been awaken from the slumber, please wake up and see for yourself what has our government being doing to us, our people.  Even when now they are going on damage control, citizens will now come first before PRs, blah blah blah, will it last after they be given the mandate yet again for another term?

I DOUBT SO.

Wake up my fellow Singaporeans, you have a choice, vote the PAP out when the time come for you to cast your votes.

In solidarity with all who had been unjustly and unfairly jailed, prosecuted and persecuted.

For a long time, I have boycotted our state media, refusing to read propaganda after propaganda in favour of our ruling party.

However, recently while at my friend’s place, the above title shouted for my attention, not because I think it is anything worth reading, but more because of the crap coming out yet again from our million-dollar ministers.

To err is human; to forgive, divine – Khaw Boon Wan on 27 Nov 09 , (read it here).  This exact same phrase, drew me to Yong Vui Kong, a young drug offender whose clemency plea was again rejected by our dear President.

Yong was only 19 at the time of his arrest, which again draws me to our fallen from grace ex-Ms Singapore Ris Low, who, despite committing 60 credit card frauds, got away with just a probation order due to her young tender age at the time of the offense.

3 cases, 3 different ‘errs’. 4 humans involved, but all treated differently even though it was not entirely different.

Let me go through the similarity.

Firstly, KKH errs, 2 lives were involved.  Families of patients suffer distress and anxiety.  Same argument for drug trafficking offenders, that lives were destroyed through drugs and their families suffer distress.

Secondly, both Ris Low and Yong Vui Kong were both 19 at the time of offense.  Ris Low had 60 cases TIC (taken into consideration) during her sentencing, and I boldly assume this might be first time the DPP allows so many cases to be TIC for sentencing.  60 cases of similar offenses show a sign to me of recalcitrance on Ris Low’s part, but she was given a 2nd chance and got away with a light sentence.

In comparison, young Yong, given the environment he was brought up in, the company he mixed with, his vulnerability to exploitation from the gangsters he worked for, why wasn’t he given a 2nd chance in life?

Young Yong, like the humans in KKH (in this case the pharmacists), and like the human in the credit card fraud (Ris Low) is too a human who errs.  If to err is human, to forgive, divine, why is it not applicable in young Yong case?  Why wasn’t Yong treated like a normal human who errs?

When ministers make mistakes, we were told “it’s a honest mistakes, move on”, “what to do, it’s happened”. But when lesser mortals makes mistakes, the authorities spare no effort to punish, prosecute and shame them publicly.

‘To our minsters, I challenge you to make good what you have claimed : to err is human, to forgive, divine.

To our minsters, I hope you do sleep well at night knowing you have yet taken another young life who is a son, a brother, a nephew, a friend like any human.

To Yong and family, be brave.  Judgement day will come for them when it is their time to meet the Divine.

Democrats join Liberal International
Tuesday, 17 November 2009 17:09

Singapore Democrats

Jaslyn Go (far left) and John Tan (2nd right) with Anwar Ibrahim (3rd left) and Sam Rainsy (4th left)

The SDP was officially accepted as an Observer in the Liberal International last week at its annual Congress which was held in Cairo, Egypt.

Together with the SDP, Burma’s National League for Democracy headed by Mdm Aung San Suu Kyi and Thailand’s ruling Democrat Party led by prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva were also accepted into LI.

Earlier in May this year, the organisation’s Bureau (LI’s governing body) had approved the Singapore Democrats’ application in Vancouver, Canada.

The other Asian members of LI are the Democratic Progressive Party (Taiwan), the Gerakan Party (Malaysia), and the Liberal Party (Philippines).

John Tan making a point during the conference

Represented by Assistant Secretary-General Mr John Tan and Ms Jaslyn Go, the acceptance of the SDP was unanimous. Mr Tan gave an impassioned presentation on the repression in Singapore.

He also chaired a session on New Technology, Development and Education where the subject of the use of the Internet to spread democratic values was the focus.

Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim was invited to give the opening address. Ms Go caught up with the Malaysian Opposition Leader.

“Yes, we have a lot to learn from each other,” Mr Anwar told Ms Go, “I am in contact with some of the youth from your party.” He was referring to the Young Democrats who had visited Malaysia earlier this year. (See here)

The SDP representatives also invited the LI to hold its Congress in Singapore, an idea which was warmly received by its leaders, including president Hans van Baalen.

John and Jaslyn at the Giza

Ms Go focused on expanding the Singapore Democrats’ international network. She said, “I believe we have shown our new friends the real Singapore and not the false facade that has been portrayed by the PAP.”

But it was not all work and no play for the delegates. Mr Tan and Ms Go managed to catch some sightseeing outside of the conference. They visited the Pyramids of Giza and took a cruise down the Nile.

The PAP was itself a member of another international organisation, the Socialist International. In 1976, it was called to answer for its crackdown on the opposition and the media.

The late president Devan Nair and former PAP stalwart attended the conference in London and chided the SI for its “absurd allegations of ill-treatment, torture and inhuman conditions in our prisons and detention centres.” The party then quickly resigned to save itself the ignominy of being sacked.

Nair was to later recant. “I am obliged to eat a good number of the words I uttered in London in 1976,” he wrote in his foreword in To Catch A Tartar by Mr Francis Seow. He admitted that he was “all too gullible” when he accepted the Government’s words at face value.

It was a long and tiring trial for most of us this tranche. Much time was wasted by my two fellow co-defendants Yap and Carl during their cross examination with William Goh.

When it came to be my turn, i thought that by being straight to the point and not wasting time, my questioning would be smooth. It seemed that i was wrong.

The following is my cross examination with DSP William Goh (formerly ASP, was promoted after this case).

Jas : during the material day and time did u see me?

WG : yes

Jas : where did you see me?

WG : I saw her at Parliament Square and subsequently at Funan.

Jas : what was I doing?

WG : at Parliament Square I saw her with a child and same thing at Funan.

Jas : can you please reconfirm your answer that you saw me with only one kid? not two or three?

DJ : Ms Go would you like me to repeat his answer?

Jas : no, I would like the witness to reconfirm his answer.

WG : yes. I rem only 1.

Jas : I didn’t suppose you can point out in the video what i was doing at that point in time.

WG : I don’t know what she was doing unless I see the video again.

Jas : so would u like to see the video again?

DJ : Ms Go, is that necessary?

Jas : depends on the witness as he is the one requesting to see the video in order to identify what I am doing

DJ : We been going through the past few days the video and I am asking if it is necessary for us to waste time watching the video again.

Jas : I am not the one asking the witness to watch the video, instead he was the one requesting to in order to identify what I am doing. However, I can move on to my next question. Mr Goh, did you see me carrying the placards?

WG : no

Jas : did u c me walking from Parliament Square to Funan?

WG : on that day I didn’t recall seeing her walk from Parliament Square to Funan. I saw her at Parliament Square n subsequetly at Funan.

Jas : when u stopped the group at Funan did u notice where I was?

WG : no

Jas : I put it to you that during the entire period you did not notice where I was, what I was doing n whether or not I was in the group.

WG : I saw her in red tee at Parliament Square when group was there n subsequntly at Funan when after some of the group were arrested and remaining those at the back of group then I saw her standing on my right nearer to the staircase of Funan with 2 or 3 other women and men in red tees and some other children.

Jas : you saw me standing at Funan. Am i right?

WG : at funan I saw her somewhere on my right nearer to staircase of Funan with some other men n women wearing red tees and some other children.

Jas : I put it to u that you are here today to testify as a prosecution witness but you have no evidence of me commit any offence.

WG : I believe she was part of the group although I didn’t see her within the activities of the group. Perhaps can see video to confirm that.

Jas : I put it to you that you have no evidence against me but you have to watch the video to verify and even then you can’t verify.

WG : there were so many in the group I don’t recall or specifically keep an eye on Ms Go to specify what she did on that day all the time.

Jas : I rest my case.

It was amazing how DSP William Goh can change his evidence. During DPP’s examination-in-chief, he pointed out that he can only remember some of the defendants, naming Dr Chee, Siok Chin, Gandhi and John. After being taken through the video playback minute by minute over several days by Carl (which the Judge and the DPP did not object) during his cross-examination, it dawned on him that he could identify me.

Judge Chia Wee Kiat and DPP Issac Tan allowed Carl and Yap to go on and on when the questions they asked are neither relevant nor related to their defence.

However, when it came to be my turn, you can see from the above….

The Bizarre Behaviour of Singaporeans
- observations made by a German national who has lived in Singapore for 9 years.

44 years of economic and material success have spawned some very strange behaviours among Singaporeans. They spent so much to buy a house or flat, furnished it up like a palace, but spent their time outside, most of the time at work. And the maids are the ones enjoying the million-dollar or multi-million-dollar assets.

Then they pay so much, the highest in the world, for a car only to park at home. Too expensive to drive, too many ERPs and car park charges to pay. And they are encouraged to park their cars at home and take public transport, being cheaper and more convenient.

And when Singaporeans travel, instead of seeing the places, they went shopping. The best part is that they would head for the cheapest bargains, buying stuff that they could get in Chinatown or pasar malam, at even cheaper prices. But they are still happy that they got a bargain.

And while the heartlanders are busy trying to make a life here, being told to bust off if they are not happy, which they could not, the rich and presumably very happy and contented citizens are buying up properties overseas just in case they need to make that escape from this paradise.

While many Singaporeans are thinking of jumping ship, or preparing to jump ship, hoards of new immigrants are rushing in to take their place in this paradise.

And to top it all up, they keep complaining about the govt and all the policies that they found unpalatable, but come every election, they will vote and return the govt to power.

Strange Singaporean behaviour

World’s Most Powerful Women
Thursday, 20 August, 2009 4:43 PM

To:
readers@forbes.com

Dear Forbes,

I refer to your article on World’s Most Powerful Women.

I am especially disturbed by Forbes’s ranking of Mdm Ho Ching CEO of Temasek Holdings, Singapore at no. 5.

I understand that the criteria is based not on popularity but on the management of countries or big companies. I also understand that the rankings are based on press visibility and size of country/company.

It is true that Temasek Holdings is a large company that has a portfolio of approximately US$135 billion. However the losses that Mdm Ho incurred in from March to November 2008 was almost US$40 billion http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124350003544761935.html

And that is just what the public is told. The actual figure may even be more as it is a known fact that Temasek Holdings is a non-transparent entity. There is absolutely no accountability to the public. http://multimedia.asiaone.com/Multimedia/Vodcast/News/Story/A1Multimedia20090730-7422.html

Even the reason for the sudden change in leadership (the exit of Charles Goodyear) cannot and will not be explained to the public.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com.my/index.php/business/35486-temaseks-goodyear-left-without-a-golden-handshake

Let’s also not forget the controversial purchase of Shin Corp run by former PM Thaksin. That transaction was by no means a small contributor to the unrest in Thailand and the eventual ousting of Mr. Thaksin.

As to press visibility, the world must understand that Singapore is not a democratic society. My country is run by an authoritarian regime under Lee Kuan Yew who although is 86, is still the man in control of the city-state. I’m sure Forbes knows that Mdm Ho is the wife of his prime minister-son, Hsien Loong

The media, judiciary, law enforcement and all public institutions are controlled by the ruling-party, if not by Lee senior himself.

Singapore’s media is ranked 144 out of 173 countries by Reporters Without Borders in 2008.http://www.rsf.org/en-classement794-2008.html The Chairman of the Singapore Press Holdings is none other than the ruling party stalwart, Tony Tan who is also our Deputy Prime Minister. All press coverage — print, telecast and broadcast — is controlled by the State, and by extension Mdm Ho Ching’s husband and father-in-law. How can then press coverage in this case be a fair assessment?

Non-local media such as Asian Wall Street Journal and Far Eastern Economic Review were fined for contempt of court and sued for defamation respectively
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSSIN20311620080822

I am confident that Forbes had done thorough research on each of these women on the Most Powerful list. However, I am dismayed that Forbes could rank someone with the background and track record like Mdm Ho Ching 5th on the list.

Sincerely,
Jaslyn Go
Singapore

Our Burmese friend, John Moe wrote to our Foreign Minister – Mr George Yeo asking him to make clarifications on his recent comment  “John Moe was not expelled from Singapore because of his views but for breaking the law in Singapore.”

As John includes me in his response to Mr Yeo, I was privilage to be able to read all the exchanges between them and some of the activists.  What caught my attention and spur me to post a reply was when Mr Yeo ended all his response with a “Happy National Day”.

In this National Day, tell me, is there anything we should be happy about when billions of our hard earned money are lost, Singaporean are finding hard to make ends meets as not only the cost of living is rising up, we are competing with foreigners for job while our ministers are still getting their millions salaries, Singaporeans are losing their rights to speak up and yet our government are spending so much money in this tough time glorifying themselves.

Below are some of the exchanges between us…

I was asked to use one word to describe E-Jay by Dr Chee during 1 of the workshops we attended, I came up with “Eloquent E-Jay”.

It is precisely of E-Jay’s eloquence in writing that caught my attention in a popular forum back then in 2006.  That was how we both got to know each other.

E-Jay never fails to come to my defense whenever he sees or feels someone is making nasty remarks about me.  He is very protective of me like a brother will for a sister..

E-Jay never fails to lend me his listening ear whenever he sense I am feeling down.  Once, he even chatted with me till the wee hours of the morning, despite he having a long day later.  I am truly very grateful and appreciative of his patience and kind words of support encouragement he has shown me.

Just the other when the F4  met up for a get together lunch, E-Jay presented me with 3 boxes of Belgium chocolates for my birthday knowing that I love chocolates.  I was very touched and I realize he’s been giving me chocolates for my birthday since we know each other.   As I aged, my birthdays are celebrated with family and friends over lunches and dinners, presents are rare, it is touching to note that E-Jay seem to be the only friend that still buy presents for me.

E-Jay, if you are reading this humble article of mine, I would like you to know that I am glad to have a friend in you and I sincerely thank you for all the patience and support you have given me.  Not forgetting your kind and comforting words of encouragement and listening ear.

From the bottom of my heart “Thank you very much E-Jay”.

E-Jay, Ti Lik and myself, we are known to be the inseparable F4.  Me being the Empress was always seen with my 2 trusted bodyguards by my side.

We used to do many things together like in this case took part in the protest together, and charged for illegal protest and assembly together.

With the latest development, and Ti Lik choosing to plead guilty due to his work commitment, I suddenly felt so alone without my trusted bodyguards watching over me or fighting alongside with me.

I remember chatting with Sylvester on Monday, who asked me how am I doing, I told him I don’t know if end of the day, what I am going through, to stick by my believe and my conviction is worth it, but I know I have to carry on, not for myself, but for my children.  I am doing all this to pave the way for the younger generation, I hope by the time my kids are older, there is true democracy in Singapore.

Yet this afternoon after our lunch break, while Carl is doing his cross-examination, my handphone rings for several times, unable to pick up at that point of time and not knowing who called, I didn’t think much of it.  When I reached home, I realized the school was trying to contact me because my son is sick and having a high fever.  I was filled with remorse and guilt for not being there for him.

The price all of us – believers of democracy, have to pay to carry on with the trial.  Of course, this is exactly what the PAPies knew and how they using it to kill us.. Some of us has the luxury of time on our side to continue the fight, while others like E-Jay, Ti Lik, Jeffrey George, Rajan and Suraya did not.

As a mother, a woman, I do have my limitation and emotional moments.  I wouldn’t know if end of the day, what is going to come out of this trial, this fight, what I have lost along the way but I still chose to continue on.

To my remaining 12 comrades, thank you for giving me all the support I need to carry on this fight.

Thank you Siok Chin and John for always talking to me, lending me a listening ear.

Thank you Seelan for always checking if I am feeling ok.  I feel your concern.

Thank you Sylvester for always sharing with me and assuring me you know what I am going through.

Thank you Shafiie for the butter bread that you sweetly order for me for breakfast on Monday.

Thank you Kai Xiong for always coming up to me and sharing some jokes to make me laugh.

Thank you Francis, for now you are the only one addressing me as Empress.

Thank you Gandhi, for the generous compliments to me each day at our trial which never fails to perk me up (ok I admit I am vain, and I loves compliments..haha)

Thank you Dr Chee, Carl, Jufri Snr for working through all those cross-examniation and speaking up not just for us, but the rest of the Singaporeans.

Thank you E-Jay, for the chat we share in this early morning.  Your assurance and support gives me new strength and I know I have a friend in you.

Last but not least, thank you PAPies, for making all this possible.  For you have taught me to be a strong woman, to standby my conviction and belief against all odds.  You have educate my political knowledge along the way and develop true friendship from the TBT 18.

Subject: Re: UNRESOLVED ISSUES ARISING FROM BLOCK VISIT ON 4th September 2007
To: lee_kuan_yew@pmo.gov.sg, kootk@mindef.gov.sg, indranee.rajah@drewnapier.com, lui_tuck_yew@moe.gov.sg, samtan@cdac.org.sg
Cc: “Yam Keng Baey” <baey.yamkeng@capitaland.com>, tnp@sph.com.sg, npeditor@sph.com.sg, santokh@sph.com.sg, tekmeng@sph.com.sg, melvin@sph.com.sg, kenjr@sph.com.sg, muralis@sph.com.sg
Date: Tuesday, 28 April, 2009, 8:16 PM

Dear Sir / Madam;

The New Paper Article “Go to your MP instead of Complaining” on 28th April 09, which remind us to stop complaining and go to our MP instead.

Perhaps I should refresh my MP and in fact, the whole Tanjong Pagar GRC MPs that despite sending numerous emails and reminders, till to date, I have not receive any response from my MPs.

Perhaps Mr Fulwood or Ms Elysa Chan are not aware that we can write what we want to our MPs, but MPs have the luxury to chose not to respond to us, and in situation like this, what is next for us?
cheers;

Jaslyn Go

— On Thu, 10/4/08, Jaslyn Go wrote:

Subject: UNRESOLVED ISSUES ARISING FROM BLOCK VISIT ON 4th September 2007
To: lee_kuan_yew@pmo.gov.sg, kootk@mindef.gov.sg, indranee.rajah@drewnapier.com, lui_tuck_yew@moe.gov.sg, samtan@cdac.org.sg
Cc: “Yam Keng Baey” <baey.yamkeng@capitaland.com>, chengwee@sph.com.sg
Date: Thursday, 10 April, 2008, 3:47 PM

1. 1. There are Indian glue sniffers who often loiter at the staircase and hide there to sniff glue.
   2. Inhalant abuse, a criminal act, is known to intoxicate the abusers who are then predisposed to committing more crimes.
   3. This situation has occurred many times and whenever I call the police, the latter would take 30 to 45 minutes to arrive, by which the time, the suspects would have finished their glue sniffing and left the scene.
   4. I shifted out 2 years back partly because of this situation as I was pregnant and I did not feel that the neighbourhood was safe at times.
   5. I also raised another incident in which I spotted an axe-wielding Indian man sitting in the ABC hawker centre with his eyes fixated on the adjoining car park as if he was waiting to greet someone. I called the police and offered to help identify the axe-wielder.
   6. The axe-wielder must have been loitering around on a frequent basis for the Indian man in your entourage was also able to describe him as limpy and short.
   7. I told you that the police had reasoned that they had to catch him red handed for them to take action. However, in order to apprehend any suspect red-handed, the police must respond in time but they never did so.

1. 1. Whether he was asserting that Bukit Merah was very much unsafe and with a lot of criminal activity necessitating police attention and which leads to slow response time of the Police, and
   2. Since there was indeed so much crime in Bukit Merah, why did not the Police deploy more manpower to cope with the cases?

1. 1. As an MP, you have been given the mandate by the people to find solutions to our complaints; and
   2. If you need me to provide you with the answers, what then are you supposed to do in your position as our Member of Parliament?

1. 1. I reside in a point block where the lift lobby area’s natural lighting is dim. This is made worse by having doors installed at the staircases such that even during daytime it is dim and made worse when it is cloudy, rainy or overcast
   2. On several occasions, my neighbours, our maids, our children and myself have slipped and fallen because the bad lighting prevented us from seeing that the floor was wet from the rain.

1. 1. you asked your accompanying town council staff whether the lights could be switched on when it is cloudy or rainy. The town council staff replied that residents could just call and request the town council to switch the lights on. He added that he needed to check if this was feasible and would revert
   2. You asserted that the doors were a design flaw which you could do nothing about. The staircase and door provides the residents privacy and therefore as residents we should give and take.

1. 1. to switch the lights on 24 hours a day and 7 days a week would increase the electricity bill and this cost will have to be passed onto the residents. You asked whether or not we would want that.
   2. you cannot accede to every resident¡¯s request and that I would be very surprised at what some of the residents are asking for.

1. 1. CPF money is our money. As owners, we have the right to decide whether or not we need any annuity. It is not for the Government to decide for us
   2. In any event, what proportion of people live beyond 85 years of age? How big is that sector of the population in actual fact
   3. I reminded you that not everyone is as long lived as our great leader Mr. LKY. Furthermore in our generation, with the degree of stress and pollution environment, not many can even make it to their 60s.
   4. For the small percentage fortunate to lives beyond 60, the Government should do its duty to look after them and not pass the responsibility to others
   5. Our generation, being more educated, will know the importance of planning for our future retirement, and we do not need the Government to tell us what to do and what to buy for retirement.

1. 1. By the time the details are released on the 17 Sept parliamentary hearing, there will simply be another rubber-stamping exercise, and the fate of all those aged 50 or below will be sealed
   2. One need not look very far into history for examples of such arrogance: the GST increase, Presidential, Parliamentarian and Ministerial salary increments: Once the details are out, the decision is passed and our fate is sealed!

1. 1. You referred to statistics which purportedly show that almost 50% of the current population will benefit from the annuity scheme
   2. You threw the challenge for me to walk around Block 3 to witness the large number of single old folk or those abandoned by their children and who have no one to look after them
   3. You cited the need for the government to increase the pool of resources to help those who have no means of supporting themselves in old
      age.

1. 1. The current older generation who could live to an old age would not benefit from the proposed annuity scheme as it applies only to those aged 50 or below
   2. Furthermore, like my case where I have my own retirement plan, why is the government still making it compulsory for these people who are better-off to buy the annuity
   3. Should it not be every citizen’s personal right to decide how we spend our CPF money? CPF Money is after all our money AND NOT the Government’s money.

here is my feedback to TNP…

I am writing in response to Ms Elysa Chan article on the above.

Perhaps Mr Fulwood would like to know that I have written to my MP Mr Baey Yam Keng 8 times and forward the emails to Tanjong Pagar GRC which includes our well respected MM Mr Lee Kuan Yew twice and till to date, they have conveniently chose to / refused to reply to my emails which are the concerns I raised during Mr Baey block visit at my constituency.

Mr Baey indicated and even get the town council staff which was among his entourage to take down my concerns and assured me that they will get back to me.

So, if writing to MP should be the way to go, tell me then why isn’t my MP and the whole Tanjong Pagar GRC is not responding to my email?  So what is next for us when our MP refused to address our concerns?

Jaslyn Go

‘Go to your MP instead of complaining’ By Elysa Chen April 28, 2009

WHILE some of his countrymen are eagerly joining in the bashing of Singapore on the Facebook group ‘Singapore Sucks’, an English teacher from the UK who has been living here for the past five years is leaping to Singapore’s defence. HAPPY: Mr Anthony Fulwood (left), an English teacher from the UK, is an active participant in grassroots work. TNP FILE PICTURE This unlikely knight in shining armour is Singapore permanent resident Anthony Fulwood, 30. Mr Fulwood, who lives in an executive HDB flat in Bukit Panjang, is so proud of Singapore, he even dubbed himself an ‘ambassador’ to promote ‘life in Singapore’. That is why when he heard that a group had formed on the social networking site to criticise his adopted homeland on things like the lack of freedom and the ungraciousness of its people, he felt that he should speak up. ‘It hurts me when I hear people attacking my home like that. When your home is being attacked, the first thing you do is to stand up and defend your home,’ said Mr Fulwood, who is active in grassroots work in Bukit Panjang. ‘I don’t want a gold star, and no one’s going to give me a gold star either, but I just want people to know the truth about life here,’ he said. Mr Fulwood, who has lived in India, Africa and the Middle East, added: ‘People always say that the grass is greener overseas. My challenge to them is: Go overseas and see what it’s like in another country. ‘I am sure that 100 per cent will come back and say that Singapore’s better.’ Mr Fulwood listed government policies such as the baby bonus scheme, his HDB home, the community spirit and safety as some of the reasons why he loves Singapore. The New Paper, 23 Apr. He also felt that there was enough political freedom here as people have the right to choose in elections and they have the Speakers’ Corner to voice their opinions. ‘Yet, people don’t want to go to the park. They want to complain in pubs and Facebook groups. These teenagers that complain about things they know nothing about are immature,’ said Mr Fulwood. ‘They should approach their Member of Parliament, and try to solve the problem. But these people want an audience. That’s why they go to Facebook to complain,’ he added. American expatriate Bill Hedman, 52, the managing director of an investment firm said: ‘Singapore’s great. I have had no problem in the last seven years my wife and I have been here. Everything works ‘Everything is clean, there are good restaurants and everything works. The business climate here is also very good. The Government is very pro-business.’ Addressing one of the main grouses of the Facebook group, the lack of freedom here, Mr Hedman felt that ‘Singapore is still a young country, but political and artistic freedom will eventually come’. The only downside to living here, he said, is the ‘hot and humid weather’, but that did not bother him much either as he is from Florida, he added, chuckling. Agreeing, Mr Lin Menuhin, 45, a British expatriate who has been working here for the past three years, said: ‘Singapore is a regional hub that’s efficient and comfortable, and provides a safe environment to work in. ‘As someone who is here for work, to be honest, there is nothing negative I can find about the system.’ Singaporeans have also rallied online to rebuke the comments made by foreigners. Some observers have noted the irony that Singaporean netizens are defending their country against accusations that they themselves have often made online. Explaining why Singaporeans are reacting so defensively even though they may agree with the foreign critics, Dr Tan Ern Ser, an associate professor in the Department of Sociology in the National University of Singapore, said it was because Singaporeans wanted to ‘reserve the right to criticise ourselves’. And even though the Facebook group has garnered at least 400 supporters, Dr Sulfikar Amir, from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Nanyang Technological University, said: ‘They may not necessarily represent the opinion of the majority of people here, which is why so many others have hit back at the people who have set up and joined this Singapore Sucks group.’ When The New Paper asked the creator of the Facebook group, who gave his name as Mr Wils Cheng, why he created the group, he said in an e-mail reply: ‘I did expect some negative reaction but I never thought that the group would be covered by sites like Stomp, Asiaone, The New Paper and Singapore Enquirer.’ It is not known if he is a Singaporean. Adding that he was ’surprised’ to see how his group could have ’stirred up such a big fuss’, Mr Cheng said: ‘I don’t see Japan Times covering the group ‘Japan Sucks’ or the French AFP writing about the group ‘France Sucks’.’

Lately, I been traveling rather often, which leave me very little time to update my blog.

I realize it can be rather taxing wearing many hats at the same time, (my role as a mother, activist, supporter of SDP, running my own biz, setting up a new biz venture etc) It is at times like this, that a warm and encouraging SMS from a supporter keeps me going and rejuvenates me..

Here is the SMS I received from a supporter;

+65 *** *8525 : Our people probably will nvr understand why u’re doin what u’re nw.  I wish to say my sincere thanks to you for takin up such a difficult n often   thankless task.

Me : Thanks for ur encouragement…btw you are….??

+65 *** *8525 : Juz an ordinary citizen. Jiayou.

Me : I am too an ordinary citizen pal

To whoever you may be, I sincerely thank you for your kind words and encouragement.  I do hope one day, besides encouraging me, you can walk along with me..

I know many out there are not ready to walk with us yet, not when the establishment has been successful in instilling fear in us for the past 40 years, and with the recent change in POA which are meant to incite more fear into us, however, there are many other ways you can help us….

1) Financially – Every successful campaign needs money (photocopying, printing, organising activities, workshops or public forums, etc). Help by pledging a monthly donation to SDP (no amount is too small for us) you could do that via internet bank transfer / paypal / cheque / meeting 1 of us personally (your choice your convenience your comfort level) - Click here and donate online

2) Volunteering – Contribute your talents (writing, poster design, photography, IT skills, ideas, or simply a pair of hands & running legs :- ) Volunteer in some of our activities.. perhaps you can start by joining us in those activities before you start volunteering.. it is a good way to get to know SDP and us better.. trust me, along the way, you get to make some really good friends..

3) Broadcasting – Help us pass our message to your family..friends, friend’s friends, anyone and everyone.. remember, our media is all state controlled, so we can only rely on internet and word of mouth to spread our message around..

We must all come together to play a part in bringing back democracy and human rights in Singapore, without which we can’t even voice out about all the unfair polices, laws that are being shoved down our throat and passed through parliament.