In ancient Greece (469 – 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.

One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, who ran up to him excitedly and said, “Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students…? ”

“Wait a moment,” Socrates replied. “Before you tell me, I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Test of Three.”

“Test of Three?”

“That’s correct,” Socrates continued.

“Before you talk to me about my student let’s take a moment to test what you’re going to say.. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?”

“No,” the man replied, “actually I just heard about it.”

“All right,” said Socrates.. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?”

“No, on the contrary…”

“So,” Socrates continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him even though you’re not certain it’s true?”

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued, “You may still pass though because there is a third test – the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?”

“No, not really…”

“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?”

The man was defeated and ashamed and said no more.

This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.

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.

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.

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.

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.