Singapore govt rebukes White Paper’s claims on repression of political freedom
November 12th, 2009 | 
Author: From our Correspondent
The Singapore government has responded to the White Paper released by law firm Amsterdam & Peroff which made headlines worldwide a few days ago attacking Singapore’s political system and judiciary.
In a 25 page report posted on its website (www.gov.sg), the government rebukes some of the claims highlighted in the paper and dismissed them as “recycled” views and comments that Dr Chee Soon Juan has regularly expressed.
The report began by proclaiming the Singapore government is voted into office with a mandate from the people.
“Singapore is a democratic state with a Government that is elected through universal franchise. It has a clean and transparent government. Its public officials are held responsible against the highest standards of probity and integrity.”
U.S. NGO Freedom House said in its latest report that Singapore is not an “electoral democracy” as other important pillars of functioning democracy, such as freedom of speech, a free press and civil society are absent.
The report then followed to recycle earlier allegations it has made about Dr Chee to smear his character such as his sacking from NUS for “misuse” of research funds, his “ousting” of Mr Chiam See Tong from SDP and “heckling” of then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong during the 2001 general elections which were widely publicized in the state-controlled media.
It defended the legal suits government leaders had filed against Dr Chee on the need to protect their reputations:
“This Government holds itself to the highest standards of probity and integrity. Ministers, MPs and civil servants found wanting have been dismissed and charged.”
The International Bar Association (IBA) Human Rights Institute released a damning report last year casting aspersions on the judicial independence of the Singapore judiciary.
Neither the Singapore Law Minister nor the Attorney-General Chambers took legal action against the IBA to uphold the integrity of the Singapore judiciary.
In contrast, blogger Gopalan Nair was sentenced to three months in jail for allegedly “insulting” a judge.
The report even dished out the Singapore Constitution to prove that political freedoms are guaranteed in Singapore:
“All Singapore citizens, including Dr Chee and his supporters, are guaranteed under Article 14 of our Constitution the right to assemble peaceably and the right to form associations. The Constitution recognises that these rights are not absolute and allows for necessary restrictions in the interest of the security of Singapore or public order.”
What was not mentioned is the fact that the writing in the Constitution was seldom put into practice and the ruling party makes decisions arbitrarily to curtail the civil and political rights of citizens in the “interest of the public” without much consultation with the public.
The SDP had applied for a police permit to hold a public forum at Bukit Panjang to discuss the wet market issue with the residents and was rejected. Permission to use the nearby community club was also not granted. No reasons were given.
It was stated that:
“Dr Chee is entitled to express his views freely and has done so. He has also organised, unfettered, numerous public meetings lawfully to discuss his political views, including criticism of the Singapore Government. Neither he, nor those who have attended such activities or meetings, have been penalised or victimised.”
In April this year, a group of SDP members held an indoor film showing for invited guests only. The film was “One Nation under Lee” made by film-maker and artist Seelan Palay. Halfway through the screening, officials from the Media Development Authority (MDA) entered the room and confiscated the film. Seelan Palay and his associates are still now under police investigation.
The report posted by the Singapore government carries nothing new and it certainly has far limited outreach and influence than the White Paper released by Amsterdam & Peroff.
It is losing out in the war of “public perception”. Regardless of what the truth is, for every one person who read its explanation on the Singapore government website, there will be thousands who have read the White Paper and believe in what it says.
The Singapore government needs to take concrete action to show that Singaporeans genuinely enjoy basic political freedoms instead of mere empty rhetoric which is neither convincing nor substantial.
With the world’s eyes on Singapore now, it will be hard to avoid discussions and criticisms of its dismal human rights records.
For all its efforts to portray Singapore as a modern democracy, there will be people who can see through the facade. The sooner it comes to terms with reality that the “Emperor has no clothes”, the faster it will take real action to reform the obsolete, archaic and oppressive political system it has perpetuated to serve its own (not public) vested interests.
Posted in Editorial
* The rebuke says: Dr Chee has never took the stand to be cross-checked in defense of himself.
Is this true? Why wouldn’t he take the stand? even PM took the stand?
* Dr Chee was sacked from NUS bcoz he misused research fund.
He didn’t purse any arbitration provided. He didn’t took the stand when sued by Dr Vasoo. He didn’t offer any defense (he filed them in then withdrew).
Is this true? Why didnt he purse arbitration? Why did he withdraw his defense? Why didn’t he take the stand to be cross-checked by Dr Vasoo?
* JB Jayeratnam was made bankrupt in relation to the case with Tamil Language Week, not defamation against PAP politician.
Is this true?
This gov is hopeless. Just like gamblers who will never admit they are gamblers and alcoholics who will never admit they are alcoholics. Let them suffer a big defeat in the next election.
“* Dr Chee was sacked from NUS bcoz he misused research fund.”
“Is this true? Why wouldn’t he take the stand? even PM took the stand?”
Haha, he already took the stand. the PM go speechless and pee his pant and only can rely on kangaroo lawyer.
Can PAP echelon even be sacked bcoz they misused public fund and their gambling addiction ?
“* JB Jayeratnam was made bankrupt in relation to the case with Tamil Language Week, not defamation against PAP politician.”
You believe the PAP ? What is the case of privy council all about ? Go and find out and you have your answer.
this is more of the same pappie nonsense, singaporeans dun let them pull wool over your eyes again
a million words cannot redeem an ounce of truth
VOTE FOR CHANGE, VOTE OPPOSITION
well,how can people who are in a “BOX” think out of the box?
We must allow people from outside “that” box too help them to think out of the box,right?
So if like some smart folks themselves who have been nagging us, the not-so-clever-straight-As citizens,to think out of the box,they themselves must set the example!!!
Erm, giving the link to the home page of the govt site is a little vague, considering the reader still has to hunt for it (especially after this news becomes dated).
Anyways here’s a link to the full reply on another site.
http://thegovmonitor.com/world_news/asia/singapore-responds-to-speculation-regarding-repression-of-political-freedom-14799.html
Now on to the commentary….
No offence, but mentioning JBJ in the same league as Mr Chee is an insult to JBJ, may he rest in peace.
Mr Chee having the lowest support out of any other opposition party, even when they were concentrating on only one constituency IIRC, is more than enough to show what a lot of ppl (at least from his constituency) think of him and his party. Seriously his actions seem more to geared towards getting attention for himself than any actual political agenda.
As for the NUS allegations, one would give more credibility to him being framed for the misuse of find if he had taken ANY action at all to defend himself regarding those claims. He dares to go against the FAMILY but meekly stays quiet when his own good name regarding those funds are in question? Something doesn’t jive here.
Stop doing stuff that garner the headlines and ACTUALLY start doing something dammit. Compared to the other opposition ppl, he seems more like the all talk no action type. (I don’t count making noise as action). Start walking around, talking with people on the ground. Try helping the people in the constituency EVEN if you did not manage to win. (I.e. Steve Chia).
Maybe then ppl will consider giving you their support.
Personally I would qualify him as the Steven Lim of S’pore’s political scene. Sorry Steven Lim.
Link to actual reply.
http://thegovmonitor.com/world_news/asia/singapore-responds-to-speculation-regarding-repression-of-political-freedom-14799.html
Now on to the commentary:
Mentioning and comparing JBJ to Dr Chee is an insult to JBJ. May he rest in peace.
Regarding the NUS claims, one would give him more credibility to his innocence if he actually DID something in his defence. He dares to go against the FAMILY in court yet does nothing to protect his good name (and job)? Something does not jive.
Personally I would qualify him as the Steven Lim of S’pore’s political scene. More geared towards getting media attention than actual benefit. Sorry Steven Lim.
There is nothing we can do except wait for internationals like IBA to say something.
The influx increases everyday.
Time is running out.
Will the trend of more supporting opposition continue with more influx?
The answer is crystal clear.
There is only 1 thing left to do that could be done IF.
@[email protected] on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 1:46 pm
Dr Chee took the stand n defense himself in “NUS case”? really?
do u hv the link to the story? ..anyone’s version will do.
am interested to see what he said in court in defense of himself.
“Dr Chee took the stand n defense himself in “NUS case”? really?”
Have you a sense of proportion ? Did the old fart, and the rest of the pappies who commit greater treason and legalised crime defense themselves in court ? Oh… I forget. They already bought over the kangaroo court ! Summary judgment. No need for kangaroo court !
To any stupid Singaporeans whose brain grow on their backside, eyes on their balls cover by cloth and underwear
This is wake-up story for you to think about.
This taken place in WW2 in China where the Japan Imperial Army was invading China.
Ah Beng: What ? We the Chinese citizens should help fight the Japanese by joining the Chinese army ? Are you serious ? The Chinese army leave much to be desired ! The army is made up of soldiers who cheat and lie. I will never join this army, and no chinese with dignity should ever join our army. We should wait until the chinese army has the good reputation before we join.
WiseMan: You stupid fool. Japanese army doesn’t wait for you to groom the perfect army. If you say Chinese army cheat and lie, wait till the Japanese come right at your dollar to loot, rob, and rape your mother, wife and daughter before your eyes ! And next they will bayonet you to death because you pose a threat to them for fighting against them ! Stupid Beng, wake up your farting idea. You already see what happen to other chinese where Japanese conquer the town.
Ah Beng: Nonsense. Japanese soldiers will never do that, at least not to this town. It is all propaganda. I only heard that the Japaneses are kind and good. They will deliver us from the tyranny of the chinese army ! Japanese is evil in century ago doesn’t mean it is evil now.
WiseMan: Haha, wait long, long. Dreamer. in the same way, what is good then may not be good now ! Continue to be stupid and naive. In the meantime, I already ready to leave for USA tomorrow before the Japanese get here in few weeks’ time. Hope the Japanese give you a dose of backside bayoneting. Your wife, relative, child and friends will have to thank for waiting to join the perfect Chinese army !!!!! And the Japanese army will thank you for doing nothing that reduce the casualt . Instead Japanese army will thank you for poking your backside and good times with your wife and daughter !!!! Long Live Ah Beng !!!!!!!!
Sayonara to the stupid one !”
Ah Beng: Get out of my elite uncaring face !
I can’t understand those 25 pages. Simple, in just one word, “sue” them.
Action speaks louder than those 25 pages.
wasting time and money writing the same old story repeating everything over n over again. Take action!
“Imprisoned 22 months for protesting against unfair elections in Nigeria, this man has personal knowledge of human rights being denied and abused. Mr Wole Soyinka, 75, Nobel Laureate 1986 for Literature, was the guest of National University of Singapore (NUS) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
In 1993, Nigeria’s military ruler Sani Abacha sentenced him to death in absentia for treason. So Soyinka fled his country for the United States, where he is a creative writing don at universities in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Quite accurately, he surmised what he saw of Singapore: “I find it well laid-out, very orderly with a kind of antiseptic atmosphere.” His other observations are equally astute and thought provoking:
On dignity:
“Dignity is the capacity of every human being to feel that he or she is placed on equal basis with any other individual. There is no dignity in citizenship under a dictatorship because the latter has taken away the right to choose.”
On globalisation:
“At the moment, Western powers have built up a tradition of commercial dictatorships with… the leadership of our very own societies, who find it very easy to collaborate. They become the darlings of their trading partners but, in fact, they’re degrading the collective worth of their own societies.”
On migration:
“If the government truly cares for its own people, it will realise that there’s a real problem if its own people are going out in droves.”
On bulllies:
“I’ve heard statements from so-called democratic leaders such as: ‘I know what is best for my people.’ That’s such an insolent remark.”
On anyone who defends bullies:
“Stop playing the game of We versus Them. The only ‘versus’ that has any meaning is freedom versus power.”
On the worth of freedom:
“Without it, people are caged animals and humanity has not yet progressed.”
Finally, he has this advice for aspiring human rights activists:
“What human rights activists need to do now is to impress on leaders that they shouldn’t wait for the world to declare, say, so-and-so, a criminal against humanity. They should themselves take the lead and ostracise and impose sanctions on him., so they’re not pushed into a situation where, when an international body declares this man an international pariah, they are forced to say, ‘No, no, no, you can’t come and tell us that.’ That for me is a fundamental point.””
http://todayinsingapore.wordpress.com/2009/11/11/on-worth-of-humanity/#comments
Sound familiar to you ?
This taken place in ancient China where the Liu Bang(HAN)-Xiangyu Army was invading the Qin Dynasty.
Ah Beng: What ? We the Qin citizens should help fight the Liu Bang by joining the Qin army ? Are you serious ? The Qin army leave much to be desired ! The army is made up of soldiers who cheat and lie. I will never join this army, and no Qin with dignity should ever join our army. We should wait until the Qin army has the good reputation before we join.
WiseMan: You stupid fool. Liu Bang army doesn’t wait for you to groom the perfect army. If you say Qin army cheat and lie, wait till the Liu Bang come right at your dollar to loot, rob, and rape your mother, wife and daughter before your eyes ! And next they will bayonet you to death because you pose a threat to them for fighting against them ! Stupid Beng, wake up your farting idea. You already heard what happen to other Qin where Liu Bang conquer the town.
Ah Beng: Nonsense. Liu Bang soldiers will never do that, at least not to this town. It is all propaganda. I only heard that the Liu Bangs are kind and good. They will deliver us from the tyranny of the Qin army ! Liu Bang is evil in when he was young doesn’t mean it is evil now.
WiseMan: Haha, wait long, long. Dreamer. in the same way, what is good then may not be good now ! Continue to be stupid and naive. In the meantime, I already ready to leave for India tomorrow before Liu Bang get here in few weeks’ time. Hope the Liu Bang give you a dose of backside bayoneting. Your wife, relative, child and friends will have to thank for waiting to join the perfect Qin army !!!!! And the Liu Bang army will thank you for doing nothing that reduce the casualt . Instead Liu Bang army will thank you for poking your backside and good times with your wife and daughter !!!! Long Live Ah Beng !!!!!!!!
Sayonara to the stupid one !”
Ah Beng: Get out of my elite uncaring face !
Just for Laugh, dont take it too seriously…or not..
DanielSeah76,
Your perception, image and news of Dr Chee is only base on ONE, ONE, and ONLY ONE controlled source that is all out to drag his name into the mud.
His NUS sacking, his alleaged “hackling” of SM Goh, and all. Actually, WHAT happened? Is all that MSM reported true?
For all the allegations against him, did you ever read ONE sentence by him from the MSM?
No???
With a sane mind, did you ever wondered WHY???
Ever wondered WHY even a molester,
an arsonist,
a rapist,
and a murderer CAN get a lawyer,
but he CANNOT???
I think his political party’s website has his contact.
Before you believe all shits you read via MSM, why don’t you drop him your quires and ask him yourself? THEN and only then, if you are STILL think that he is the devil’s incarnate out to destroy Singapore, I’ll stand by you.
If any clowns still think Dr Chee is what is portrayed in MSM, you should read account of Devan Nair, which is portrayed by old fart and MSM as womanizer and alcoholic in the book To Catch A TarTar by Francis Seow to wake up your farting idea. You can see how much of character assassination old fart and his corrupted Leegime can do to patriot just to ensnare continuous power and corruption.
Opsss.. forget to tell you. You need gov official approval to read the book in National library !!!!! Hopping round and round like kangaroo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
exposer
Good call there. Not many people here even know who Francis Seow is even if they have heard the mention of his name. He was one of the most eloquent intellect during his time, with wit comparable, if not, even better than LKY and was slated for very high office, perhaps as future PM after the old man. But he fell out of favour over some events and was subsequently put down LKY using the taxman as a weapon.
As for D. Nair, he was a drinker (alcoholic) ya, but drunk ? I dont think so. The rumours of him groping the Sarawak girls at the long house after being intoxicated are all lies coming out from Istana staff (this source of origin has been confirmed). So are the rumours on him wearing wig and secretly exiting the Istana through back door for nights of fun.
Insiders know that the real reason was to put him off because he was a great threat to LKY. This arose after the NTUC union chiefs demanded the resignation of LKY’s blue eyed boy Lim Chee Onn as their secretary-general. The gave LKY an ultimatum – remove Lim or union members would vote opposition. That was why Lim was removed and replaced by Ong Teng Cheong.
That episode confirmed in LKY’s mind that though he had only a perception of Nair’s power and influence in the unions and had him removed t become an insipid President without any power base, he was still very influential with the unions, and he had to be brought down and destroyed. The rest is history as we know it.
Leader without followers is no leadership. And in order to make themselves relevant, the govt imports followers.
I dun think highly of CSJ because of what i seen and heard with my own eyes and ears. Nothing to do with the ST.
I took a quick glance at the rebuttal.
It seemed that the government tried hard to exonerate itself by repeating that Chee did not apply for permits on all occasions and therefore flouted the law.
Come on, do you seriously think we’re stupid?
It is common knowledge that permits would not have been given and therefore we say that SG government is REPRESSIVE in the area of political freedom.
Vote very carefully in the next election. The rot has begun and it’s time we think for the future.