Police: Wanbao photographer “handcuffed” for his own “personal safety”
July 18th, 2010 | 
Author: According to a press statement from the Singapore police, Lianhe Wanbao photographer Mr Wu Qing Shun was handcuffed and detained by the police for his own “personal safety.”
Mr Wu was handcuffed by a police officer when taking photos of flooding at Upper Bukit Timah Road yesterday morning. He was later led to an outside condominium where he was detained for an hour.
The police claimed that Mr Wu was handcuffed as he was posing a “danger” to himself and others. He was released after “assessment” which confirmed that he would not “hinder” the police’s “rescue operations.”
The fracas sparked a massive outcry in cyberspace with many netizens lampooning the Singapore police for gross “misuse” of power. Public confidence in the Singapore Police Force has also sunk to a new low.
Lianhe Wanbao did not buy the police’s explanation as well and reserved its right to pursue further legal action against the Singapore police.
However, the Singapore police is adamant that it did nothing wrong and sent a threatening message that anybody convicted of ”interfering” with the police carrying out its “public duty” will be sentenced to a jail term no less than three years or fined up to $2,500 or both.
The Singapore police is overwhelming powerful in Singapore with no independent bodies such as a commission on police misconduct to check on it.
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Posted in Editorial
I’m seriously convinced that Singapore is a communist country.
Think about Kim Jong Il, nobody is allowed to say bad things about him, photograph him in angles where he is short, etc. Nobody is to film the country’s poor areas, etc.
Singapore = North Korea
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See what happened to Singapore now? The police instead of protecting the citizens, but going around like a mafia. How can a police got such an authority to suka suka charge people ?
No logic at all. This country is really headed down into total destruction soon.
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Pui! Blatant abuse of power from the Police. If the reporter indeed is endangering himself and others, a simple explanation to him and the reporter will leave willingly. But it was not even reported in Sin Ming newspaper. Stop pushing the blame to the public!!!
Wong Kan Seng, please come out and explain why your police force are acting as hooligans?
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Surely, the last days are happening before our eyes, when one dog is telling the other dog “to get off my turf” – as both try to do their job in their own ways to please their common Master ?
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This is sick and unnatural twisted.
Somebody must be manipulating in the background.
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wtf is this article?!?!
hahahah massive outcry on temasek review ah
anyway whatever it is, if the photographer did obstruct the police / scdf works, he deserved to be arrested.
you think singapore police force really nothing better to do and anyhow go arrest people meh?!?!
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How do u spell democracy in sg?
C-O-M-M-U-N-……
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The PAP seriously think all REAL Singaporeans are stupid? Or the PAP simply don’t give a crap because elections 100% sure win?
Recent public transport fare hike – PAP said commuters will save more.
Flood – PAP said people’s faults because of litters that choked up the drains.
GST hike – PAP said to help the poor.
Influx of foreigners – PAP said to create jobs.
PAP salary increment – PAP said to attract more capable people.
etc etc
And now “Handcuff someone to protect his safety”???
The keypoint in this case was when the reporter was taking photos, there were NO policemen around. The poodle that came out and handcuffed him was shaking legs in the patrol car.
The poodle did NOT even give the reporter last warning or enough time to leave before he was handcuffed. How can the police handcuff someone who was equipped with a camera?
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Hello all, was the policeman one of those Malaysians that think they can do as they wish to the locals because they have PAP backing? We need to find out his nationality.
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What the FIACK is the Police talking about? The Policeman was IN the patrol car so how can the photographer be ”interfering” with the police carrying out its “public duty” UNLESS the Policeman intends to DRIVE OVER the photographer?
If it was indeed for his own good, then all the policeman needed was to “advise” Mr Wu to leave the area, WHY the need for the handcuff?
Sinkapore Police really think Sinkaporeans all stooopid and no go school huh?
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Looks like soon they gonna slap the ISA on anyone criticising the gahmen or screwups by the authorities….
everyone just get prepared for another guantanamo bay ISD prison at one of the islands..
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The temasekreview editors and writers.. dun be surprised by the knock on the door at 4am. The ISA goons have come to haul your ass to be disappeared for 20years like that Dr Lim Hock Siew.
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Very sway to be handcuffed for nothing. Could it be bcos the Govt is embarrassed by the floods and photo-taking of the floods is now outlawed?
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singapore is indeed like china.. and even north korea.. not kidding. Japanese associates of mine in Singapore, after witnessing our national day parades… all said this: “wow.. singapore is like a cheerful North Korea… look at everyone wearing red and waving those flags…. ”
I do not disagree……….
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Come to think of it, I recall some laws or regulations passed not too long ago making the photographing and recording of Police in action ILLEGAL, can anyone confirm?
@author who said: Lianhe Wanbao did not buy the police’s explanation as well and reserved its right to pursue further legal action against the Singapore police.
This will NEVER happen, sue on WHAT ground? Wrongful arrest not applicable since he was merely detained and not arrested, per se.
MAYBE can sue for loss of revenue arising from the Policeman’s unnecessary hancuffing of Mr Wu resulting in him not being able to take more pictures for the paper, thus affecting sales?
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How can handcuffing him be safer? What if he falls into a drain or just fall face flat into a pool of water and the policemen did not know for a full 1 minute? Think about it!
The newspaper should sue the Singapore police for endangering the life of its reporter!
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Is this a suppression of press freedom ?
Is our MiWs so desperate to cover up news relating to embarassing floods that reveal their incompetence and obscene high salaries ?
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A lame duck excuse similar to the Malaysian police detaining Teresa Kok a DAP MP for her safety.
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excellent event! a screwup on by the kah kia and the head of the police has to explain. it is a good incident that will rally the people!
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the police so fedup already cos must go under rain so early in the morning liao you still come take photo of ppl sleepy face…no wonder gonna la
if wan to take photo stand u should stand far far away from danger and use ur zoom equip ma
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Handcuffing Photographer Mr Wu for safety.
Mas is under close watch , no chance to fall into toilet bowl, mas is very safe, therefore no need to handcuff.
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One thing, no other site has mentioned about mata press statement stating “handcuffed for his own safety”. Not even the mata site spf.gov.sg
Did they take down and later change story? Issit in the chinese papers only? Hope TR have screenshot as evidence, otherwise credibility can go down the drain, whether got flood or not
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Didn’t some of Singapore’s leader use to work for the Kempeitai. They must have learn a thing or two from the Japanese Imperial Army!
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Singapore is/has been, a Police State for a long time since the PAP came into power. It seems the Sg. Police’s main role now is to protect the party and elites against opposition parties and ordinary sg. citizens.
Whats more, foreign residents living in Singapore have been accorded priority status over true born Singaoreans.
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The police think we are stupid? We know that they have orders to prevent anyone from publicizing the “freak” floods which are happening more than 3 times within a month, instead of once every 50 yrs. It is an attempted cover-up by the PAPpy gahmen/Leefamily. However, thanks to the internet everyone is aware of the true situation.
Sinkapore is worse than a Commie state like North Korea and China. It is a fascist dictatorship run by the Leefamily members, but masquerading as a democracy. What is even worse is that the civil servants such as the police and PAPpy gahmen officials (such as ministars, PM, MM & President) forget that they are paid by us to carry out and follow our mandate, but end up bullying and telling us, their paymasters, what to do. They are also good at covering up their mistakes to make everything appear squeaky clean, when in fact it is not.
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That police trying to score points lah, harrassed ordinary citizen and abused authority. This is uniquely Singapore, cannot catch Mat and protect citizens, they are good at bullying us. What else are they good? Fines and summmons.. oh yeah .. super efficient.
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I am indeed saddened that the SPF has come to this. It was very poor judgement to handcuff the photographer. All I have seen of the SPF is that it has become the bullying arm of the government. I am truly saddened to see Singapore come to this state of affairs. I really call on all members of the SPF to remember that they took an oath to protect and serve Singapore and not the PAP government per se.
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Uncle thinks we should change our name to DPRS – the Democratic Peoples Republic of Singapore.
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Beware,
section 999, clause (a), holding a camera and taking photos is a “CRIME”, clause (b)you need to have license before you go about taking photos of yourself or anything or you will be handcuff for your safety.
section 999(i) that you need to seek written permission before you photograph any thing, including “FREE” water.
section 999(ii)any person need to be a daft to remember to seek permission from the police to carry out these photo sessions, allowed in doors, if flooded.
section 999(iii) all persons must wear a “reporter” badge or crdentials, when photographing, just in case the police mistaken you for opposition party, taking photo.
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The police statement is blatant lie, “handcuffed him for his safety”. handcuffed, he cannot move freely, maybe he fall into the knee water and cannot swim how?”
the gov is getting strange with excuses of all sorts… but they dont sound logical. freak flood once in 50 years? handcuffed for safety?
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Quote: [The police claimed that Mr Wu was handcuffed as he was posing a “danger” to himself and others. He was released after “assessment” which confirmed that he would not “hinder” the police’s “rescue operations.”]
The police spokesman is talking nonsense with no substance. How can he posed a danger to himself and others. Then policeman on duty should calmly told to move fromm the danger zone if it is so. And another question is who wants to hinder the police’s duty? The people willnot be happy when the policeman on duty acts as he is a lord over the public place and very arrogant. Stupid answer comin out from the stupid police spokesman. Please, don’t come to my house arrest, sue, fine and imprisonment as you like it.
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The malaysian police are a lot kinder and nicer than these state police… I mean police state. At least the malaysian police don’t threaten or intimidate you. Even if they cari makan, they remain polite, cordial and reasonable. Our police? They think they are gods, arrogant like their pap masters.
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This is great! Veteran photographic reporter gets handcuffed for doing his job. Why don’t the police threaten with his revolver on the reporter’s head. I’m sure it’ll be the most effective way to ensure his “personal safety” is not jeopardised. Soon we will be declaring state of emergency during the elections so that things will go their way.
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We need Bills of Rights legislation in Singapore VERY URGENTLY. Otherwise “tea-and-biscuits” citizenry could all be handcuffed by poodles-in-blue to dumb trees for “our own protection” of denied living existence.
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Well, we ask for it. Who ask Us to give them the mandate to give the police even more power. And to be truthful, even if they are in the wrong, they will find a nice excuse and ask you to move on…
but seriously, do you need to handcuff someone to protect him? that’s illogical right? Reporters without Borders, please take note
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Bloody bullshit explanation.
If the officer in question made an error in judgement on the spur of the moment, then just admit it and apologize and the whole thing will be over! Instead, they want to shove such a !@#$%^& lame excuse down our throats!! Pathetic.
Whomever is in-change of their PR and the relevant senior people are bloody morons.
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I think Vietnam is better than Singapore……..
PUI………….
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Still no evidence of “handcuffed for safety” anywhere on the net, no screenshots, no nothing.
Is the writer of this article being stupid and trying to get TR into trouble? Want to shoot and kill effectively, at least make sure the ammo is real and not shoot blanks!
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After the Mas blunder, the Home team now have ZERO credibility.
Up till today we still do not know how he got out of the country that was locked down,nor out of Whitley.
That is why the Malaysians think it is safer to keep him themselves.
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The police looks 20 something.
The photographer looks 50 something.
Who is teaching who to suck eggs?
If the photographer looks like a punk –or a wayward teenager ; the police story may sound believable…but this shit!
If at all if someone can teach something about life–surely a 50 year old can teach something to a 20 year old.Notwithstanding the uniform the police wears.Just because a person wears an uniform it does not make him/her an authority on worldly matters on wisdom.
Besides how many flood situation in Singapore had a young policeman seen to make him an expert in flood-safety?…for all we know the likelihood of a young policeman standing on the wrong end of flood is greater than an elderly Singaporean.
Who is teaching whom here?
And…why the need to handcuff ?
Please lah.If the police made a mistake simply apologize and the matter ends.The problem is further hasten only when the police try to be little LKY..who never apologizes or want to be caught making a mistake.
Let LKY be LKY why the need for every policeman to be little LKY?
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Good work, SPF. Bravo! People can now see the true colours of the PAP dogs.
First, Selamat, then Silviu, now Wu Qing Shun. This is very good. The more SPF act like idiot clown, the more people will not vote for PAP. Fcuk these tyrants.
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i will very much welcome the police to patrol my neighbourhood in taman jurong. we have so many foreign workers drinking below the block every night and not to mention that there is a lot of urine in lifts. security is a problem especially for ladies returning home late at night.
previously, we can always see a police presence in neighbourhood which are having potential prblems but nowadaya, i hardly see any police doing their patrolling.
instead, the police force have decided to dedicate themselves to prevent pictures being taken…
well done.
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We need more of John Waynes and not overpaid parasites. I recall how one of them talked to me over the phone, “So now, what do u want?” Utterly disgusted, they should send them for upgrading!
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Personal safety ? Being handcuffed results in restriction of movement and is usually indicative of criminality.
How is he going to swim in the flood and shout for rescue. Would anyone come to his rescue if he is really in danger ? On the contrary, people may look at him with disdain while seeing him in handcuff. This is all in singapore.
Why even bother coming out with such a press statement, if what TR says is true. The whole SDF ought to relook at their own behavior and the way they come out with explanation.
No decent public individual should suffer such a humiliation and yet have to see the lawful force validating such a humiliation with a matching hollow explanation which is difficult to bite even among their own officers in private. It is just adding salt to injury.
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FOR HK POLICE THERE IS THIS BRANCH CALLED:
C&IIB
http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/11_useful_info/doc/Epgo026.pdf
do singapore have any?
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PMO has issued orders to all ministries and stat boards to tone down ALL flood-related news and reports. Hence both MHA and MICA have strongly pressed upon their respective charges namely SPF and SPH to portray the recent & constant bouts of flooding as normal “summer showers”. The irony is that 2 employees from the respective organisations ended up at both ends. The policeman fully expected the photographer to understand his hidden meaning of “not interfering” with police matters. Unfortunately the photographer either not briefed by his bosses, or just simply want to action & get glory as he knows other reporters scared to report too much.
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did wanbao sales goes up or shin ming news still number 1?
just a curious question.
the most important thing is hope the government or minister wong kan seng can say something very fair to both parties the policeman and the reporter.
that time obama invite a policeman and university professor to the white house to settle an issue. hope our government or ministers can be as open and transparent as well.
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Boy boy thinks that People’s Republic of Chingapore would also be a pretty good name since the government is clearly welcoming Chinese nationals with open arms and not caring about how the locals feel. It also shows the ineptitude the police force has displayed with this so-called “arrest for safety reasons” – it feels like we’re moving towards communism.
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Hi TR, what is the issue with police handcuffing someone?
They have the right is it not?
the native citizens are not even against the ISD system , so i dun see what is the issue about this issue.
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A new word come into my mind – “Police bully”
We have school bully, road bully. This one obvious must be “police bully”.
Why bully a citizen who is also doing his job ? In what way he has endangered his own life ?
The employer should pursue the matter and let the police know that Singapore is a lawful place too…Don’t take law into your hand.
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Yea, my immediate thoughts after reading the headline was that Singapore didn’t want this freak flood to be publicized cos hey, we’re afterall known as the perfect country, free from natural disasters and always wanting the top spots.
Singapore’s arrogant of what we’ve achieved so far thus a shed of light and truth of this ‘freaky flood’ to possibly international media would ‘put us to shame’ as we’re slowly running away from the ‘flawless’ image and system that we have.
.
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You people got to just stop criticising your country. Totally unbelievable. Its a disgrace people making judgement without having the full picture of the situation. Its already a hazardous job as a police officer and you people can actually link it to PAP. Do you think they give a damn? Handcuff is used only when the idiot consistantly refuse to adhere to the advise of the officer. Just imagine yourselves in the shoes of the officer and this idiot starts clicking away behind you. You have to look out for the traffic and the safety of people. What if the photograher falls into the drain or canal and died in the process. I can assure the treads won’t be nice and i’m not surprise the opposition start taking advantage with brainwashing. I’m not a fan of PAP but i’m totally upset at the simple mind of Singaporean. PAP or no PAP, lets just do your part and make Singapore a better place.
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Come to think of it, the injustice suffered by Mr Wu is quite insignificant if you compare it to the many locked away without trial at the pretext of being Communist or Marxist.
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Weaponry inclusive of handcuff must have its respective standard operation procedures in providing references and guidelines to enforcers on how to carry out their duties with proper diligences within legal authority boundary.
I can’t really see a point of handcuffing an innocent who is just carrying a camera on hand, and can’t really help the police to define danger in this circumstance. Every policeman, especially a high ranked file such as an unidentified police officer, is properly trained on both psychology and procedurals which qualify them to be fit for their duties. For this case, I could really help but doubt the integrity of the system. I hope the Police Force can clarify the details of this incident and take appropriate corrective and preventive actions to rectify its non-conformances if found.
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For safety reasons, all those who criticize or write bad things about singapore will be issued detention orders by the ISD. They will be detained till after 9 august.
Recalcitrants will be labelled as TERRORISTS and detained for at least TWO years for re-education.
WARNING: This website and its accompanying posts are being closely monitored for any subversive remarks and/or activities against the State and its law enforcers.
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From an objective point of view, the Policeman was doing his job to ensure order despite the chaotic scene of cars landed up in the renovation road lane, while the cameraman wants to get some good shots of the car in the water. However, in order to do that, the cameraman has to move into the area where it is not safe. As you can see, the policeman has to ensure the safety of all citizens at the scene. Thus, he has to tell him to move out of the area. However, being professional cameraman, he will not move because he assumes the place he is at is the best spot to take shots of the scene for his newspapers article. Since he refuses to move, the police has to move in to pull him out. This is very common sense as the police has to answer for another dead cameraman should the flash flood wash the cameraman into the canal. Thus, arresting the cameraman who is not observing safety (sacrificing his life for the sake of his job) is the best option.
Therefore, from this thinking we know what really went on. Of course, the cameraman will still feel that he was illtreated but he may not realise the danger of standing in moving waters especially flash floods. Had our drainage system being much worse, then the cameraman would have been swept away.
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If I am not remember wrongly, last time the police also have done something to someone and later said that is for the safety of someone. I don’t believe the police any more. Wan bao must sue the police to let us know xin fault is. Our police is not protecting our citizens but bullying us. And you know who is the minister in charge and whom he related to. The police must apologise to our people. They are doing the wrong thing and wasting taxpayers’ money.
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To SERVING FOR THE MONEY NOT FOR THE PEOPLE,
You may want to reconsider what you have just reply here. The police is doing a great job, maybe if you are not happy, move to Brazil or Italy, it is a better place for you who feels that police in Sg is not helpful at all.
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SPF pls explain, 1. How handcuffing someone that is able-bodied and mentally sound in a flood situation can be for his ‘personal safety?’ 2. Why detain for an hour hampering Mr. Wu’s livelihood? Should Mr Wu be compensated? 3. What assessment was Mr. Wu subjected to before release? 4. Under who’s order are the policemen taking orders from? 5.Maybe the spokesperson should come out with a more detailed explanations so that daft citizens are make to understand.
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Folks, first they tell you do not expect flood free Singapore!!
Now they are SHOWING you do not expect press free Singapore!!
And they are doing the TWO things at one go!!
That’s what you called ‘PRODUCTIVE’!! THREE THINGS!!!!
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Well I do guess most of us have the same thinking and questions on our police officer .
Maybe what have to be done by a well respected SPF , the officer have to access the situations when neccessay . If a deterrent have to be carried out due to numerous warning and advise than SOMETHING HAVE TO BE DONE .As a uniform personnel the decions making is impotant . It also carries the image of the organisation he is working .
Sigh ….
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Policemen on duty were doing their job. They were so busy that day for the safety of each and everyone of us in SINGAPORE. Think! Why would they want to detain him for no reason. They have their duty to look after the safety of everyone here.
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Wow im impressed by all the comment posted by netizen in TR. They are here to provide new angle to see things, however often is against our grandfather. I am just worry that our grandfather will one day be pissed off by netizen in TR and stop this channel in the name of safty…
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i don’t understand why this reporter is not arrested and fine by NEA and police for hawking his wares in flooded town,
photographing anything without a license requires his camera to be confiscated and land in front of the judge, not by the river,canal or flooded town, this is the law.
always number one, country must uphold all forms of punishment regardless if its morally or common sense right or wrong.
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Not all policeman unprofessional. In this incident, this policeman i think make a wrong judgement, he should focus on helping to ease the traffic, not show off his power to handcuff people, look at his face, those smart-alex type, he ought to be demoted.
Anyway GE2010 is coming, lets make sure PAP understand What we locals are thinking, is time to vote , every vote counts they should lose a few seats then they will wake up. All these years PUB has been sleeping,everyday see them dig the road everywhere dig in the end still flood. if this happen in other countries, minister and the head of PUB has already been remove from office.
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TALK ALL U WANT, U COWARD SINGAPOREANS! DO IT FOR ONCE AND ALL,…REVOLT!
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If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.
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That policeman who handcuffed him was trying to carry balls… PAP’s balls, that is, and his superior’s.
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請停止指責警方和政府。不宜作出評論，因為我們不是當事人的。在現場的人知道他們在做什麼。請給他們一些時間來解釋。謝謝 ..
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Upon seeing lots of replies from people commenting that the state of singapore is denigrating near the communist north korea zone, i couldn agree more. Singapore is supposed to be a democratic country, and it is obvious we are heading down the same winding road Hitler and Kim Jong Il led their people- doom. Our speech and freedom is confined to a pathetically small area called the People’s Corner (if i am not wrong), and even if you want to protest against something there, whatever you say is monitored and recorded. But this is understandable. imagine people inciting racial unrest- singapore has a very delicate and fragile racial balance: recall the starting years of Singapore when the merger took place: it was chinese vs the malays due to propaganda by the then UMNO in Malaysia. Without such strict controls and harsh measures,Singapore would never have been a first-world country.
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I am really pissed after seeing this:
However, the Singapore police is adamant that it did nothing wrong and sent a threatening message that anybody convicted of ”interfering” with the police carrying out its “public duty” will be sentenced to a jail term no less than three years or fined up to $2,500 or both.
The Singapore police is overwhelming powerful in Singapore with no independent bodies such as a commission on police misconduct to check on it.
Totally reminded me of Nazi Germany- SA, SS and the Gestapo.
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This kind of harassment of photographers has been on the rise in the western world including Singapore, particularly Britain and USA, mostly using terrorism, invasion of privacy, pedophilia, photographing on private properties as excuses. In fact, right now, you probably have more freedom taking photos in China than most of the western countries.
In Singapore, there are many signs put up to warn against photography, especially in MRT stations. You see tourists snapping away in the MRT, and the officers don’t really bother, but the moment you act like you are a professional photographer they will come after you and ask you to stop. You can walk past construction workers with a camera, and you will hear shoutings and quickly you will see the workers putting on their helmets if they aren’t in the first place. It is fear and paranoia.
It is also important for photographers to know their rights, and equally important not to over react in testy situations. Best is to insist politely that you have the right to take photos. Walk away if the officer still insists you can’t, then write a very polite but tough letter of complaint to the top brass.
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lim swee say:
July 18, 2010 at 6:02 pm
TALK ALL U WANT, U COWARD SINGAPOREANS! DO IT FOR ONCE AND ALL,…REVOLT!
——————————————————————–
LIM SWEE SAY
This webside for Singaporean. And who the Fxxk are you to siad we Signaporean are Coward.
You are the Truth COWARD for not mention your address, Nationality and contacts. You are the TRUTH Fxxker of your own country.
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Singapore police suck! What else can i say? i reported a missing Cell phone and they just laugh at me and said they are not equipped to do a trace. Stupid! Serve & protect man! just sitting their asses off. 2 words for you, “YOU SUCK!”
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what an utter joke.
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welcome to guantanatosa!
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I foresee the day when chemical-laced water cannons, tear gas and baton-carrying riot police and CDF personnel will confront local Singaporeans. What can happen in Malaysia to peaceful protestors can also happen here. There is no doubt that the powers that be ruling present day Singapore will ever allow their lost of power over the country and they can be ruthless. The only way to dislodge them is through the ballot box. The handcuffing of the photographer on what should be a normal event is a prelude of bad things to come. So be prepared for who knows what can happen to you even though you have no intention of doing wrong, just like this photographer. Incidentally, a report just came in that says an author of a book Alan Shadrake was arrested and taken away.
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Strange..If u get beaten up bloodied and all with no broken bones..The police even if they turn up,they’l let the fella go and tell u to lodge a Magistrate complaint…
But if u stand around during rain and take picture ..they’l handcuff U…
hmmm so strange …
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This reminds me of the Malaysian episode whereby a Chinese woman reporter and a woman Member of Parliament was arrested and thrown into jail for their own safety. Yes, for their own safety. That’s what the Malaysian police said. So this is where our Singapore police learned from the best of the best of the best police in the whole wide world. If someone’s safety is at risk, just arrest them and throw them into jail. Wonderful.
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There is a police man on duty there, so, don’t show your photographic skills before him, you may be making him morally disturbed when he is doing his job, Of course he need to save you when you and your camera floats away in the rain water !!!. Don’t stand as a odd man out with your camera !!!. Inform the policeman that you are there to take photo first.
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This police officer could have watched the Die Hard series over and over again, isn’t it?
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We wait for tomorrow.
The Minister will speak in Parliament tomorrow.
They must be working overtime today to prepare for tomorrow’s sitting in Parliament.
Damage control in a flash flood is expected.
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This police officer could be given a special mention at the National Day and probably given a medal for his quick action with the handcuff to save a life.
We can wait too for the National Rally Speech. There could be some colourful projected slides too to give better effect and presentation.
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So is this the police policing itself? whatever they say and do must be correct? if in doubt check with the police?
We are not children here… please give a more credible answer.
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@cclcclccl
I just love you expressions.
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War is peace.
Freedom is slavery.
Ignorance is strength.
Handcuffed for you safety. Sounds familiar?
That douchebag of a policeman shown in the article’s photo does bear an uncanny resemblance to Lui Tuck Yew. Just an observation.
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Operation Cold storage 2
The return of Gung-ho reporter
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Journalist face $2,500 and jail terms only, sentence too light
Interfering with police work is a serious crime
It is a matter of life and death recsue job
Caning should be carried whether it is MediaCorps Journalist or SPH Journalist or foreign jounralist
Why no caning ??? please check the law book again that is the maximum a Judge can give
Maybe the judge should ignore the currently law, and invent a harsher law. fine $3,000, jail 1 year, 2 stroke of the cane to protect the public safety for the good of Singapore Citizens
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Lets check if anybody knows if our Police commissional or CDF PAP members or department heads PAP related? They should all be removed from their post as they can never be impartial.
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If the Singapore Police is so hard at work, why do they not simply ARREST the well-paid PAP Ministers who are RESPONSIBLE for the flooding?
Even better, the Singapore Police should arrest the old fart and his little boy and his little boy’s man-like wife for usurping power without approval of Singaporeans and for abuse of power and cronyism and waste of public funds.
Singapore Police is the the dogs of the old fart.
Vote the old fart and his PAP and little boy out, and clean house.
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吴庆顺应该找人把事件搬演一下（就像 《绳之以法》 搬演罪案） 上载到互联网上，让大家更清楚地看到事件发生的经过。
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We read evry so often, people gets punched by bullies, call police, and these upholders of law – supposedly – ask you to settle it yourself; go get a magistrate order if you want justice,etc, etc. The handcuffs are safely tucked in. Now you take unflattering photos of floods, they handcuff you. If the floods are not due to incompetence on the part of the gods and immortals of Singapore (remember ??), lesser mortals maybe allowed to take photos of nature’s handiworks. How to believe now that the floods in Singapore are the acts of the God in Heaven ?
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Please, this is a WB photographer! It’s a freaking tabloid! Have you guys seen how they behave?! Remember the news conference that Jack Neo called after his affair became public? Did you guys see the VIDEO of the journalists MOBBING Mrs Neo?! It was disgusting! Here is a woman in distress and they were harassing her!
This has NOTHING to do with freedom of the press.
Imagine if you were driving/walking down that flooded road, the traffic was backed up and the photographer was standing in a inappropriate position blocking vehicles/pedestrians from passing or endangering his and other peoples lives. Is that acceptable?
Plus, it’s obvious he already had photos of what he needed, they were published weren’t they? He asked to take ONE more photo? And that ONE photo was gonna make or break his story?! COME ON! It was just a flood?!
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Mr Wu should count himself lucky that
the nightstick and teargas were not
used on him. And let’s not forget the
gun.
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@ Lin,
What talking you??
If a photographer of CNN or CNBC was taking photos of the Mexican Gulf oil spill and got handcuffed by a policeman, all hell could have gone loose,when he is being told that it’s for his own safty!!
Were you at the scene when the incident happened?? If no, then how do you paint the actual happenings at that material time??
A photographer’s job is to take photos, even in difficult and dangerous
situations and is inmaterial how many photos he takes!!
Did you see any reporters or photographers being hand cuffed in the recent
yellow and red shirts clashes in Thailand??
A picture speaks a thousand words!!
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This incident goes to PROVE only ONE THING about the PAPies.
***********************************
*** THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO HIDE ***
***********************************
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Shouldn’t the policeman be at fault? i mean seriously from my view of this , this whole commotion was caused by the stupidity of the policeman not the PAP or anyone else.In my opinion,that policeman should should be taking all the blame or even be arrested o.o just an opinion of a 11 year old , no offence intended
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new law or what ?
Police can “handcuffed” anyone for your own “personal safety”.
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Tan Kok Seng:
July 19, 2010 at 7:00 pm
SIN is ruled through the law (the law according to one whose name need not be mentioned) and not by the law, justice, which is absence in SIN.
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what a lousy excuse ! can we handcuff a policeman becoz he carry a gun with him ? what happen if he suddenly go crazy and start to shoot at ppl ? who know ? can we handcuff him for our own personal safety reason ?
btw , wong did not respond about this issue in the parliament today , why ? i don’t think he able to explain beside apologize to the reporter and the public .
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Now, let’s be logical here. Firstly there have only been very few details given about this episode, so let’s not go around blaming the police and the gahmen. Sure, I don’t like them too, and I wonder why they can’t just tell us everything if they have nothing to hide. But still, by throwing around accusations like that, we’re being just as unreasonable as we say they are.
It could probably be that the photographer was endangering himself – floods carry a lot of danger after all – and the policeman was really trying to stop him.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not some kind of dumb Communist. I’m just saying, we shouldn’t condemn people without proof.
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The Pro Alien Party must have learned this lesson from
the botak minister during Pak Lah’s time. When he was asked
why he had detained a reporter (or was it a MP) under ISA,
he replied that it was done to protect her!
They are equally stupid, or daft as olefart would have it.
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Singapore Citizen Abuse By Singapore Police Officer
FIRST EMAIL
Assistant Superintendent Of Police,
As spoken over the phone i am not happy with your reply.
So now again i made a written email over to you to made a complaint & see how you intend to take up the case?
As spoken over the phone you give me a call and say that you have notice my complaint and will give a verbal warning to that particular officer.
You have apologises to me over the incident unknowingly expect me to be happy about the action that he had did.
Than I told you i not happy about the verbal warning that you serve to that particular officer than you offer to meet me up for further discussion.
Stated below is a 2 incident which i have issue with. (Geylang NPC Officer)
Incident 1
I was riding on my bike
Intend to turn to a lane so call back alley.
2 police officers stop me from going throught the lane.
They told me to come down from my bike and push through the lane
I sitting on my bike , than ask them can i give you a few question , They say OK. I blast them question untill they are not able to answer me. Than this police officer call Mr(A)
Suddenly DEMAND to check my IC to them reason was given was rountine check.
Point 1) Assume If i obey their instruction nothing happen,right?
I refused to give them because i was thinking if i never ask them question and say
YES SIR OK SIR THANK YOU SIR SORRY SIR.
Would i be spot check by them?
So i was thinking Why should i give them my IC for verification?
i said i want go to your NPC to give my IC rather than giving you.
Mr(A) take out his handcuff intend to handcuff me said i refused to
co-operate with police instruction.
Another Officer (B) stop him than proceed to talk to me nicely.
Mr(A) was talking over his mobile phone calling for BACKUP etc…..
i was afraid of being handcuff so in the end i give Mr(B) my IC.
I heard Mr(A) talking to Mr(B) BACKUP NOT COMING.
Question: What going to happen to me if the back-up police arrived & support him(A) ?
Would i be arrested ?
(A) was smiling.
(A) mention want to charge me for committing traffice offences.
I ask (A) for his name and he refused to give me his name.
In the end (B) write on a piece of paper & pass to me.
After taking down my particular,They allow me to go.
I DID NOT TURN Left INTO THE LANE Or Road i intend to go , I GO STRAIGHT TO THE MAIN ROAD toward Geylang NPC.
i straight away go to their Geylang NPC to make a complaint about
Mr(A) behaviour.
1 guy approach me say he was the supervisior.
i want to make a report or statment against him
He say not a need to as he will do a follow up to his CO or OC
Quality people will call me for feedback.
i believe his words so i left.
March i received a traffic police summon that i being charge.
The charges is i ride on the so call FOOTWAY.
i call TP ask them what is FOOTWAY , they told me is pavement.
I WAS RIDING ON THE ROAD INTEND TO TURN LEFT WHICH IS A ROAD ALSO , JUST THAT THE ROAD GOT NO MARKING , SOMETHING LIKE LANDED PROPERTY ROAD.
NO MARKING.
IN THE END I NEVER TURN , INSTEAD I WENT STRAIGHT TO MAIN ROAD.
What the TP talking about (PAVEMENT)?
Me and mine bike was all the way on the road.
There was no pavement at ALL.
TP told me (A) report the case so TP just proceed to charges me.
Meaning to said TP based on what police officers had said they just charge me without any investigation being done. True/False?
In Fact actually assume Mr(A) cannot do anything to me because i am on the road so (A) create a STORY to TP that i ride on the pavement.
i ask many police officer even high rank officers regarding that particular spot Is it consider a pavement?
Their reply is “Not Sure No Idea”
I ask other officer was it your duty to stop motorist to pass throught this lane?
They reply me their duty is to patrol the area , look out for illegal activites.
Mr ASP: What is this police officer ( A ) doing down there guiding traffic?
Did Geylang NPC gave him a role to summon people or stop motorist passing the lane?
March TP staff assistant Mr F call me as i made a feedback to LTA but they not able to answer me that why refer this matter to TP.
LTA refer my feedback to TP & TP Call me up.
The conversation was recorded.
Our understanding was it was a grey area from
TP staff assistant Mr F.
Incident 2
On the March i was walking along the back alley between this road. I approach 2 police officers.
I ask them can i ask you a question?
They both reply rudely to me why you want to ask question?
i reply back why i cannot ask you a question?
Than this Officer(A) said ok what you want to ask?
i ask him can a police officer walk along the street with a baton on his hand? Walking like a gangster?
He reply me Loudly & Rudely to me are you a singaporean?
You know what is this area?
i was thinking i was asking you a question and you ask me back question?
So before you answer my question i should answer your question first?
Both police officer name is Mr L & Mr M
Mr ASP, March i call you up for this case
You mention that Police officer Mr L was not from your Geylang NPC. Case Closed. No Reply Or Action About the Rudely Officers.
NO REPLY , MY SECOND EMAIL TO GOVERNMENT MANY EMAIL &
MR Wong Kan Seng
i just want to make known to Everybody in this email & People from Ministry of Home Affairs that the police officer had caused me serious damages to me physically & mentally.
I am very emotionally upset over this incident.
My opinion about this police officer is that he is seriously dangerous to the public.
His action toward me on the March was an act of his own selfish motive to cause serious damages to me physically & mentally.
What if a person who is not Educated have a disputes with this police officer and ended up whacking or vebally scolded the policer officer.
Who is in the wrong?
The person will be charge for assaulting a police officer be it who fault was it.
Is it fair for the person?
I WAS TOLERATING HIM MENTALLY THOUGHTOUT THE ORDEAL I HAD WITH HIM.
IMAGINE HOW MUCH I SUFFERED DURING THIS PERIOD I HAVE WITH HIM ??
WHAT HAPPEN IF THE OTHER OFFICER SUPPORT HIM OR THE BACK-UP OFFICER,I WILL BE ARRESTED.
And the Traffic Police charged me for committing a offence based on what the police officer said or reported which is totally untrue.
Traffic Police NEVER investigated the matter at all & slap me with a fine.
An Account Of What Action i take further & Reply From Traffic Police
I went to see my PAP MP many time finally TP waived the summon but maintain that i still commited the offences & Be Recorded.
TP send a letter saying If you not happy about this matter you can bring this matter to the Subordinate Court
The End
I Can Be Contact [email protected]
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Where is Clint Eastwood when we need him ?
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hey folks,police said journalist handcuffed for his own safety,right?
next NDP,for the highest safety during Guards of Honour review,they must handcuffed President Nathan and walk side by side with him for his own safety.lah,what else!
will they do that,i wonder?!
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by the way,for this coming GE’s WALKABOUTS,the police must also handcuffed all the MIWs MPs,including LKY and LSL and their much “beloved” boss,WKS during their canvassing for votes in the housing esatetes.Also,for their own safety?
how,will the police do it?…for safety’s sake?
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now.. looks like everyone is blaming the police for handcuffing the photograher. I am not trying to side anyone here esp . the one person who was handcuffed feeling unhappy. One thing, the police must have a very good reasons. Can the photograher been over zealous and placed him self in a postion that it can be dangerous from any one ’s point of view and had been told of the consequences.
It a matter of descretionary opinion as to what is safety and not and perhaps the correct part is indeed the police who has the responsiblity of ground control at point of time. but if there is any injury , not just that a lot of fingers pointing but it will be more unking to the photograher’s family as the disaster can happen in seconds and it may be normal one sec and the next second can be totally devastating.
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Police, from my own contact experience, is notorious for abusing public trust. They manipulated procedure to deny clients from pursuing legitimate complaints of law offence. When one makes a signed police report, the complainant should get a copy in evidence so that if there is any dispute of contents, it can be challenged in the court-room. The police kept the original and refused the complaint a copy of the same. They can easily “disappear” that copy in any evidential dispute and the complainant has no recourse or even proof that a formal complaint had been formally lodged in some details instead of oral. The result is crime by foreigners had been looked past as if nothing serious happened. A lot can be said of the decadent police culture which the Home Minister has a public duty of care to look into transparency of police conduct in dealing with law-abiding public complaint. I have reasons to believed that it was instigated from higher up. A promised written response never came and the offence is continuiing. So much for the respect of a key public institution.
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Personal safety? My foot. He is a full grown adult, not a child. He is responsible for his own actions. By the way there is no security cordon or barrier to warn people to kept out. This policeman is trying to show off his powers, or rather abusing his powers.
I totally support Mr Shafie Goh. Everybody has the civil rights to be at a public place to witness a natural phenomenon. Journalists especially has the right to report news in the public interests. The Police has no rights to restrain peaceful people like Mr Shafie Goh who did not use violence or force against the Police. This is a gross violation of Human Rights in Singapore.
It is my personal opinion that Singapore has an environment of authoritarianism, both in the government, and to a lesser extend also in the private sector. The private sector gets its cue from the government.
I’ve experienced many instances of authoritarian behaviour from government servants, such as police officers, immigration officers, carpark attendents, security personnel, officious election officers among others. They have no respect for the legitimate and lawful civil rights of citizens.
These people think that they are so powerful that everybody has to listen and obey their every command, however unreasonable they may be. They think that wearing the uniform gives them extraordinary powers to abuse ordinary citizens anyway and anyhow they like. They could just issue you with a summons ticket, just by gesturing to you, and you are expected to understand what they want and you must obey them immediately, just a few seconds to ask for an explanation, and you are given the ticket. No use to argue or protest. They don’t understand the word “respect” for the man in the street. On the contrary, they think that they are so powerful that they expect you to obey them immediately and instantly, although you may have the lawful right as a citizen of Singapore. These bad hats may form a minority of the police force and government officers, but if they are not disciplined by those higher ups responsible for their actions, then Singapore’s reputation as an authoritarian place will be confirmed to not only its citizens, but also to the rest of the world as well.
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The yahoo blogpost must be logged in now ! Foreget it then. Business has slowed down a lot. Now, I’ve switched to this site for freedom of speech. heehee.
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