Part One
Part Two
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Showing posts with label Forum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forum. Show all posts
14 Apr 2007
Singapore: Packed audience at SDP forum
From The OnlineCitizen
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) held a public forum to a packed audience of between 160 to 180 people at the Sheraton Towers hotel on friday.
The Singapore Police and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) had earlier rejected the SDP’s application for professional visit passes to be given to its overseas speakers to speak at the forum on the grounds of “public interest”. (Channelnewsasia) The authorities had only informed the SDP of the decision the evening before the event, although the application was made 2 weeks prior, according to Ms Chee Siok Chin who was the host of the evening’s conference.
The overseas speakers were from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), which included members of the European parliament and the Council of Asian Liberal and Democrats (CALD) which included a Cambodian and a Congresswoman from the Philippines.
The SDP is a member of the CALD.
In her opening address and expressing her “utter disappointment and dismay” at the government’s ban on the foreign speakers from speaking, Ms Chee told the audience, “Clean, affluent, efficient and modern Singapore is probably the only country in the world that professes to be democratic but prohibits international democrats from addressing the Singapore public.”
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The link is to the online citizen. It contains more pictures.
A real most see though has to be Expat@Large's take on the evening. Really makes me laugh out loud.
Our Silence Says All That We Need To Say
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) held a public forum to a packed audience of between 160 to 180 people at the Sheraton Towers hotel on friday.
The Singapore Police and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) had earlier rejected the SDP’s application for professional visit passes to be given to its overseas speakers to speak at the forum on the grounds of “public interest”. (Channelnewsasia) The authorities had only informed the SDP of the decision the evening before the event, although the application was made 2 weeks prior, according to Ms Chee Siok Chin who was the host of the evening’s conference.
The overseas speakers were from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), which included members of the European parliament and the Council of Asian Liberal and Democrats (CALD) which included a Cambodian and a Congresswoman from the Philippines.
The SDP is a member of the CALD.
In her opening address and expressing her “utter disappointment and dismay” at the government’s ban on the foreign speakers from speaking, Ms Chee told the audience, “Clean, affluent, efficient and modern Singapore is probably the only country in the world that professes to be democratic but prohibits international democrats from addressing the Singapore public.”
to continue reading
The link is to the online citizen. It contains more pictures.
A real most see though has to be Expat@Large's take on the evening. Really makes me laugh out loud.
Our Silence Says All That We Need To Say
A forum on the failures of the PAP Leadership
The Development of Democracy in Asia And Europe
13 April 2007
Sheraton Towers, Opal Ballroom
7pm
Organised by ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe) & CALD (Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats)
Aside from the refusal to permit the European Parliamentarians to speak at the forum, which generated bad publicity for the PAP government on an international scale, (as the gag order resulted in the news even on the BBC website); it proceeded without a hitch, as promised by the organisers.
Dr Chee, the Secretary General of SDP, of which the party is a member of CALD, spoke on the failures of the PAP leadership, focusing on the economic front. After flashing out certain quotes by Minister Mentor, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and relating life stories on how the poor in Singapore survived on miserable amounts of salaries, Dr Chee brought out an array of statistics from various sources to support his validations on the failures of the PAP economic strategies.
They include (but not limited to):
· Monthly wages for low skilled workers decreased by 34% from $746 in 1998 to $492 in 1999. In 1999, 14,700 earned less than $200 per month and 2000 age eligible children did not attend school, as parents were unable to afford their education in 1999.
Inter-country comparisons between Singapore and Hong Kong were also made to reflect the dire situation in the former.
While foreign exchange reserves in Singapore and Hong Kong are impressive, the former at 134.6 US Billion Dollars and the latter at 132, the similarities ended there:
· The public debt ratio as a % of Singapore is 100.6% (9th out of 120 countries) while Hong Kong is only 1% (120th out of 120).
· Singapore's consumption share of GDP is 20% below Hong Kong and its household debt as a % of disposable income is 174%, higher than Britain at 116%, Japan at 100% and US at 90%. Clearly, the average Singapore Household is one of the most indebted in the world.
Quotes from academics about the PAP's economic strategy were more indicting. For example, Dan Fineman, in an article for FEER, said their economic strategies, "... hurt Singapore more than possibly any country on the planet." while Professor Greenway, NUS, commented that it, "... is creating significant inequalities to relative poverty..."
Dr Chee went on to cite more pessimistic statistics on how the nation building efforts of the PAP has resulted in citizen's apathy. He said that survey results revealed that more than 50% of young Singaporeans, between the ages of 15 to 30, indicated that they wanted to migrate to another country with 37% of them claiming that they were not patriotic. 50% of them did not care which country they were a citizen of, as long as they attained wealth. The average outflow per 1000 citizens is 26.11 in Singapore, the second highest in the world, lagging behind only East Timor.
Close to an hour's presentation, the forum managed to pinpoint the deficiencies of the PAP's leadership - that it has not only failed to bring economic prosperity to the majority of the population, but instead increased the relative wealth gap between the haves and the have nots. At the same time, they have brought the nation into spiritual degeneration by inculcating fear, apathy and an obsession with material achievements into its citizens.
On a side note, Singaporean's displeasure with the recent increase in ministerial salaries can be seen by the outpour of letters to the local newspapers and the largely justifying opinion pieces and news reports from other ministers and the nation building press. While the public rage was focused on how Ministerial Salaries should be set, the forum presents the perspective that the PAP government would not want the public to understand. In essence, they have failed to deliver what it has promised.
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13 Apr 2007
Singapore ban on foreign speakers may affect EU ties
Not a great day for the Peoples Action Party of Singapore. Then again it is Friday the 13th.
Friday 13 April 2007 from jurnalo
European Union lawmakers banned from speaking at a public forum in Singapore warned Friday they intended to take up the issue in the European Parliament.A statement by the EU assembly's Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, whose members were banned from speaking at the public forum, warned that the "unprecedented situation. throws into question democratic co-operation with Singapore. "
A spokesman for the group told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa the incident raised questions about Singapore's commitment to human rights and democracy.
As such, the liberal group would "consider withholding approval" of a new EU-Singapore cooperation agreement being negotiated by the two sides, the spokesman said.
The European Parliament must ratify all EU pacts with foreign countries. The EU assembly has held up several EU agreements in past years because of human rights concerns.
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Friday 13 April 2007 from jurnalo
European Union lawmakers banned from speaking at a public forum in Singapore warned Friday they intended to take up the issue in the European Parliament.A statement by the EU assembly's Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, whose members were banned from speaking at the public forum, warned that the "unprecedented situation. throws into question democratic co-operation with Singapore. "
A spokesman for the group told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa the incident raised questions about Singapore's commitment to human rights and democracy.
As such, the liberal group would "consider withholding approval" of a new EU-Singapore cooperation agreement being negotiated by the two sides, the spokesman said.
The European Parliament must ratify all EU pacts with foreign countries. The EU assembly has held up several EU agreements in past years because of human rights concerns.
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Danish Politician Threatened With Arrest in Singapore
[updated]
Other are saying that the forum attracted maybe about "50 including 20 or so journalists and SDP members". Via email.
I am trying to get information on how the forum went. Hoping that someone somewhere has recorded the proceedings. So far all I can find is this...
By Gregers Moller
A Danish politician, Anders Samuelson visiting Singapore has been told that if he speaks at a meeting promoting demoracy in Singapore he will be arrested. The same goes for seven other members of the EU parliament who are visiting Indonesia and Singapore this week.
Anders Samuelsen has complained about the restriction placed on him through a press release issued in Danish in Denmark. If this will land him in trouble in Singapore remains to be seen.
"It is indeed proof that the fight for democracy in Singapore is still on, when you can prohibit someone to speak at a public meeting," Samuelsen is quoted by the his party's press release.
Samuelsen and the seven EU parliamentarians are members of the liberal group in the EU parliament (ALDE).
The meeting is with the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD).
"I am shocked. This is state control of the worst kind and ought to be a black spot on the democratic conscience of the government. Jeg have along with the other participants objected to the foreign committee of the Singaporean parliament, but the decision stands. Also the EU ambassadors have had no luck in trying to influence the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore," Samuelsen says.
Still Samuelsen and his colleagues have decided to stay in the meeting.
"We have decided to participate anyway, but we have been issued a clear message that we will be arrested if we say something. It is absurd but then again it comes as no surprise when you consider the government of Singapore," he adds.
According to the press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sinagpore issue on Tuesday a statement saying that Singaporean politics were for Singaporeans only to debate and that foreigners who involve themselves in domestic Singaporean affairs are not welcome in Singapore.
Anders Samuelsen may while in Singapore be reached for additional comments on his mobile phone +45 5126 7616
Created 2007-04-13
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Yes, I was there at 7pm......the forum want on quite smoothly without the speeches of the foreign democrats.They were not even allowed to respond to questions from the floor. 3 SDP speakers including the chairperson Chee S Chin took the floor.Newcomer John Tan a masters grad from USA spoke first followed by Dr CSJ. The Opal Room was full house with many standing behind....maybe 100+ audience. The forum ended at 9.30pm. Watch www.singaporedemocrat.org for further reports on the forum the PAP Govt tried to kill with a misleading report in the ST today to prevent people from going....What a shame!
From bohchap1
Other are saying that the forum attracted maybe about "50 including 20 or so journalists and SDP members". Via email.
I am trying to get information on how the forum went. Hoping that someone somewhere has recorded the proceedings. So far all I can find is this...
By Gregers Moller
A Danish politician, Anders Samuelson visiting Singapore has been told that if he speaks at a meeting promoting demoracy in Singapore he will be arrested. The same goes for seven other members of the EU parliament who are visiting Indonesia and Singapore this week.
Anders Samuelsen has complained about the restriction placed on him through a press release issued in Danish in Denmark. If this will land him in trouble in Singapore remains to be seen.
"It is indeed proof that the fight for democracy in Singapore is still on, when you can prohibit someone to speak at a public meeting," Samuelsen is quoted by the his party's press release.
Samuelsen and the seven EU parliamentarians are members of the liberal group in the EU parliament (ALDE).
The meeting is with the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD).
"I am shocked. This is state control of the worst kind and ought to be a black spot on the democratic conscience of the government. Jeg have along with the other participants objected to the foreign committee of the Singaporean parliament, but the decision stands. Also the EU ambassadors have had no luck in trying to influence the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore," Samuelsen says.
Still Samuelsen and his colleagues have decided to stay in the meeting.
"We have decided to participate anyway, but we have been issued a clear message that we will be arrested if we say something. It is absurd but then again it comes as no surprise when you consider the government of Singapore," he adds.
According to the press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sinagpore issue on Tuesday a statement saying that Singaporean politics were for Singaporeans only to debate and that foreigners who involve themselves in domestic Singaporean affairs are not welcome in Singapore.
Anders Samuelsen may while in Singapore be reached for additional comments on his mobile phone +45 5126 7616
Created 2007-04-13
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Singapore: Forum to go on with local speakers
From the Social Democratic Party
13 Apr 07
Given that the police have banned the Members of the European Parliament (MEP) from speaking at tonight's forum, the speakers will not address the audience.
However, Dr Chee Soon Juan and other SDP leaders will go ahead with their talk as no permit is required for locals to speak at a public forum.
Therefore, event will go ahead and we call on Singaporeans to attend as the issue of the ministerial salary increase will take centre stage. Dr Chee will show how the PAP's political-economic strategy is harming the future of the nation.
So if you are have been unhappy with the issue of the pay hike, come down to Sheraton Towers Hotel, Scotts Road, at 7 pm at the Opal Ballroom and register your displeasure with the PAP.
This is also a chance for you to interact with the MEPs on an individual basis at the reception who will be present.
In the meantime, the delegation will be meeting with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ms Indranee Rajah, and other PAP MPs, this afternoon and will discuss this matter.
The Ambassador of the European Commission in Singapore has also been alerted to the situation.
It is ironic that today marks the 10th anniversary of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). Minister S Jayakumar is the guest-of-honor at a reception tonight. ASEF will be notified of the ban on the European speakers. It is understood that the European Parliament in Brussels will also be informed of the developments.
The MEPs will conduct a press conference at 6 pm this evening also at the Sheraton Hotel before the public forum. An official statement will be released from the delegation.
The SDP will issue a separate statement on the matter and reply to the propaganda put out by the Ministry of Home Affairs in its press release this morning.
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13 Apr 07
Given that the police have banned the Members of the European Parliament (MEP) from speaking at tonight's forum, the speakers will not address the audience.
However, Dr Chee Soon Juan and other SDP leaders will go ahead with their talk as no permit is required for locals to speak at a public forum.
Therefore, event will go ahead and we call on Singaporeans to attend as the issue of the ministerial salary increase will take centre stage. Dr Chee will show how the PAP's political-economic strategy is harming the future of the nation.
So if you are have been unhappy with the issue of the pay hike, come down to Sheraton Towers Hotel, Scotts Road, at 7 pm at the Opal Ballroom and register your displeasure with the PAP.
This is also a chance for you to interact with the MEPs on an individual basis at the reception who will be present.
In the meantime, the delegation will be meeting with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ms Indranee Rajah, and other PAP MPs, this afternoon and will discuss this matter.
The Ambassador of the European Commission in Singapore has also been alerted to the situation.
It is ironic that today marks the 10th anniversary of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). Minister S Jayakumar is the guest-of-honor at a reception tonight. ASEF will be notified of the ban on the European speakers. It is understood that the European Parliament in Brussels will also be informed of the developments.
The MEPs will conduct a press conference at 6 pm this evening also at the Sheraton Hotel before the public forum. An official statement will be released from the delegation.
The SDP will issue a separate statement on the matter and reply to the propaganda put out by the Ministry of Home Affairs in its press release this morning.
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