NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/351129/1/.html

SINGAPORE: Police have arrested a former Singaporean for the offence of "threatening, abusing or insulting a public servant".

In response to media queries, police confirmed that Gopalan Pallichadath Nair, who is now a US citizen, was arrested at Broadway Hotel along Serangoon Road on Saturday.

A warrant of arrest without bail was granted by the courts for the arrest.

Nair is alleged to have sent an email to the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General which contained statements amounting to the offence of insulting a public servant.

The statements were directed against Justice Belinda Ang, a Supreme Court judge. The statements were also posted on Nair's blog.

Nair is presently in police custody. He will be charged in court on Monday. - CNA/de

Author's Note: Gopalan Nair is not only a US citizen but a member of the california Bar.He stood for elections in 1988 and 1991 in Singapore, was harassed and persecuted by Lee Kuan Yew for his political beliefs, left for USA, obtained asylum and admitted to the California State Bar and practiced law ever since in Fremont, California near San Francisco.

He has been charged over the following act under Singapore law:


MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES (PUBLIC ORDER AND NUISANCE) ACT
(CHAPTER 184)

http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/

Threatening, abusing or insulting public servant

13D. —(1) Any person who in a public place or in a private place —(a) uses any indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a public servant in the execution of his duty as such public servant; or(b) distributes or displays to a public servant in the execution of his duty as such public servant any writing, sign or other visible representation which is indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.

[12/96]
(2) For the purpose of this section, “public servant” has the same meaning as in the Penal Code (Cap. 224) and includes any other officer who, by virtue of any other written law, is deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of that Code.

Related Links:

Gopalan Nair's Blog (http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/)
Singapore Forum on discussion of his arrest (http://sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/319185)

Notes about me: I am currently a Singaporean student studying in Sydney at the University of New South Wales who is highly critical of the Singapore government's suppression of political rights of their citizens.

And?

So a man broke the law of Singapore, which he knew well, and has been arressted because of it so what.

Notes about me: I am currently a Singaporean student studying in Sydney at the University of New South Wales who is highly critical of the Singapore government's suppression of political rights of their citizens.

Are you saying you are highly critical of the suppression of political rights of citizens in Singapore or the UNSW is?

WTB [Care]. He broke a law, a stupid law, but still a law. If he wants to mouth off about the resident dictator perhaps he ought do it somewhere else eh?

Arrest huh? Well I suppose that'll happen when you break the law. Just because you don't agree with it doesn't make it go away.

UofA is going to kick UNSW and everyone else in the Warman competition this year.

So a man broke the law of Singapore, which he knew well, and has been arressted because of it so what.
The presumed intention being to point out what a stupid law it is.

I highly approve of Civil Disobedience as a technique for change. Good luck!

I am personally critical of their suppression of the political rights of people in my country.I am hoping to find sympathisers and supporters among the online community.

My university is in no way associated with the current incident or any political incidents currently related to the government of Singapore.

Well, at the very least, you can take some small relief in the fact that it's not run like your neighboring country. Dissidents, noisy ones, usually don't get the benefits of a show trial. They just disappear into ISA holding cells, never to be seen again.

*shakes his head at the collective cynicism/apathy of NSG*

I think Nair was asking for trouble. the reason he fled in the first place was because he got in hot water. coming back to Singapore and stirring things up wasn't exactly an act of genius. I suppose he thought that having a US passport automatically meant he was going to get treated with kid gloves. He should have known better, and should have assumed that ISD were going to wait for him to slip whenever was back in the city.

Personally I've go little time for people who want to have a go a the government then run away and hide when the inevitable happens. Either play by the rules or make your point an d accept the consequences, but hiding behind someone else and jumping out to shout "boo", then running away again, I have no time for that.

*makes reminder to add Singapore to countries with rubbish governments list*

Hehe, "Nair"..

I think Nair was asking for trouble. the reason he fled in the first place was because he got in hot water. coming back to Singapore and stirring things up wasn't exactly an act of genius. I suppose he thought that having a US passport automatically meant he was going to get treated with kid gloves. He should have known better, and should have assumed that ISD were going to wait for him to slip whenever was back in the city.

Personally I've go little time for people who want to have a go a the government then run away and hide when the inevitable happens. Either play by the rules or make your point an d accept the consequences, but hiding behind someone else and jumping out to shout "boo", then running away again, I have no time for that.

Given the behaviour of our government,which tends to sue oppositions figures into poverty and enacts laws that benefit the ruling party,such as using the GRC strategy and allowing inexperienced MPs to ride on the coattails of a minister or senior MP, the guerilla tactic is perfectly valid when dealing with them.

That is my personal opinion. Civil disobedience is not much point unless you have the numbers and unfortunately,Singaporeans tend to be sheep.

They will target you money,sue you into bankruptcy and ensure you are crippled,essentially crippling you and attacking your means to provide for your family.

A politician with a family cannot afford to speak up as it will affect his 'rice bowl' or 'bread basket',hurting his capacity to support his family and thus controlling them.

Being a lawyer,he probably has some idea of what he's doing.Given that he is a member of the California Bar, perhaps he hopes to gain media attention within the US.

Gopalan Nair's Proof of Membership (http://members.calbar.ca.gov/search/member_detail.aspx?x=181423)

And?

So a man broke the law of Singapore, which he knew well, and has been arressted because of it so what.



Are you saying you are highly critical of the suppression of political rights of citizens in Singapore or the UNSW is?
:)
Indeed. The title of the thread got me though. Does it matter?
There are many countries I will no longer visit for various reasons. I accept a countries laws when I visit, that is why I do not travel to Iran or America, etc. European Law is perhaps the best in the world, come on over ..... errr, no, we like it the way it is:D

Ironically, his crime is stupidity.

Ironically, his crime is stupidity.

Yeah, what was he thinking? Critizising the people in power...puh-lease...how stupid can one be?

Yeah, what was he thinking? Critizising the people in power...puh-lease...how stupid can one be?
Did you read the OP?

He ran away from the country because he was being persecuted and became a US citizen, then he heads right back to Singapore and does something he knows would get him arrested. Criminal stupidity.

Did you read the OP?

He ran away from the country because he was being persecuted and became a US citizen, then he heads right back to Singapore and does something he knows would get him arrested. Criminal stupidity.Did you read his blog? It looks like he was issuing an ultimatum. Either they attempt to enforce the law or sit back and take his flak rather than making noises about suing faceless people.

He published his name and where he was staying, goading the authorities into arresting him. My guess is he's been studying the law and is saving something for the court case.

what i find disturbing is that this person's being an american citizen some how makes it a bigger deal, to people on here, including perhapse the o.p., then if it were anyone else.

the event ought to be, morally, as unsettling, no matter who it happens to, where, when or why.

=^^=
.../\...

bloody American tourists :p

we had this thread like 2 weeks ago right? with some kid getting arrested at a theater or some Jazz? I call bullshit

Singaporeans tend to be sheep.

so it looks like the sovereign government has the support of the people then, well that just lovely would you like us to make some posters about the white mans burden?

How can anyone comment on the rights and wrongs of this when we don't even know what he said?

If he's sending malicious mail to these people then they have a right to tell him to shut up.

Equally, if all he said to them was "you have a silly moustache", then there are problems - but until we know, we can hardly comment.

Did you read the OP?

He ran away from the country because he was being persecuted and became a US citizen, then he heads right back to Singapore and does something he knows would get him arrested. Criminal stupidity.

Yeah, he was stupid allright, for the reasons I posted.

Breaking the law by criticizing people in power is always a good method of getting oneself into trouble...Works in every civilized country out there..

Genius, criticizing the dictator in his own country... That guy didn't think that over, did he?

[QUOTE Gopalan Nair is not only a US citizen but a member of the california Bar.He stood for elections in 1988 and 1991 in Singapore, was harassed and persecuted by Lee Kuan Yew for his political beliefs, left for USA, obtained asylum and admitted to the California State Bar and practiced law ever since in Fremont, California near San Francisco.

He has been charged over the following act under Singapore law:


MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES (PUBLIC ORDER AND NUISANCE) ACT
(CHAPTER 184)

[/QUOTE]

What did he expect? A prize?

I like the way we think of free speech as an inconvenience, certainly not worthy of our lives these days.

[QUOTE Gopalan Nair is not only a US citizen but a member of the california Bar.He stood for elections in 1988 and 1991 in Singapore, was harassed and persecuted by Lee Kuan Yew for his political beliefs, left for USA, obtained asylum and admitted to the California State Bar and practiced law ever since in Fremont, California near San Francisco.

He has been charged over the following act under Singapore law:


MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES (PUBLIC ORDER AND NUISANCE) ACT
(CHAPTER 184)



What did he expect? A prize?[/QUOTE]
A US citizen is arrested for speaking his mind about government conduct and the reaction of you and most of those posting is basically: meh, he should have expected this. This is why the US has Bush, you just can't give two fucks about anything worth fighting for.

And for goodness sake, it is pretty obvious the guy was baiting the government to mount some kind of legal challenge to the law itself.

How can anyone comment on the rights and wrongs of this when we don't even know what he said?

If he's sending malicious mail to these people then they have a right to tell him to shut up.

Equally, if all he said to them was "you have a silly moustache", then there are problems - but until we know, we can hardly comment.

We know exactly what he said, he specifically put his opinions up on the Internet - he did so in direct response to Lee Kuan Yew's professed aim of suing anyone critical of his government if only he knew who they were, in regard to Internet criticism.

So Nair made his point - for all those others posting along the lines of 'well what did he expect', he fully expected this as well.

I'm almost tempted to get all Godwin on people and ask whether they think dissent against the law is stupid, because the first step is stamping on the freedom to dissent.

We know exactly what he said, he specifically put his opinions up on the Internet - he did so in direct response to Lee Kuan Yew's professed aim of suing anyone critical of his government if only he knew who they were, in regard to Internet criticism.

Well what did he say then?!

Well what did he say then?!

http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/

It was in the OP but fair enough, could have been an enormous Rick Roll.

http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/

It was in the OP but fair enough, could have been an enormous Rick Roll.

I'd looked at the main article in the OP, but it wasn't in there.

Having looked at what he's said, it is definitely defamation - he calls the leader a liar, cheat and a criminal. If you accused someone in the west, say a Hollywood actor, of these things, you would expect to be sued, so it's unfair to say that this is more of a suppression of free speech than we enjoy here.

Having said that, we tend to live in places were politicians don't generally sue for things that are said about them. That's not to say they can't, however.

I don't know anything about Singapore or its politics but, from a purely legal point of view, it seems to be something that could get you in trouble in most places around the world.

I'd looked at the main article in the OP, but it wasn't in there.

Having looked at what he's said, it is definitely defamation - he calls the leader a liar, cheat and a criminal. If you accused someone in the west, say a Hollywood actor, of these things, you would expect to be sued, so it's unfair to say that this is more of a suppression of free speech than we enjoy here.

Having said that, we tend to live in places were politicians don't generally sue for things that are said about them. That's not to say they can't, however.

I don't know anything about Singapore or its politics but, from a purely legal point of view, it seems to be something that could get you in trouble in most places around the world.It's completely fair to say that Singapore has less free speech as the authorities have made clear this is a criminal matter and not a civil one. They have deprived him of his liberty (arrested him) for speaking out against them - something, iirc, which cannot be done in civil disputes.

I'd looked at the main article in the OP, but it wasn't in there.

Having looked at what he's said, it is definitely defamation - he calls the leader a liar, cheat and a criminal. If you accused someone in the west, say a Hollywood actor, of these things, you would expect to be sued, so it's unfair to say that this is more of a suppression of free speech than we enjoy here.

Having said that, we tend to live in places were politicians don't generally sue for things that are said about them. That's not to say they can't, however.

I don't know anything about Singapore or its politics but, from a purely legal point of view, it seems to be something that could get you in trouble in most places around the world.

To be fair, Lee Kuan Yew is one of the greater statesmen of Asia this century. As strict as he's been, he's helped make Singapore what it is, which is a pretty successful city state.

However, I'm also all for healthy dissent and Singapore lacks this, the pressure to conform is pretty strong and makes for a fairly Stepford Wives society, it all seems a little fake when you walk around.

I certainly don't agree with a law that singles out government members as above dissent, any more than the ordinary citizen.

It's completely fair to say that Singapore has less free speech as the authorities have made clear this is a criminal matter and not a civil one. They have deprived him of his liberty (arrested him) for speaking out against them - something, iirc, which cannot be done in civil disputes.

Not in civil disputes, but many countries have criminal defamation.

We know exactly what he said, he specifically put his opinions up on the Internet - he did so in direct response to Lee Kuan Yew's professed aim of suing anyone critical of his government if only he knew who they were, in regard to Internet criticism.

So Nair made his point - for all those others posting along the lines of 'well what did he expect', he fully expected this as well.

I'm almost tempted to get all Godwin on people and ask whether they think dissent against the law is stupid, because the first step is stamping on the freedom to dissent.

its not that.

its having his "friend" come online to beg us to get all worked up that he got arrested.

he is in the process of protesting an unfair law in singapore. its a bit premature for me to get all outraged over it.

"Man baits the authorities, pays".

Bit of a shame that the law is how it is, but really... going against the law for the sake of it is a bit much.

its not that.

its having his "friend" come online to beg us to get all worked up that he got arrested.

he is in the process of protesting an unfair law in singapore. its a bit premature for me to get all outraged over it.

Why "friend" in quotation marks? It's a big story in Asia, many people are aware of and have opinions on this case.

...and I don't see any begging to get anyone worked up - The OP pasted a news report and wrote a small note on where he's coming from. He hopes there might be support and sympathy but he's not asking for people to be outraged as such, 'beg' is a little disparaging.

My issue is people dismissing this as 'well he broke the law...', which I find an overly blase attitude in terms of freedom of dissent. It's a big story for Singaporeans, something deemed worthy of discussion - the original court case from which this arose was covered by the IHT and numerous other international edition papers, it's not a small story as such.

Not in civil disputes, but many countries have criminal defamation.Hmm, you're right... not just many, but most. However, with the exception of Spain, no western country has imprisoned people for defamation, and many other countries do not imprison people for defamation either. http://www.article19.org/advocacy/defamationmap/map/?dataSet=imprisonment

Why "friend" in quotation marks? It's a big story in Asia, many people are aware of and have opinions on this case.

...and I don't see any begging to get anyone worked up - The OP pasted a news report and wrote a small note on where he's coming from. He hopes there might be support and sympathy but he's not asking for people to be outraged as such, 'beg' is a little disparaging.

My issue is people dismissing this as 'well he broke the law...', which I find an overly blase attitude in terms of freedom of dissent. It's a big story for Singaporeans, something deemed worthy of discussion - the original court case from which this arose was covered by the IHT and numerous other international edition papers, it's not a small story as such.

reviewing the OP is see that he is not a friend. he is making copy/paste spam that is not allowed here.


its an interesting story and im glad to know that there are people in the world still willing to put themselves in danger to fight repressive regimes. what else is there to say?

Threatening, abusing or insulting public servant

13D. —(1) Any person who in a public place or in a private place —(a) uses any indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a public servant in the execution of his duty as such public servant; or(b) distributes or displays to a public servant in the execution of his duty as such public servant any writing, sign or other visible representation which is indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.
I would like to know what is wrong with this law. Public servants need to be able to do their work in peace. You will actually notice most countries have a law like this.
The insulting part is a bit over the top, but the rest is absolutely fair. If you dislike something, take your complaint to your local minister, not the flunky who is administering the policy.

In the context of this thread, I know this is a side issue, so I apologize for going a bit off track, but there were too many kneejerk "Silly country, silly law posts" for my liking.

SINGAPORE: Police have arrested a former Singaporean for the offence of "threatening, abusing or insulting a public servant".

...

Author's Note: Gopalan Nair is not only a US citizen but a member of the california Bar.He stood for elections in 1988 and 1991 in Singapore, was harassed and persecuted by Lee Kuan Yew for his political beliefs, left for USA, obtained asylum and admitted to the California State Bar and practiced law ever since in Fremont, California near San Francisco.

He has been charged over the following act under Singapore law:



1.why the hell did he go back to Singapore? He knew something like that was bound to happen. Dictatorships usually behave like that.

2. "lex in omnes equalis": being a US citizen abroad doesn't place anyone under a "special jurisdiction". Anyone is subject to the local laws.

My guess is that G.Nair is trying to stir some more international criticism against Singapore. I hope he can.

You will actually notice most countries have a law like this.
The insulting part is a bit over the top,

...in Italy, until about fifteen years ago, the law stated that insulting a public servant during his duty (this included state school teachers, policemen, etc) was a more serious offence than insulting anyone else. The idea was that, by insulting a public officer, you insulted his function and the State. You got a fine for insulting the man in the street, and a fine and some days in jail for insulting a public officer.
So, actually I don't think that "the insulting part" is "a bit over the top". It is quite normal. The problem is that a dictatorship will of course abuse of such laws, but, hey, wiki "singapore" and you'll know what kind of a state is that.

Seems there are a lot of callous people around here. Whether you think the guy himself is stupid or not, the law still sucks. Of course, I'm no fan of Singapore anyway.

*shakes his head at the collective cynicism/apathy of NSG*


There you go, but it's not everyone. Those that are will still have the same outlook, no doubt, when the jackboot comes stamping down on their face.


When that happens, they'll probably even blame themselves, and apologise profusely if said owner of face-stamping jackboot gets blood on his heel.


Of course, such cynicism and apathy as we have seen could be just because the jackboot is not after them personally.


But it will in the end, for they are inviting it to kick in their door through their apathy.


Was Florida 2000 not the start of this apathetic invitation? The Patriot Act after? Guantanamo Bay? British detention without trial period laws? ID Cards? Proposed DNA databases?


They do not speak out, for the jackboot is not after them.


But it stalks them, treading their streets, and it's getting closer, all the time.

"Man baits the authorities, pays".

Bit of a shame that the law is how it is, but really... going against the law for the sake of it is a bit much.

You've got to think of the consequences. This has focused attention on Singapore's crazy laws, this may have an affect in the future of forcing the authorities to reform their laws.

You've got to think of the consequences. This has focused attention on Singapore's crazy laws, this may have an affect in the future of forcing the authorities to reform their laws.
Why, because some students might complain a bit, and the UN might mildly condemn them, although not too much because their economy is doing well for once and they don't want to overly dishearten them?

Notes about me: I am currently a Singaporean student studying in Sydney at the University of New South Wales who is highly critical of the Singapore government's suppression of political rights of their citizens.

Ethnic Chinese, Malay, or Indian ??

*makes reminder to add Singapore to countries with rubbish governments list*

Likewise.

There you go, but it's not everyone. Those that are will still have the same outlook, no doubt, when the jackboot comes stamping down on their face.


When that happens, they'll probably even blame themselves, and apologise profusely if said owner of face-stamping jackboot gets blood on his heel.


Of course, such cynicism and apathy as we have seen could be just because the jackboot is not after them personally.


But it will in the end, for they are inviting it to kick in their door through their apathy.


Was Florida 2000 not the start of this apathetic invitation? The Patriot Act after? Guantanamo Bay? British detention without trial period laws? ID Cards? Proposed DNA databases?


They do not speak out, for the jackboot is not after them.


But it stalks them, treading their streets, and it's getting closer, all the time.

As a completely third party to the discussion, I think the metaphor was taken too far.

Perhaps he should have sent his emails from outside of the country, unless he was attempting to provoke arrest as an act of civil disobedience.

Why, because some students might complain a bit, and the UN might mildly condemn them, although not too much because their economy is doing well for once and they don't want to overly dishearten them?

Even the UN mildly condemning them is something.

People comparing our current government in the US to a dictatorship go way too far. Incidents like this just show how many freedoms Americans truly enjoy.

People comparing our current government in the US to a dictatorship go way too far. Incidents like this just show how many freedoms Americans truly enjoy.

The demon looks friendly in comparison to the devil.

One bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A penny saved is a penny earned.

One if by land, two if by sea.

The demon looks friendly in comparison to the devil.



And even a Saint is a great sinner when placed next to God.

There you go, but it's not everyone. Those that are will still have the same outlook, no doubt, when the jackboot comes stamping down on their face.


When that happens, they'll probably even blame themselves, and apologise profusely if said owner of face-stamping jackboot gets blood on his heel.


Of course, such cynicism and apathy as we have seen could be just because the jackboot is not after them personally.


But it will in the end, for they are inviting it to kick in their door through their apathy.


Was Florida 2000 not the start of this apathetic invitation? The Patriot Act after? Guantanamo Bay? British detention without trial period laws? ID Cards? Proposed DNA databases?


They do not speak out, for the jackboot is not after them.


But it stalks them, treading their streets, and it's getting closer, all the time.

That, or it's the recognition that when you kick a grizzly bear in the balls, you're bound to get mauled.
And while you're here writing poetry about how terribly apathetic the US is, what are you actually DOING to change the laws in Singapore? Are you in jail there for thumbing your nose at the government? Or are you doing what everyone else on the forum is -- sitting in front of their computer in comfort?

And even a Saint is a great sinner when placed next to God.

I'm sure a lot of people here would disagree with you on that point.
For various reasons.

And even a Saint is a great sinner when placed next to God.

You know, politicians here like to play the comparison game too. 30 years ago, they said we were better than Singapore economically. Now they say we're better than Myanmar. Comparisons are useless when your standards drop all the time.

Ethnic Chinese, Malay, or Indian ??

In response to this,I can see its relevance,but I openly state myself as mixed Chinese and Indian.

My father is a Malaysian Chinese born in Selangor and my mother is a Singapore Indian born in Kerala who grew up in Singapore,so obviously,I'm a second-generation Singaporean.

I served NS in Singapore and completed it.So as such I'm a qualified citizen of Singapore who has every damned right to criticise my government and political leaders if I find failings in their policies.

With regards to the posting of Gopalan Nair,I am not affiliated with any political party.

I'm a student who holds political views on my country that are opposed to the treatment of the opposition parties as it weakens my country.By not allowing alternative views and candidates to stand for election,the PAP is not serving the interests of Singapore.

At a time when prices are increasing worldwide,such as food and fuel,while wages have remained stagnant and have not risen in scale to compensate for higher living costs,the government of Singapore has the sheer arrogance to grant themselves a 60% pay rise. (http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/09/news/sing.php)

I have no problems with the civil service and ministers pegging their salaries to the corporate world,as I feel they shoulder more responsibility than an executive,director or manager of equivalent rank and should at the minimum have a similar pay scale.

However,to do it and at the same time increase the GST(Goods & Services Tax;the equivalent of VAT) from 5% to 7% while there is economic hardship for the working and middle class,at the same time as a food and fuel price hike,displays to me exactly what sort of people they are.

I was once a supporter of the PAP but that act has alienated me entirely.Their arrogance,disregard and lack of compassion for Singaporeans disgusts me. Their acts of constantly supporting China without regard for our own sovereignity as well as support of the Burmese junta disgusts me.

I support no particular opposition party as of yet,only the one that does the most good for Singapore.If it serves the long-term interests of Singapore and protects out interests,they have my support.

I feel that the PAP as it is now does not serve the long term interests of Singapore as a nation.

Does the common Singaporean really care though?

I mean, the impression I get from my family still in residence, are that things are a little harder, but overall its not something that they worry about - PAP has provided for them, let them lead good lives for several decades in almost every aspect.

Or are you doing what everyone else on the forum is -- sitting in front of their computer in comfort?

I'm not sitting in comfort, the chair is too hard...

In response to this,I can see its relevance,but I openly state myself as mixed Chinese and Indian.

My father is a Malaysian Chinese born in Selangor and my mother is a Singapore Indian born in Kerala who grew up in Singapore,so obviously,I'm a second-generation Singaporean.

I hope my question didn't bother you. Most of the ethnic Chinese there don't characterize Singapore as a dictatorship as far as I know so I was curious where you fit.
Indian Chinese wow thats going to be interesting when you look for housing.
How do they do mixed ethnicity's as far as housing quotes go ? do they count you as half Indian and half Chinese or one of each ??? You should marry a Malay girl just to really throw them off with you kids.


I served NS in Singapore and completed it.So as such I'm a qualified citizen of Singapore who has every damned right to criticise my government and political leaders if I find failings in their policies.

I hope no one has suggested you do not have that right. whats the jingle this year anyways?


I'm a student who holds political views on my country that are opposed to the treatment of the opposition parties as it weakens my country.By not allowing alternative views and candidates to stand for election,the PAP is not serving the interests of Singapore.

My understanding is that was mostly done by maintaining ethnic quotes on neighborhoods. to " prevent ethnic slums from arising" though more likely to prevent the Malay and Indian minority from electing representatives since the quotes prevents them from forming ethnic voting blocks.

I'm sure a lot of people here would disagree with you on that point.
For various reasons.
Aye, primarily "because we're on NSG, and everyone argues over anything here".

WTB [Care]. He broke a law, a stupid law, but still a law. If he wants to mouth off about the resident dictator perhaps he ought do it somewhere else eh?

Like on the Internet, from the US...

Aye, primarily "because we're on NSG, and everyone argues over anything here".

I disagree!

I wonder if NSG had been around uring the Salt March, would people have said 'I don't care. They knew about the salt laws they broke it and they got arrested.'

Surely the purpose of acts like this is to kick up a fuss when the people do get arrested for absurd things like making salt, sitting where they want on buses, not respecting the king of Thailand or insulting a public official. Only when attention is drawn can change happen. This might not overturn the law in Singapore but it will get more Singaporeans thinking about the necessity of such laws.

Damn strait!