I visited
http://singaporerebel.blogspot.com/2007/10/guard-dogs-of-st-martin-drive.html. I wonder how Martyn See's parents feel. Are they extremely proud for his courage in telling the truths that so many Singaporeans are unaware of? Or would they think that they have brought up a reckless son? As a parent myself, I'm sure their main concern is his personal safety and not to be warned by the police again.
I read
bamarthu, at
http://lalaland9.wordpress.com/2007/10/01/when-a-permit-is-required-for-compassion-disgusting/"I’m a Burmese. It moves me to see that there are still Singaporeans who cares and empathizes for the my people. I’ve told my country’s story to many Singaporeans and some said they’re sorry and took my story as something interesting which they’ll forget as soon as they become hungry and start thinking about their next meal. Some were not interested at all either because this doesn’t concern them or because they did not want to get involved with anything that will displease the police in any remote sort of way. Believe me, when I complained about this particular law, my closest friends’ advice were “Don’t go there. Don’t get involved. It’s the law”.
You and all the people who commented on this post have given me back the faith in compassion of human beings that I’m starting to lose by seeing all these “don’t get involved” people. I’m glad not all Singaporeans are like that . . ."
From the conditioning that I received since I was a teenager in 1965, I realised that I have been a "don't get involved" Singaporean too. I saw people who got involved got hurt. This stretches from Chia Thye Poh, Said Zahari, Tan Wah Piow, Francis Seow, Tang Lian Hong, JB Jeyaratnam and Chee Soon Juan and others. Even those without political attachment like Catherine Lim and our dear mrbrown paid a price for "getting involved".
Questions:
Is "getting involved" in the signing of the petition at the Burmese Embassy at St Martin Drive a crime in Singapore?
Do the police have the right to stop me from doing so? Why do they have to ask me why I'm there?
Do they have the right to film and take photos of me and other people passing through St Martin Drive?
I don't know. I'm not in the legal profession. All I know is it's very intimidating. It makes me feel that I'm doing something illegal, something against the law.
What can I do to hurt others by going to St Martin Drive? Is it wrong as a Singaporean to be counted as one who deplores the lack of democracy and the brutality that's in Burma now?
On the contrary, I think I'm doing Singapore proud for doing what needs to be done. I'm helping the Govt to send the message that what's happening in Myanmar is morally wrong. FM George Yeo is losing sleep over it and, in a nano way, I'm helping him do his job. Instead of making it difficult for people to sign the petition, may I suggest that the police helps people in Singapore organise a peaceful demonstration to stand up for Singapore. With our first class first world police and army who can prevent mayhem in World Bank (or was it IMF) meeting at Suntec, I am confident that things will turn out well. Call me crazy, but I think it'll be good for active citizens and it'll improve the image of Singapore internationally.
Mayhem? Having been conditioned to be submissive for so many years, I think active citizens in Singapore who participate are even more docile and meek that the monks in Burma. Whatever demonstration there is, it'll be peaceful.
Meanwhile, visit St Martin Drive, Stand Up for Singapore and do your part to make Singapore a better place for you and me.
Count on me Singapore!
Sincerely,
FeedMeToTheFish
Where are they now?
