I'm getting personal...

Attack on Turkey is attack on the Muslim Nation!

2012-01-27T23:18:00.001-08:00

“The vote in France, where there are nearly 5 million Muslims, clearly showed that the extent of racism, discrimination and anti-Muslims sentiments has reached dangerous levels,” Erdoğan said on Friday at a conference on "Change in Muslim Societies and Role of Women" in İstanbul.

- Turkey's Erdoğan: French vote reveals gravity of hostility towards Muslims (Today's Zaman)

In recent times, France under the presidency of Nicholas Sarkozy, has adopted a bill criminalizing denial of the Armenia killings as 'genocide'. The attitude of the French President towards Turkey is an extension of previous oppositions towards Turkey's accession into the European Union which is nothing less than an expression of his deep-seated enmity towards the Turkish people and the Muslim nation.

In his harsh reply to Sarkozy, Erdogan quoted a letter dated February 1526, a reply from Suleiman al Qanuni to Francis I when he begged the Ottoman Sultan for his assistance to save his from the Spanish capture. In which the letter showed how much the Turks appreciated it's friendship with France. He said:

"I, the khan and sultan of Mediterranean, Black Sea, Anatolia, Karaman, Kurdistan, land of persian, Damascus, Aleppo, Egypt, Mecca and Medina, Jerusalem and all of the lands of arabian, yemen and all of many other countries; Son of the Bayezıd, Son of the Sultan Selim, Shadow of the God, Sultan Suleiman Khan and you, governor of the France, Francis...You have sent to my Porte, refuge of sovereigns, a letter by your faithful agent Frangipani, and you have furthermore entrusted to him sundry verbal communications; you have informed me that the enemy has overrun your country and that you are at present in prison and a captive, and you have here asked aid and succors for your deliverance. (...)

Take courage then, and be not dismayed. Our glorious predecessors and our illustrious ancestors (may God light up their tombs!) have never ceased to make war to repel the foe and conquer his lands. We ourselves have followed in their footsteps, and have at all times conquered provinces and citadels of great strength and difficult of approach. Night and day our horse is saddled and our saber is girt. May God on High promote righteousness! May whatsoever He will be accomplished! For the rest, question your ambassador and be informed.(...)"

— Answer from Suleiman I to Francis I of France, February 1526

As a member of the Muslim nation and a great and ardent admirer of the Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, I stand by Turkey in its' trials and tribulation that it goes through. Our hearts and minds are for and with the Turkish people and their Prime Minister. The incessant attacks on Turkey is an attack on the Muslim nation!

Singapore - the intellectual hub of Nusantara (Part 2)

2012-01-11T14:41:00.001-08:00

I start of the year's post with the continuation on the discussion on Nusantara. The regional integration should begin with Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. The rest of the region doesn't offer much of a hope for integration for some reason. Although ASEAN seems to be progressing, but that does not mean that we can't promote over-lapping international organisations which offers a more viable conditions and achievable target.

In fact, in recent times, the relationship between Singapore and Malaysia has been progressing quite well although some may feel that it is only in Singapore's favor. For Singapore, it is only inevitable that it pursues a continuous engagement with Malaysia hopefully to the point of re-unification because we are after all, a city-state with no hinterland. We need to expand geographically without the need for war. Once we achieve our aims, conscription will become totally irrelevant by then.

It is a waste of resource that the nation's wealth be splurged on buying weapons and ammunitions when it could otherwise be used for other purposes such as social spending and enhancing natural population growth. Re-unification would also mean that the island's land could well be utilised in an economically profitable manner because there would be no need for us to allocate a third of the island for military purposes. I foresee that future becoming a reality.

In the seminar organised by The Gomez Centre, Dr Max Lane had spoken on the issue of economic inequality between Singapore and it's neighbours saying "Singapore cannot continue to thrive with 30, 40 thousand of per capita income with an increasing population of 300, 400 million desperate people.""The tension between Singapore and it's negibours is nothing to do with ethnicity but economics. How does a country with 10 times the per capita of it's neigbours relate to it's neighbours?"

It is not a matter of being benevolent or an issue about sharing. It has more to do with justice and also peace in the region. The peace of Singapore goes well beyond it's borders. Economic injustice leads to desperation and also violence. Being filthy rich amongst the poor, begets envy and loathing.

Singapore - the intellectual hub of Nusantara (Part 1)

2011-11-10T04:21:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I assisted in organising a seminar for The Gomez Centre. It was titled, "Can Singapore be the intellectual hub of Nusantara?". The guest speaker was Dr Max Lane. He is an Honorary Fellow, Asia Institute, University of Melbourne. He has also held positions at ISEAS and at the Department of Malay Studies, NUS.

He is the author of books and monographs on Indonesian and Philippines politics and the translator of major works by Pramoedya Ananta Toer and W.S. Rendra. He has lectured at universities in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Timor Leste as well as in the USA and Europe. He has a column in the popular Majalah Historia in Indonesia.

During the seminar, he made some very important points which I hope to elaborate in later posts. The question of Singapore and it's neighbours, is an inevitable question that would have to be answered sooner or later.

On Facebook, Dr Max Lane commented:

"Gave my talk in Singapore for the Gomez Centre on Singapore's potential as a hub for Nusantara (Malay Archipleago): a hub for containers and sus bank accounts OR for the circulation of ideas in the collective search for solutions to underdevelopment and socio-economic injustice throughout the archipleago - already affecting more than 300 million people?"

On the issue of economic inequality between Singapore and it's neighbours:

"Singapore cannot continue to thrive with 30, 40 thousand of per capita income with an increasing population of 300, 400 million desperate people."

"The tension between Singapore and it's negibours is nothing to do with ethnicity but economics. How does a country with 10 times the per capita of it's neigbours relate to it's neighbours?"

On the issue of common language of the region spoken by the millions of people:

Singapore will be left out in the intellectual and political development of the region as it search for solutions to under-development and social injustice because of linguistic barrier. Most of the discussions and debates in the region will be done in the common language of the region.

Failure in Singapore's language policy: the failure to educate the people the common language of the region.

And the most effective of all groups in searching for the question of the region:

The most active in search for the solution of the region are those adhering to Islamic fundamentalism.

The "Other" Muhammadiyah

2011-10-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

Recently, I came across a journal article written by a NUS lecturer, Asst. Prof. Syed Khairuddin Aljuneid titled "The ‘other’ Muhammadiyah movement: Singapore 1958–2008". The abstract of the paper explains:

This paper provides a critical historical analysis of the Muhammadiyah movement in Singapore. I argue that four processes have been crucial in the emergence and sustenance of the Muhammadiyah within a predominantly non-Muslim society: the symbiotic relationship between the leaders and their followers, the formulation and subsequent reformulation of the ideology of the movement, political opportunities which were judiciously exploited and the availability of a wide array of infrastructures. The Muhammadiyah, as will be shown, provides an informative example of an Islamic movement in Southeast Asia that has transcended the challenges faced by the minority Muslim population by making effective use of the limited resources at its disposal.

Najib Burhani, A researcher at the National Institute of Sciences (LIPI) made some suggestions for future research on the socio-political developments of Islamic grassroots movement and Islamic activism in Singapore and Muslim minority communities in South-east Asia:

Finally, this study has two larger implications that should be developed by future research. The first concerns the interface between socio-political developments and the role of ideas in the analysis of grassroots movements in post-war Singapore. All too often, studies of movements in this island city-state have been marked by the lack of an in-depth analysis of the ideas of the participants in these movements, and how these ideas influenced and shaped social life and politics in the country. There is a need to avoid the fallacies of past approaches, and this can be achieved by breaking down the boundaries between social, political and ideational histories. By developing such integrative methodologies, we can deepen and broaden our understanding not only of Islamic movements but also of other movements in Singapore and in Southeast Asia in general.

The second and final implication pertains to the study of Islamic activism in Southeast Asian countries where Muslims are minorities. There has been little research on this topic and it has been overwhelmed by studies concerning extremism and terrorism, many of which were written to inform state policy or to validate jaundiced views about Muslims globally. To the extent that political violence and social unrest are indeed some of the key problems of our time, this fact should not distract us from the urgent task of pioneering new methods and perspectives to further the study of the everyday struggles of minority Muslims in secular settings and their collective efforts to create an environment conducive to Islam.

The content of the article is perhaps the prevalent general view and understanding of the development of the movement. There were other parts that was crucial too such as the episodes of 9/11, the presence and interaction of Islamist-jihadist faction in the likes of Jemaah Islamiyyah members and symphatisers with Muhammadiyah as well as on the development of the youth wing which included the former members of the Gerakan Belia Islam (Kelab Belia Cemerlang) led by Ustaz Abdul Jamil Abdul Hamid. Perhaps these topics, were much more "security" sensitive. Last but not least, the dearth of intellectual progress of Muhammadiyah.

Also, we could see that the development of Muhammadiyah and splinter groups for one, failed to produce a "progressive variant" of entities and figures. In the case of Muhammadiyah Indonesia, there existed entities such as the Jaringan Intelektual Muhammadiyah Muda (JIMM), Maarif Institute, figures such as Syafii Maarif, Amien Rais and Munir Mulkhan.

A commentary in The Jakarta Post describes these leaders as having a "tendency to respond contemporary social problems rather than ritual issues. It means that they have returned the Muhammadiyah movement to the early spirit of Muhammadiyah as developed by K.H. Ahmad Dahlan."

At the grassroots level, people have become totally disenchanted and disinterested with the movement in Singapore altogether. Muhammadiyah could diminish into irrelevance, or move further to the right and become more conservative, more backward as it struggles with its debts and financial matters. The world and in particular, the Muslim world, has developed into discussing contemporary issues such as democracy, gender, secularism and civilisational dialogues but yet the movement in stuck in the early 20th century incapable of progressing further. As the Malay saying goes, "Bagaikan katak di bawah tempurung" (Like a frog under the coconut shell). However, on the international playing field, it is a different ball game altogether. There is hope.

Further reading: http://profile.nus.edu.sg/fass/mlsasmk/Muhamadiyah_Article.pdf

http://muhammadiyahstudies.blogspot.com/2011/05/other-muhammadiyah-movement-singapore.html

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/07/23/quo-vadis-%E2%80%98tajdid%E2%80%99-muhammadiyah.html

Fundamentalism

2011-10-25T18:05:00.001-07:00

Post-9/11, the most annoying words that have appeared to me are "fundamentalist", "terrorist", "extremist" and all that are associated to it. It all points out to the man and woman, who is thought to be a conservative, religiously inclined, wears a religious headgear (man) or scarf (woman), who reads a religious book and the worst of all prejudices, to be a Muslim.

The word "fundamentalism" is used ever more pervasively where religiously-inclined Muslims become politically active and seek to influence public opinion. The use of the word becomes an attempt to negatively brand someone as such.

Under Ben Ali's regime, Tunisia is thought to be the most "liberal" Arab country, at least in terms of women's rights. Polygamy is banned, women are free to work and have access to education and there is "gender equality". Sounds very "liberal"!

In Tunisia, the moderate Islamist party, En Nahda is set to become the biggest party in the next Tunisian parliament. The concerns about it turning the Tunisia government into an Iranian-style government comes from those who proclaim themselves to be "liberals". These are people who are fascinated with freedoms; that is freedom to do anything in the world with no limitations.

Perhaps there should be a reminder, that it was Ben Ali's government who "freed" women from the veil and "freed" man from praying by punishing. There is a very thin-line that differentiates the one who proclaim oneself as a "liberal" and a "secularist". The hard-line secularist Ben Ali was a "fundamentalist liberal" who punished people for display of religiosity.

Further reading:

"Tunisia poll results show al-Nahda lead"

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/10/2011102515333274376.html

"Tunisia: Women's rights hang in the balance"

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/08/201181617052432756.html

Unity

2011-10-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

A man desires union with a woman. A child who has gone away for a long time desires reunion with his family. A friend desires reunion with his other long-lost friend. A people desire stronger bonding among their own kind. Unity is a natural desire. To feel stronger, to feel bigger, to feel safer.

However, to desire unity with your own kind will provoke distrust from "the other". "The other" would feel that you are attempting to sideline him. "The other" would feel alarmed that you are bigger, stronger that you are. "The other" would have sleepless nights thinking over his fate if you become united. "The other" would do anything to subdue this ambition.

In reality, "the other" too wants unity. "The other" too wants to feel stronger, to feel bigger, to feel safer. It is a natural ambition. But when it becomes a little difficult to achieve it, then it turns into a dream. A dream in it's present form is not real. In the future, no one knows.

How about a dream of a united world? A world under one government? The human race as one people? Now that will never happen. Human history has always been a struggle between good and evil, truth and falsehood, light and darkness. One prevails over the other. The good, the truth, the light always prevails in the end.

Freedom and Liberalism in an "Islamic State"

2011-10-06T01:28:00.000-07:00

After completing the first round of reading"Who needs an Islamic State?" by Abdel Wahab el Effendi, I was quite attracted to some passages on the the implementation of the concept of freedom and liberalism in an "Islamic state":

‎"Freedom does not necessarily imply lack of all constraints, including moral constraints. To be free does not mean to be amoral as is implied by certain interpretations of liberalism. Liberalism is, in fact, merely the rejection of a certain set of moral constraints in favour of another. Freedom implies lack of external undesirable constraints. We do not resent the restrictions on our personal freedoms posed by our moral principles or the need to care for our loved ones." - (pg. 134 - 135)

In an earlier passage, he mentioned:

"The search for an Islamic state must start with the search for freedom for Muslims . Freedom to think, to act, to sin, to repent and finally to find oneself and one's fulfilment in obeying God . Only then can the righteous Muslim community and its product, the virtuous Islamic state, emerge ." (pg. 134)

I asked a proponent of an Islamic state, "So when we have an Islamic state, will all this bloggers and journalists be arrested and tried in court if they speak out and expose injustice and wrongdoings against the rulers?" He answered, "Oh yes. If not there will be chaos if people are let free to express their views and expose injustice to the public."

People used to described to me of their ambitions and dream of an Islamic state, it sounded more despotic than Islamic. Utopia; once there was a declared "Islamic State", it will be free of problems and people will not sin. The leaders of such a state are sinless, infallible; guided by God, they will impart street justice in the name of Allah.

People have their own utopia and idealism. It is what keeps people going to achieve their dreams. A man with no dreams is no more than a walking zombie. It is not a sin for people to want a communist or an Islamic state or a capitalist state. All these can be resolved by a liberal democratic system. People should have a choice, and not to have it imposed on them. Allah the Most Merciful, our Creator, gives his creation choice between rebellion (fujur) and obedience in the matters of faith.

In the matters of faith, ideas and knowledge that are considered to be deviant, people should be allowed to express them and others should be allowed to oppose them. I remembered reading about the rebellion of the Khawarij during the time of 'Ali r.a., he tolerated their existence for as long as they did not shed any blood.

Idealism, however, have to match reality. We can never achieve something 100%, only close to it, perhaps 99.99% would be the closest. The "Islamic state" would not be a totalitarian state. It would not and should have any business in the affairs of people in their bedroom. It is for them and Allah to know only.

Poem to a Jewish Boy

2011-09-28T02:39:00.001-07:00

"The poem was an outcry from an Arab boy to a Jewish boy. "I don't remember the poem," he recalled many years later, "but I remember the idea of it; you can play in the sun as you please, and have your toys, but I can't. You have a house, and I have none. You have celebrations, but I have none. Why can't we play together?" He recalls being summoned to see the military governor, who threatened him: "If you go on writing such poetry, I'll stop your father working in the quarry."

- Guardian article on Mahmoud Darwish

During a talk by Prof. Ahmad Sa'di, a Palestinian academia, quoted the story about Mahmoud Darwish when he was a boy living under Israeli Occupation. The poem depicted a scene about the "Jewish haves" and "Arab have nots". A division not only of class, but of race. At such a young age, he knew that he was second-class to them; he was Arab.

Social-consciousness is not a gift or an experience that many can have. It only belongs to the few who understand the plight of their own people. To receive at a young age, is a sign of maturity and a sign of many great things to come. And great people are never afraid. Mahmoud Darwish went on to become a great poet of the age.

A form of social consciousness is understanding and feeling a great resentment against racial discrimination. Lack of it, result in tolerating it. "It is everywhere", they say. Yes, it is everywhere. But the fight against it too will be everywhere. The fight against racial discrimination, imperialism and hegemony is the fight of truth against falsehood, good against evil, light against darkness.

Further reading:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/aug/11/poetry.israelandthepalestinians

Islamic Liberalism: Mustafa Akyol

2011-09-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

I read an article written by Mustafa Akyol titled "Faith: Freedom and Islam" in which he argues that Muslims not only need democracy but also need liberalism. He summarises the main points as:

"First, “freedom from the state,” or the acceptance of secular (not secularist) governments. Yes, Prophet Muhammad happened to be the head of a state, but none of us mortals are divinely guided as we believe that he was. Thus, none of us should impose our own limited understanding of Islam, via the state, as “the real Islam.”

Second, there is the need to accept “the freedom to sin.” Not because we endorse sin, but because when we try to ban it with authoritarian means, all we create is hypocrisy, not genuine piety.

Third, we Muslims should recognize “freedom from Islam.” If any of our coreligionists choose another religion, in other words, we should just respect that choice. That would be a much bigger service to our faith, rather than depicting it as a club with a free entry but no free exit."

Source: http://www.thedaily.com/page/2011/08/07/080711-opinions-faith-islam-liberalism-akyol-1-2/

Erdogan BerPancasila

2011-09-23T07:51:00.001-07:00

Pemerintah AKP Turki sibuk meluaskan pengaruhnya di dunia Arab. Erdogan membuat telah lawatan ke tiga negara yang menumbangkan rejim diktatornya; Mesir, Tunisia dan Libya. Di dalam lawatannya, dia telah menggemparkan dunia Islam dengan menawarkan sekularisma dan demokrasi sebagai jalan untuk mencapai kemajuan, bahawa tidak ada kontradiksi antara Islam dan demokrasi.

Dia mengatakan “Individuals cannot be secular, states are. A devout Muslim can successfully govern a secular state,” (Individu tidak boleh menjadi sekular, tetapi negara boleh. Muslim yang taat boleh mentadbir negara sekular dengan cemerlang.)

Di dalam sebuah sidang akhbar, dia mengatakan pula "The most important thing of all and Tunisia will prove this; Islam and democracy can exist side by side,...Turkey, as a country which is 99 percent Muslim, does this comfortably, we do not have any difficulty. There is no need to hinder this by putting forward different approaches. In the broadest sense, consultation will put forward the will of the people,..." (Perkara yang paling penting dan Tunisia akan membuktikan ini; Islam dan demokrasi boleh wujud bersebelahan, ... Turki, sebagai sebuah negara yang 99 peratus beragama Islam, berbuat demikian dengan selesa, kita tidak mempunyai apa-apa kesukaran. Tidak ada perlu untuk menghalang ini dengan meletakkan pendekatan ke hadapan yang berbeza. Dalam erti kata yang luas, perundingan akan dikemukakan kehendak rakyat,...)

Konsep yang telah Erdogan tawarkan ini mengingatkan saya kepada sebuah teks ucapan Sukarno, Bapa Kemerdekaan Indonesia. Pada pendapat saya bagaikan ada persamaan pada kedua-duanya. Mereka menawarkan politik yang tidak menafikan peranan agama Islam walaupun pada dasarnya negara dan parti yang mereka dirikan bukanlah parti yang bersimbolkan Islam atau menjadikan Islam sebagai dasar.

Bung Karno terkenal bukan sahaja sebagai Bapa Kemerdekaan Indonesia tetapi juga dengan Pancasilanya walaupun mengakui bahawa dia "hanya seorang perumus perasaan bangsa", dengan tidak membuat klaim total sebagai ideolognya. Sekiranya dibaca tentang latar belakangnya, maka kita akan sedar bahawa Sukarno bukanlah manusia yang anti-agama.

Di dalam teks pidato di depan Dokuritsu Zyunbi Tyoosakai pada tanggal 1 Juni 1945 di Jakarta, Bapa Kemerdekaan Indonesia, Bung Karno telah mengatakan:

"Untuk pihak Islam, inilah tempat yang terbaik untuk memelihara agama. Kita, sayapun, adalah orang Islam, - maaf beribu-ribu maaf, keIslaman saya jauh belum sempurna, tetapi kalau saudara-saudara membuka saya punya dada, dan melihat saya punya hati, tuan-tuan akan dapati tidak lain tidak bukan, hati Islam."

Erdogan dan Bung Karno sama sekali tidak menafikan keberadaan dan pengaruh agama di dalam diri mereka yang boleh mempengaruhi keputusan politik yang akan mereka buat di dalam demokrasi berparlimen. Walaupun mengakui dirinya tidak memahami Islam secara sempurna, Islam memainkan peranan didalam keputusan politik Bung Karno.

Pemikiran yang ditawarkan Erdogan kepada rakyat Arab di dalam penjelajahannya ke 3 negara Arab itu telah ditawarkan Bung Karno lebih 60 tahun dahulu. Sekularisma yang diamalkannya bukanlah sekularisma yang anti-agama, melainkan sekularisma yang bertoleransi akan keberadaan agama di dalam ruang publik. Sila yang kelima dalam Pancasila ialah "Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa".

Bacaan lanjutan: http://www.todayszaman.com/news-256855-turkish-assault-boats-may-be-in-east-med-at-any-time-erdogan-says.html

"Pancasila 1 Juni & Syariat Islam" oleh Prof. Dr. Hamka Haq, M.A.

Reunification: Msia-S'pore

2011-09-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

I have been talking about this reunification for sometime now. I do hope that one day, the agenda develops further to become mainstream. By then, we would have a unionist community here that supports the re-entry of Singapore into the Federation of Malaysia (maybe we already do have!).

Union of countries provides economic advantages for a small and land-scarce country like Singapore. It provides an opportunity to consolidate strength in the face of ever increasing economic competition from giants like China and India and a much bigger local market. Also we lessen the cost of defence and security as we would be very sure this time that there would be no military threat coming from the northern side. We can then focus more on social spending for our elderly citizens.

Also in terms of demographics and population, we no longer need to rely on immigrants of faraway lands to make up for the labor shortages but instead focus more on internal migrations of people who share somewhat cultural similarities. This is much better than relying on a liberal immigration policy, madly trying to court the PRCs and Indians who have no cultural roots in the region who in the end will migrate elsewhere.

People perceive that the culture and work ethics of Singaporeans are superior to that of the Malaysians. I believe that is all too simplistic to conclude that Malaysian are less hard-working than Singaporeans. It is obviously a myth. The racial composition in Malaysia is more or less the same other than that Malaysia might have more multi-cultural than Singapore.

Others tend to believe that Malaysia is a country that is filled with racists and religious supremacists and that Singapore is an "egalitarian society" that it makes it difficult for any form of reunification to take place. The beauty of Malaysia is that because of the widespread of people over the huge land mass and the cultural diversity that has contributed to the rich intellectual, ideological and political diversity that they have. There is no uniformity unlike in Singapore which is too small for any kind of rich diversity like in Malaysia to ever occur.

Reunification as a process of reconciliation between two people and that which Malays in Singapore will never be viewed as "potential traitors" again. We have to think of Malaysia as a rich multicultural environment which has contributed to its colourful political scene rather than a unitary state controlled by one party. Even if it is Barisan Nasional, it is still a multi-party coalition although we naively believe that it is only UMNO.

The reunification could bring about a system of "One Country, Two System" where Singapore would become an autonomous republic within the Federation retaining control over a limited land defence force and having its own limited constitution.

I am after all a unionist and I suppose the opposite of a unionist would be a separatist or a nationalist. To be one, you would have to be able to speak the National Language (Bahasa Kebangsaan). I wonder if they could in the first place. The only historical baggage that stands in the way of reunification are dinosaurs who will perish soon.

If we were to pursue reunification, people would be divided. But that would have to be resolved via referendum. This island would not be divided into two countries like Cyprus (Greek and Turkish), but more likely to be along partisan line; one favouring reunification, the other favouring status quo.

We have to remember that in 1989 that when the Berlin Wall was brought down that led to East and West Germany reuniting, there was a striking cultural difference between the people of either side. Vast differences between the former East Germany and West Germany (for example, in lifestyle, wealth, political beliefs and other matters) remained.

The East Germans brought up under communism were more likely to be to be used to centralised planning compared to the West Germans who were brought up under a liberal democracy. Till today, there is a process of "inner reunification". These complicated socio-cultural and ideological differences were not a hindrance for the physical "German reunification".

Further reading: "Unlikely for S'pore, Malaysia to merge: Lee Kuan Yew" http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1154893/1/.html

Erdoganism: Secularism redefined

2011-09-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

I remembered asking my lecturer about the possibility the state to sanction a ban on ideologies or faith (sects) that were perceived to be deviant. He answered there is no way a state can intervene in matter that was not in its jurisdiction. Because faith is a private matter and not a public space. The state could not govern matters regarding personally beliefs except for matters in the public space.

I could sense disagreement in the class perhaps due to their belief that the state could intervene in almost anything and also some were "classical Islamists". Classical Islamists tend to believe that the state could govern all the way to the bedroom and makes Islam sounds very punitive.

For most part of the discussion of secularism and liberalism in Islam, it has always been taken up by Muslims whose religious observance were doubted and those who hardly profess any form of pride in the religion preferring to maintain a state of indifference. Some would go to the extent of trying to redesign Islam in a way that was too unpalatable to an average Muslim.

Ever since taking up power in 2002, the AKP has always been branded as a "secretly Islamist" and harbouring intentions of implementing punitive Sharia law akin to the one of Taliban's Afghanistan. Plus it intends to re-establish the caliphate and cut ties with the West and drop it European Union dream. However, it has proven to have a bigger vision of what Turkey should be; a bridge between the East and the West. A more modern, dynamic, democratic Turkey that embraces it cultural and historical pasts while at the same time adopting the good things of the West.

The Arab Spring presented an opportunity for Turkey to extend and assert its influence in the Middle East. Erdogan's tour in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya has been celebrated by the masses as a hero. In his speeches he talks about "freedom", "democracy" and "secularism". The same words used by Bush to liberate Afghanistan and Iraq. But unlike Bush, Erdogan is a devout Muslim.

Quoting a passage from Today's Zaman, "Erdogan also commented on secularism, saying Turkey prefers a model of secularism that is not identical to the “Anglo-Saxon or Western model,” without elaborating. “Individuals cannot be secular, states are. A devout Muslim can successfully govern a secular state,” Erdogan said."

The Muslim Brotherhood expressed its contempt for the remark made on secularism which ended up with Erdogan having to re-explain himself as to what he actually meant. Despite that, the younger generations of the Muslim Brotherhood were enthusiastic about the model that has been presented by the AKP with Erdogan as the Prime Minister.

Many from the sceptical Westerners and enthusiastic Muslims would view his moves and words as nothing more than hiding the real Islamic/Islamization agenda. Especially for the fact that one of his most ardent supporters is the Islamist leader Sheikh Rachid Ghannouchi who leads the En Nahda party. It's political ideology coincides with AKP favoring political pluralism rather than Taliban's absolutism.

Secularism has always been the language of the "irreligious" and was viewed with contempt and suspicion by the relatively religious masses. The redefinition of secularism by a devout Muslim leader will definitely have its implications in the intellectual circles and how the Muslim public perceives secularism. In Erdogan's own words, “I am a Muslim, and by being and remaining as such, I can run a secular state.”

Further readings:

http://www.todayszaman.com/news-257047-erdogan-tell-arabs-his-secularism-remarks-mistranslated.html

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=neo-laicism-by-erdogan-2011-09-16

http://www.todayszaman.com/columnist-257171--secularism-for-arabs-and-turks.html

Turkish's AKP foreign policy

2011-09-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Towards the ending of the video, the Turkish foreign minister, Ahmet Davotoglu explains Turkish foreign policy in a philosophical manner.

@44.00: What is our objective? "Zero problem" with our neighbours. I know that this is slogan. But slogans are symbols as well. Symbols creates a new mind. The most important thing is to change the concepts of the mind of the people. You can create enemies through concepts, you can create friends through concepts. Now with these symbols, we showed our good intentions. And with our actions, based on these symbols, we achieved a big success with our neighbours.

The Talibanistic Liberals

2011-09-15T18:00:00.001-07:00

Liberalism as an ideology is often a confusing one. One that could hard offer any kind of definite answer as to who is a liberal or what exactly is liberalism. The image of liberals in my mind are people who are tolerant, open-minded and live by the code of "agree to disagree". It does not necessarily refer to a certain set of behaviour or sexual preference that makes one a liberal.

Islam, on the other hand, has very clear guidelines on matters of faith and social behaviours. To be Muslim, one has to believe in Allah alone is God and believe in the prophecy of Muhammad s.a.w. There is no way that you could be Muslim but believing that there are other gods other than Allah. It is illiberal in a way.

In sexual lifestyle, sex is permissible only within the boundaries of a marriage contract between a man and a woman. There could be no deviation in that although we do know that there are "those who beat the traffic". In this respect it is illiberal.

A liberal couldn't be described as just a woman who does not wear the hijab or one who practices sex outside marriage or sex with his or her own kind or drinks alcohol because even a fascist would be capable of doing it with no contradictions to his ideology.

During the reign of Mustafa Kemal as the President of Turkey, he overturned many Islamic practices and banned them. No hijab, no Arabic word, no azan. Society was forced to adopt Western norms and culture which of course would include the practices that I have mentioned perceived to be "liberal". And after reading the book "Kamal Attaturk" by Dhabit Tarki Sabiq, Mustafa Kemal did engage in homosexual activity. That is Kemalism.

So are we then supposed to believe that a liberal is supposed to engage in such activities and not shun from it? Today, we have extremist liberals who believe that Muslim woman who cover up are oppressed and should be forced to strip them off it and the people must accept homosexuality as a norm. If I were to put this Talibanistic Liberals beside the Kemalists, I would definitely not be able to to know who is who. They speak the same language!

About Mustafa Kemal Attaturk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77KVZzXViPU

Colin Powell talks to Al Jazeera

2011-09-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

He regrets it...

I am a fundamentalist

2011-09-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

Being labelled something is not new to me. Especially when you espouse certain ideologies or how a society should be. A friend once told me "When people can't get you, they will get YOU!" I accept the fact that people are free to say anything they want and also they are free to label people anything they want. It is only natural for people to disagree with my views which I hold strongly to. But remember, keep your hands off my shoulders.

So about me, I am labelled a fundamentalist because: 1) I promote the union of Nusantara 2) I condemn Islamophobia vehemently 3) I condemn the labelling of Malays/Muslims as potential traitors. 4) And last but not least, proud of my Muslim identity (which includes not accepting homosexuality as a normal thing to do).

Some people think it is acceptable for westerners to have expansionist intentions and implement them in the form of United States of America and European Union, but it is not acceptable for the "others" to do the same. Double standards.

So being proud of one's identity is fundamentalism, and people should be always talking about pluralism and the two don't match. I guess people who hardly have any grasp about Islam should start to open their eyes rather than pretending to be open-minded and thinking that being open-minded is only having perverted thoughts and sharing them.

And so is the call to normalise racial relations and overcoming suspicions something so unacceptable? Did I talk about hating the Chinese? If I hated Chinese would I be in a party like Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)? Oh yes...all this while I have only been pretending...

Stupid self-proclaimed, pseudo-liberals...

Burqa ban in Italy-Islam & Life

2011-09-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Featuring Prof. Tariq Ramadan, European Muslim Intellectual on the issue of Muslim integration in Europe.

Following its European neighbors, Italy passed a bill for banning the wearing of face-veils (Burqa) in public places.

An Italian parliamentary commission approved the draft law on Tuesday August 2nd. The law will be forwarded to the Italian parliament following summer recess. Under this bill, violators would be fined up to 300 Euros ($420) or sentenced to community service aimed at encouraging integration. In this edition of the show we ask the following question: What is Italy aiming to achieve from banning Burqa?

Advice of Roozbeh to Samimi

2011-09-08T12:22:00.001-07:00

A romantic love story between Samimi, a young Iranian lady convinced in the ideals of Communism and Roozbeh, an elderly man, a well established writer during the early days of the Iranian Revolution. In Samimi, Roozbeh sees Mahmonir, his long lost love. In the movie, I found some advice that Roozbeh gave to Samimi very useful and most appealing:

On being a writer...

@42.51: If you want to be a writer or a poet, you have to accept criticim...

@44.15:...if your interest is in art & philosophy, then that's a different matter. You should read and read well. You should write. You should accept criticism.

On idealism...

@44.30:Samimi: You know, you talk very well but I have things to say too. You don't listen to my words at all. This isn't a two-way communication. I know that you are more learned than me but that doesn't mean you're always right. I don't know why, but I feel you don't understand my generation.

Roozbeh:You know when I was your age, I thought if I didn't give my opinion on the world, everything would fall apart. I was like a small bird who was lying on his back to prevent the destruction of the world. I spoke with my friends about dying and being killed as if it was a trivial matter as if we could be revived and talk about it all over again.

Samimi: And you made a mistake?

Roozbeh: No, I make a mistake. Maybe, I've become too old & conservative.

On sacrificing oneself for a cause...

@45.26: Roozbeh: Please make me a promise.

Do whatever your organisation asks you to.
Write whatever you want.
Devote everything you have to your organization except your eyes.
Yes do whatever you want, but with open eyes.
Keep your eyes for yourself.
It is very painful to die of blindness.

Worthy of respect and prayers...

2011-09-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

A good leader is one who loves the people and the people love him. One who prays for the people and the people prays for him. One who advises the people, and in turn the people advises him. A good leader is remembered and admired not feared because of his iron fist, but he is loved and has compassion for the people.

Dictators and the system that they have built are tumbling down like domino. One day, they will perish and justice will prevail. In this world nothing last forever. So does injustice. But even when everything else, we know that there is a Day of Judgement.

Mankind is always in search of perfection. And so we strive and work towards a better day. We await a day where we will stand up tall and proud under a just system under a leader who fills the hearts of his people with pride, glory and compassion.

Islam of MUIS - Islam of Abu Dharr

2011-09-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

"Working primarily through the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), a government statutory board, the GOS aims to convince Muslims that Islam is compatible with modernity, and to harness religion to ensure their support for (or at least acquiescence to) its policies."

- Wikileaks

Recently I borrowed a Malay book titled "Warisan Shariati". It is a compilation of writings on the thoughts of Dr Ali Shariati, the ideologue of the Iranian Islamic Revolution. Although I do not subscribe to the Shia and Marxists doctrines but I was attracted by the Shariati's thoughts on social justice and Islam.

Some Persian words sparked some excitement was "Abu Zarr Khoda Parast-i Sosiyalist" (Abu Zarr: The Believing Socialist). It was an oxymoron term. Socialism in the times of Shariati was normally associated to an atheist or a disbeliever. But in this case, the companion of Rasulullah s.a.w. was called a "believing socialist". It was an Arabic book that Shariati had translated written by a Egyptian radical by the name of Abdul Hamid Jowdat.

Abu Dharr r.a. was a companion of Rasulullah s.a.w. who had little interest in worldly matters. And therefore he led the life of a poor. But he was also very critical of the government of the day if he deemed that it was not right. During the caliphate of Uthman r.a., his criticism became so harsh because of the mismanagement and injustice that he perceived that he was sent to exile and he died in exile. (In our tradition, both are exalted as men of honor and the Companion of Rasulullah s.a.w., and therefore, we condemn none.)

The Islam of Abu Dharr that Shariati understood was an Islam with concerns for social justice and concern for the welfare of the people. Contrary to the Islam of hegemonic regimes that sought to subject the people to tyranny.

Coming back to the topic of discussion, as revealed by the Wikileaks, the Government of Singapore under the PAP promotes a brand of Islam to counter what it claims as Extremist Islam. Through MUIS, it tries to convince Muslims that Islam is compatible with modernity.

During the good old days, my teacher would tell me, "Well, you can talk anything you want about Islam but don't try talk about politics in the mosque." The kind of Muslims that they have managed to produce are those who use the term "bersyukur", "kita ni siapa?" and those that represent defeatism.

These docile Muslims are those who sees injustice but do nothing about it or those who couldn't care less. For them, their only concern is about getting a job, a companion, a house, a car and a holiday.

For those who react and try to organise, these people are branded as fundamentalist, extremist and so on. People who talk about discrimination, people who talk about inculcating the values of Islam in society and government, these are dangerous people. Dangerous because it would cost them their votes.

Abu Dharr would be an activist in the modern context striving for social justice. The concept of social justice is embedded in the 5 pillars of Islam; Zakat. A Muslim would naturally be sympathetic or even sensitive to the issues of social justice as the obligation to give out zakat is obligatory upon every able Muslims.

The Islam of MUIS is nothing more than to sway Muslims to support the policies of the People's Action Party (PAP) by giving it a religious coating, manufacturing fatwas on how could the Government and MUIS get more money out of the people and supporting a system even though the system is an unjust one, ie. Zakat CPF.

More about Abu Dhar al Ghifari r.a.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Dharr_al-Ghifari

Sikap Mu'awiyah r.a. terhadap pengkritik

2011-09-05T03:08:00.000-07:00

Dalam riwayat al-Tabarani yang dinilai hasan oleh al-Albani:

“Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan r.a (khalifah ketika itu) menaiki mimbar pada hari Jumaat, dia berkata dalam khutbahnya: “Harta ini (kerajaan) adalah harta kami, dan harta fai (yang diperolehi melalui peperangan) juga harta kami. Kami berikan kepada sesiapa yang kami mahu, dan kami tidak berikan kepada sesiapa yang kami mahu”. Tiada seorang pun yang menjawabnya.

Apabila tiba jumaat yang kedua, dia mengucapkan perkara yang sama. Tiada siapa pun menjawabnya. Pada jumaat yang ketiga dia berkata perkara yang sama, lalu seorang lelaki yang hadir dalam masjid itu bangun dan berkata: “Sama sekali tidak! Harta ini adalah harta kami (rakyat) dan fai ini adalah fai kami (rakyat). Sesiapa yang menghalang antaranya dengan kami, kami hukumnya dengan pedang-pedang kami”.

Apabila selesai solat, Muawiyat memerintahkan lelaki itu berjumpa dengannya. Orang ramai berkata: “Habislah dia”. Kemudian orangramai masuk dan mendapati dia duduk bersama Muawiyah di atas tempat duduknya. Muawiyah berkata kepada orang ramai: “Dia ini telah menghidupkanku (memberikan kebahagian), semoga Allah menghidupkannya. Aku mendengar Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda: “Akan ada pemimpin-pemimpin selepasku, mereka itu bercakap tiada siapa pun yang menjawab mereka. Mereka itu terjun ke dalam neraka seperti kera terjun”.

Kata Muawiyah: Aku bercakap pada jumaat pertama, tiada siapa pun menjawabku, maka aku takut aku termasuk dalam kalangan mereka. Kemudian pada jumaat yang kedua, tiada siapapun menjawabku, maka aku pun berkata: “Aku termasuk dalam kalangan mereka”. Aku bercakap pada jumaat ketiga lelaki ini bangun menjawabku. Dia hidupkan (bahagiakan) daku, semoga Allah menghidupkannya”.

Sumber: http://drmaza.com/home/?p=1486&fb_comment_id=fbc_10150338642345833_19323247_10150379236545833#f9e8b424c

Wikileaks: On Singapore Muslim Community

2011-09-02T03:05:00.000-07:00

Below are the list of links in Wikileaks concerning Singapore's Malay/Muslim community:

On Muslim MPs in Singapore and how they are perceived by the community: http://wikileaks.org/cable/2005/02/05SINGAPORE312.html

Concerning the steps taken by the PAP in preventing racial and religious conflicts in Singapore:

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2005/02/05SINGAPORE343.html

On how the Singapore Government is countering Islamic Extremism through the promotion of its own version of mainstream Singapore Islam through Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS):

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2005/06/05SINGAPORE1986.html

Reeducation of JI members detained under ISA through the use of Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG):

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2005/10/05SINGAPORE3146.html

Singapore's Muslim Speaker of Parliament, Abdullah Tarmugi's visit to Israel is carefully scrutinised to ensure that there would be no backlash from the Muslims in Singapore. Conclusion: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has its' potential influence in Singapore:

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2005/11/05SINGAPORE3397.html

On the four new PAP Muslim candidates. All four are highly educated, successful professionals with international experience. Only one, however, has the religious background, community recognition, and Malay-language skills to make him broadly appealing to Singapore's Malay/Muslim minority. Conclusion: Religious credentials, community work and grasp of Malay Language is important:

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2006/04/06SINGAPORE1321.html

PAP failed to raised the socio-economic status of the Muslims in Singapore:

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2006/05/06SINGAPORE1468.html

Singapore Madrasah's struggle to stay relevant:

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2007/04/07SINGAPORE785.html

Overhaul of the Madrasah system:

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2007/11/07SINGAPORE2133.html

Rejecting Islamic Extremism:

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2007/09/07SINGAPORE1732.html

Analysts are sceptical of Singapore's government's capability of rehabilitating "terrorists". They noted the increasing discontent and radicalization among ethnic Malay youth and warn that some Malays may be funding terrorism abroad by engaging in distinctly non-Muslim criminal activities, such as loan sharking:

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2009/10/09SINGAPORE982.html

Israel's top priorities in Singapore: Business and trade:

http://wikileaks.org/cable/2010/01/10SINGAPORE109.html

Dream of a united Nusantara: Mohd Yamin

2011-08-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Muhammad Yamin (1903 – October 17, 1962) was born in Talawi, Sawahlunto, in the heartland of the Minangkabau on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. He was the son of Oesman Gelar Baginda Khatib (1856–1924) the Penghulu ("Head of sub-district") of Indrapura. Oesman had five wives with whom he had sixteen children who make up a veritably influential, but incohesive political and intellectual, family in early modern Indonesian history. Other well known sons of Oesman are Muhammad Yaman, the eldest, an educator; Djamaluddin, a renowned journalist, who later in life added to his name his nom de plume, Adinegoro; and Ramana Oesman (1924–1992), a pioneer of the Indonesian diplomatic corps. (Wikipedia)

Prof. Mohd Yamin, advisor to Sukarno, once said:

"In fact, I have on one occassion in my dream of a Pan-Indonesia, which will include not only Malaya and Papua (New Guinea) but also the Philippines. There was a stage in my life when I kept dreaming of a Pan-Indonesia...I have scores of letters and telegrams which have come from Malaya aksing that Malaya be included in Indonesia...Day before yesterday three young men from Syonanto (Singapore) came to me conveying a request from the youth of Malaya that Malaya be included in Indonesia. One of the well-known leaders from Malaya, Lt-Colonel Abdullah Ibrahim, conveyed the request that Malaya be incorporated in Indonesian territory. Apart from that I myself am convinced that the people of Malaya feel themselves as Indonesian, belonging to Indonesia and as one of us."

Source: P/PEN 3/103, Background to Indonesia's Policy Towards Malaysia 1964

SDP holds party conference amidst dramatic expansion

2011-08-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY, 26 AUGUST 2011

Singapore Democrats

Newly elected party chairman Jufrie Mahmood with Secretary-General Chee Soon Juan

The SDP held its Ordinary Party Conference (OPC) on 25 August 2011 and elected a new Central Executive Committee (CEC) amidst a strong sense of mission and hope. Our rapidly expanding ranks and quality of our membership enables us to look forward with confidence and vigour.

The SDP's vote share in the 2011 General Elections increased by 14 percent, the highest improvement of all the parties. It came in the wake of a highly credible slate of candidates contesting in four constituencies.

The ruling party, the People’s Action Party, saw its vote share plummet to its lowest level of 60.1% since 1963 amidst growing dissatisfaction with high ministerial salaries alongside declining wages and rising inflation, and a leadership perceived as arrogant and out of touch.

Alongside the improvement in the Singapore Democrats' performance is also a dramatic increase in our membership and volunteer base.

The party credits this expansion to the former CEC building up the party and a resulting slate of highly credible candidates attracted by the party’s sense of mission, organisational capacity, media management, and a slew of deeply thought through policy documents, including its groundbreakingShadow Budget 2011: Empowering the Nation, which was unveiled a few days before the Government budget in March 2011.

As with previous OPCs, a new CEC was elected at the conference for the next two years (see line-up below).

The SDP recognises that the CEC is by no means the body that possesses all the skills and know-how that the party offers. We believe that rather than concentrate all our talent within the CEC, it is important to distribute our capabilities across the various departments of the party.

At this stage of the SDP's development, a larger management structure is essential for the party to cope with our expanding work and, as such, capable members are being deployed across a much wider leadership team.

To develop the full potential of our new leaders we have created a thematic management structure. Named the Outreach Committee, it comprises Community Services, Training & Development, Policy Studies, Communications, Ground Operations, and Fundraising. This enables all our leadership skills and abilities to be fanned out so as to ensure a high quality of management across all the party’s work streams.

To be an effective party, we are facilitating the placement of our talented members where their skills and experience will be best utilised. All this is undertaken to ensure that the Singapore Democrats build our capacity as we continue on our Road to 2016.

The new CEC comprises of:
Chairman
Vice-Chairman
Secretary-General
Asst Secretary-General
Treasurer
Asst Treasurer
Members
Jufrie Mahmood
Vincent Cheng
Chee Soon Juan
John Tan
Vincent Wijeysingha
John Law
Christopher Ang
Chee Siok Chin
Mohd Isa
Francis Yong
Sadasivam Veriyah
Bryan Lim

Source: http://www.yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4942-sdp-holds-party-conference-amidst-dramatic-expansion

Malaysia's Ethnic and Religious Divides: Aljazeera English

2011-08-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Racist Republic! Happy Birthday Israel of the East!

2011-08-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

"Are we to believe that a state created out of a racist worldview will it ever change? It's like an Arab fantasising that he can be as equal to the Jew in Israel." That is what always comes to my mind whenever I talk to a veteran Malay socio-political activist about the state of affairs that we are in.

He said (in the Bahasa Kebangsaan), "I suppose that the time of British was much better. At least during those times, we were not singled-out as potential source of trouble. But today..." He sighs, frowns with sadness in his eyes looking out of the window. I could understand his pain. I feel it too. Although mine was a different one in nature, but I say that it was just a continuation of the racist policies.

There is no doubt that in this country Malays/ Muslims are the source of the potential trouble and are very much distrusted. I quote from the saying of the "Crying Father of Independence":

"If, for instance, you put in a Malay officer who's very religious and who has family ties in Malaysia in charge of a machine gun unit, that's a very tricky business. We've got to know his background... I'm saying these things because they are real, and if I don't think that, and I think even if today the Prime Minister doesn't think carefully about this, we could have a tragedy." - SM Lee Kuan Yew, Straits Times, September 19, 1999 on Malays in the Singapore Armed Forces

"Well, we make them say the national pledge and sing the national anthem but suppose we have a famine, will your Malay neighbour give you the last few grains of rice or will she share it with her family or fellow Muslim or vice versa?"

In 1987, in a reply to an opposition Member of Parliament's remark that Malays should not be discriminated, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, his son, who was then Minister for DefenceLee Hsien Loong, said:

"If there is a conflict, if the SAF is called upon to defend the homeland, we don’t want to put any of our soldiers in a difficult position where his emotions for the nation may come in conflict with his emotion for his religion, because these are two very strong fundamentals, and if they are not compatible, then they will be two very strong destructive forces in opposite directions."

There are many instances in which he infered the Malays as potential traitors. There is nothing to be surprised about. Since the very basis for the existence of the Republic is racial in nature. Plus over the years, racist policies have become embedded that no one harshly criticises it; some even believe that it is necessary. Till today Malays are kept out of the navy and air force.

The so-called "enmity" between Singapore and Malaysia under the PAP and UMNO is a very expensive one. The Singapore government maintain one of the world's highest defence budget and take away 2 years of a young male's life for military duties because they believe that they are surrounded by "hostile Muslim neighbours". On top of that the Muslims in the country (if it can ever be called such), are considered potential traitors.

They likened themselves to Israel because they hallucinate about being surrounded by "hostile Muslim neighbours". I supposed they totally forgot the fact that the "independence" they got was because the Federation of Malaysia under Tunku Abdul Rahman decided to "kick" Singapore out which left Lee Kuan Yew crying like a silly boy. And on top of that, unlike Israel, Singapore is not the "Promised of Land of the Chinese". Israel is the "Promised Land of the Jews".

Islamist rethorics? It is up to you. I am only pointing out to the facts. For as long as I am considered an enemy and a potential traitor, I will continue to be so. It is very dangerous when the state considers you an enemy. Because when anything happen, no matter how small, you know you will be a target.

The only way out is reunification. I consider re-unification as the only solution to reconciliation and doing away with this distrust of people of different skin color. With that, we can do away with the militarisation of the society and focus more on the welfare of the people.

Anyway, I wish this racist republic that likens itself to Israel "Happy 46th Birthday"!

George Galloway on the Norway terrorist attacks

2011-08-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

And I make it clear the word is T-E-R-R-O-R-I-S-T not a lone gunman!

9th of August 1965: Day of Humiliation

2011-08-01T02:13:00.000-07:00

As a child in primary school, I used to be proud singing the National Anthem "Majulah Singapura" until I read and understood how Singapore as a republic. The truth is we were kicked out of the Federation of Malaysia and that our so-called "Father of Independence" (which I would be ashamed of calling him of such) cried in humiliation in front of television over the event.

I am not expressing my true feelings about the Republic of Singapore because I felt a loss of belonging due to the influx of foreigners or that because I am a adherent of "radical Islam" which views singing of National Anthem as a "syirk"(idolatary). I express it because I do not rejoice over a day when the so-called "Father of Independence" was crying in humiliation over the "independence"! This is perhaps the only nation where we had a "Father of Independence" crying in humiliation over such an event that was supposed to be glorious!

The whole matter regarding separation between the Republic of Singapore and the Federation of Malaysia boils down to one issue; Race. That is why untill today, Malays are regarded as potential traitors to the Republic and are prevented from serving in sensitive defence sectors.

We try very hard live by this make-belief, imagined nationalistic pride cooked up by a mixture of arrogance, hatred and distrust towards our "Muslim neighbours". We spend big money on defence and so little on social welfare. I would have had a different view of the Republic if the government was one that was more caring and did not consider Malays as a threat and a potential source of treason.

This has a lot to do with a political party. The ruling party called People's Action Party (PAP) is a crooked political party with bad intentions from the start. It started of as a racist party agitating racial tensions that led to the separation of Singapore from the Federation, ruled as an authoritarian, racist regime and now it seeks to dispose its own citizen by displacing them with people from China and India. No wonder 78 percent of the people will not fly the Singapore flag. It means nothing to them anymore.

The process of colonisation brought about nation-states in this region that gave people a false sense of nationalistic pride. Nationalistic prides become irrelevant to people once the nation means nothing to them. Just to sidetrack a little, the borders that separates can be traced back to colonial times which were the doings of the colonizers. The Anglo-Dutch Treaty (that separated the territories of today modern day Malaysia and Indonesia, and turned Singapore into a imperial trading post for the British), the Anglo-Siamese Treaty (that separated Pattani from the Malay sultanate under the modern day Federation of Malaysia) and the Bates Treaty (that ceded the Sulu Sultanate and the Southern Philipines to the American in the hope to restore some order).

9th of August 1965 was a tragedy in our history. How can we celebrate a humiliating event where even the so-called "Father of Independence" cried in humiliation? We should accept reunification with the Federation of Malaysia. The issue about different currencies can be resolved by turning to the use of gold and silver coins. After all, gold and silver are universally accepted as something valuable by all people. The future of Singapore is with its neighbours, not separate from it. The future is Nusantara!

(temasekreview.com)

Democrats wish our Muslim friends a fulfilling Ramadan

2011-08-01T02:04:00.000-07:00

MONDAY, 01 AUGUST 2011

Singapore Democrats

The SDP's Ms Suraya, Ms Nora and Secretary-General Dr Chee Soon Juan wish all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Ramadan at the start of the fasting month starting today.

youtube link

OsamAnders BinBehring BreivikLaden

2011-07-27T00:41:00.000-07:00

He is not a bearded man with a turban. His hair is not dark. He does not put on the robe. He does not have a tanned skin. He does not speak Arabic. He does not read verses of the Qur'an. He does not smoke shisha. He does not eat kebab. He does not carry the tasbih. He does not stand facing Mecca five times a day. But he killed more than 70 people and injured several others in a single terrorist act.

The terrorist has a new name. Osama Bin Laden is no longer cool and trendy. Anders Behring Breivik will be the most popular name or nom de guerre for jihadists wanna-be. He is European and has nothing to do with Islam. He views Islam as a threat to Western civilisation and so he seeks to save Europe from becoming Darul Islam. The was what Russia Today had reported a few days ago. (Source: http://rt.com/news/norway-worst-tragedy-police/)

10 years ago, it was a dark moment for us Muslims. We were attacked on all sides. No stones were left unturned. The enemy rejoiced as we were in chaos. Our friends were captured one by one. As distrusts set in, friends turned into enemies overnight. Family were separated and brotherhood were squashed. Even the most innocent thing such as owning a book like "Apa Ertinya Saya menganut Agama Islam?" by Sheikh Fathi Yakan was considered to be dangerous.

This little island was not even spared. The enemies interrogated with the stupidest of questions. Like our allegiance to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Palestinian-Israeli issue, if Malaysia and Singapore were to be at war, what do we thought of Osama, what do we thought of the PAP government. Loads of crap and nothing more. Truth becomes falsehood and the right becomes wrong. That was how it was.

My condolonces to the people of Norway. I don't intend to celebrate on such disastrous events. But the event proves a point that the enemy is more dangerous than what they accused Muslims of. The real terror is them. They spread lies, deceptions and chaos. No one is spared. Not even those of their kind.

Fastabiqul Khairat

2011-07-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

Pemuda Muhammadiyah Indonesia adalah sebuah organisasi pemuda yang amat tua dan matang di negara tersebut. Sejarahnya telah berjalan hampir selama 80 tahun dan dari segi struktur dan jaringannya pon sudah mantap.

"Fastabiqul Khairat" merupakan motto yang diadopsi Pemuda Muhammadiyah Indonesia sebagai lambang budaya kerja di dalam organisasi mereka di dalam menggerakkan kerja-kerja amal. Motto ini terinspirasi daripada Surah al Ma'idah ayat 48:

"...Sekiranya Allah menghendaki, niscaya kamu dijadikan-Nya satu umat (saja), tetapi Allah hendak menguji kamu terhadap pemberian-Nya kepadamu, maka berlomba-lombalah berbuat kebajikan... "

Di dalam sejarah awal Islam, motto ini termanifestasi dalam kehidupan para sahabat kerana mereka berlumba-lumba dalam membuat amal saleh. Bukan supaya dikagumi manusia tetapi untuk mencari keredhaan Allah.

Abu Bakar, Usman bin Affan, dan Abdurrahman bin Auf juga saudagar sukses. Kafilah dagang Abdurrahman bin Auf misalnya mencapai ratusan onta. Namun dia tidak lupa berjuang dengan hartanya itu. Bahkan dalam suatu kesempatan beliau menginfakkan 700 onta yang penuh barang dagangan itu di jalan Allah. Usman pernah memberikan sepertiga hartanya. Sedang Abu Bakar malah memberikan semua hartanya untuk perjuangan. ¹

9 hari lagi akan tiba bulan Ramadhan dan di dalam bulan ini, peluang untuk membuat amal saleh pasti luas sekali. Mudah-mudahan kita dalam memaksimalkan peluang yang ada di bulan ini dalam memperbanyakkan amal, menguatkan iman dan meningkatkan prestasi ibadah kita. Amin.

1 http://wakaf.info/berita-42-berjuang-dengan-harta-ala-rasul.html

When in Rome, do what the Romans do

2011-07-21T01:43:00.001-07:00

There are times when we are not sure of some matters, we would ask people or seek advice from someone else and would expect some form of lecture. But usually we don't like it when people start coming to you lecturing on the rights and wrongs. No one does. Especially when you are from a different cultural background altogether. We always seek some form of understanding so that we don't accidentally step on each others toes.

When it comes to cultures, we don't seek to judge but understand the belief behind why people do certain things, in a certain way, say certain things or express certain emotions when something happens. Only a fool would jump into it and say "You are right and you are wrong". It will definitely leave a bad taste in your tongue.

I remembered an incident my friend was telling me about the time he spent in Indonesia. He was with another Singaporean friend living there. The Indonesians inherited Dutch way of pronouncing the Latin alphabets "Aaa, Bey, Chey, Dey, E...." So when this friend of his heard it from some Indonesians, he quickly jumped in and say "No! You people are ruining the language! (Kau orang ini merosakkan bahasa!)". The Indonesians were obviously stunned by his remark and got angry. So my friend had to come in and resolve the whole situation.

This of course a minor example of what happens when you start judging culture. You may not like it. But sometimes you have to live with it and accept it. It requires some humility to do so. Perhaps you might even have to swallow your pride in order to do so.

Yesterday, I has a good conversation with a Chinese businessman and he showed a photo of him wearing sarong in a Muslim country. Then I commented "Wahhh! Uncle, you wear sarong?" He replied "When in Rome, do what the Romans do." And he even uses terms like "Insya Allah" and "Assalamu'alaikum" in his conversations. It has benefitted him a lot and made his wallet thicker now.

Cultural clashes can be avoided when we learn to respect. There are benefits to be reaped when we respect, if not materially, maybe socially. We win friends and we reduce the number of enemies. If you intend to do otherwise, just remember to wipe out the other party in totality. Because if you don't the remnants will grow and they will come after you. Stupidity and ego will only lead destruction.

City Harvest Church stance on Homosexuality

2011-07-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

Recently, I made an effort to send an email to the City Harvest Church asking them about Christianity's view on Homosexuality. Below is the reply from the Church on it's stance on the subject.

Dear Muhammad Shamin Bin Mohamed Sidek,

Thank you so much for taking time to write to our church and for your enquiry.

In City Harvest Church, we embrace the following stand in regards to homosexuality, as issued by the National Council of Churches in Singapore (NCCS):

1) Recognizing the Bible as the authoritative standard for its faith and practice the Church has historically and consistently held the view that the practice of homosexuality is clearly incompatible with the teachings of the Christian faith. The only sexual relationship, sanctioned by God and given as a gift from God, is between a male and a female within the bounds of a monogamous marriage.

2) Therefore, we do not condone homosexual practice and we consider homosexual lifestyle as sinful and unacceptable. However, this does not mean that we reject or despise homosexuals (homophobia). We acknowledge that every person is loved by God and we all live under the grace of God. Homosexuals should be regarded and treated no less as persons of worth and dignity.

3) The Church is called to be a caring community and a sanctuary, always extending ministry to all persons. As sinners ourselves, we are committed to the path of true freedom made possible by the grace of God and found in and through obedience to Jesus Christ. Without minimizing their struggles, the Church offers those beset with homosexual desire the same opportunity to receive God's forgiveness and fulfilment in Jesus Christ and to experience His transforming power. Not accepting homosexual practice and lifestyle must not be confused with homophobia.

4) In public debate about homosexuality scientific data have sometimes been used to support certain claims. To the layperson, science has been unsuspectingly regarded as an objective discipline and conclusions based on its findings have been assumed as irrefutable and authoritative. But that is an assumption we do not accept especially with regard to attempts to give biological explanations to homosexual inclination and behaviour. We note that there is no clear evidence that homosexuality is biologically determined.

5) Though we deem homosexual lifestyle totally unacceptable on the basis of the Bible and our faith, we believe that unless there are legitimate reasons homosexuals, as individuals, should not be discriminated against in areas such as employment. It does not follow, however, that our society should be re-ordered or allowed to evolve to the extent that eventually homosexual practice is endorsed, permitted or encouraged as an alternative lifestyle. In this regard, we urge our government to maintain:

a) current legislation concerning homosexuality;
b) its policy of not permitting the registration of homosexual societies or clubs;
c) its policy of not allowing the promotion of homosexual lifestyle and activities.

6) As churches we seek to remain faithful to our Christian faith and practice. We shall strengthen the education of our members in the teachings and practices of our faith. We are committed to serving our nation by helping to preserve and promote wholesome values and lifestyles that will contribute to the well-being of our society.

Well, thank you once again for writing to us. I hope the above is helpful to you.

Yours sincerely,

Serene Koh | Church Liaison Officer
City Harvest Church

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE AND FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA

2011-07-14T03:49:00.000-07:00

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE AND FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA

Date:

Tue, 12 Jul 2011

SINGAPORE, 12 July 2011: The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

The signing ceremony took place at the Wisma FAM, Jalan SS5A/9 Kelana Jaya, Selangor on 12 July 2011 and was attended by FAS President Mr Zainudin Nordin, FAS Vice President Mr Lim Kia Tong, FAS General Secretary Mr Winston Lee and present from the FAM delegation, were FAM Deputy President, His Royal Highness Tengku Abdullah and FAM General Secretary Lt Gen Dato’ Azzuddin Ahmad (Ret), distinguished guests and media from both countries.

FAS and FAM have been discussing for some time now, on how both Associations can tap on their respective strengths to further develop football and strengthen ties between the two Associations.

This partnership will therefore be the vehicle for both national teams including youth teams to play as many friendly matches as possible to foster closer ties between the national and youth teams of both countries.

It will also create opportunities for both the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League and the Malaysian Super League teams to showcase the quality of play in both domestic leagues with the exciting initiatives that we have agreed upon.

Key aspects of the partnership:-

Increase competitive matches between the two countries

Starting from 2012, over the span of four years, both Associations are seeking to encourage more friendly matches between the National and Youth Teams of both countries to further improve the standard of the game and to foster closer ties. Taking into account the respective international commitments of the FAS & FAM, we hope to see an increase in the number of friendly matches between our teams at all levels.

THE FAM and FAS Series

An FAM and FAS Series which comprises of two tournaments titled the League Champions Challenge and the Cup Winners Challenge will take place annually between the victorious teams of the League and Cup competitions.

The League Champions Challenge will see the champions of the S.League and the Malaysia Super League compete in a home-and-away format while the Cup Winners Challenge will be a home-and-away matchup between the Singapore Cup and Malaysia Cup champions. With the key objective of this MOU between the two nations focused on further improving the standard of football, both Associations have agreed that in the event that the champions of the league or cup is a foreign team, FAS and FAM will select a local team that came in second to participate in this series.

Malaysian team will play in the S.League from 2012 to 2015

It was also announced that for the first time, a Malaysian team will participate in the S.League from 2012 to 2015. This team will also participate in the League Cup and Singapore Cup.

Singapore team will play in the Malaysian Super League from 2012 to 2015

Also in the partnership, a Singapore team will participate in the Malaysian Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup from 2012 to 2015. This team will comprise of national players below the age of 23, five players above the age of 23 and complimented by the quota of foreign players allowed in accordance to the competition rules.

With these initiatives in place, fans and players alike can look forward to an interesting four years where the two nations will be able to witness exciting and pulsating football in the respective domestic leagues spiced up by the traditional historic rivalry while on the international front, both countries will benefit from the increase in number of matches between the two sides.

FAS President, Mr Zainudin Nordin was pleased with the partnership when he spoke at the press conference. He said: “There is always a special romance between Singapore and Malaysia football. I am pleased with this football partnership and am confident that it will further strengthen our ties with the FAM.

“The key points of this partnership cannot be achieved overnight. It will take days, weeks and even months of planning as we iron out the creases. But I would like to reiterate that these are positive moves. I seek the patience and kind understanding of the media and public while we work round the clock to make it happen. In this regard, FAS and FAM will form a working committee to discuss and agree on all of the operational details and when these are completed, we will host another media briefing to share the details with members of the media.”

Welcoming the partnership, FAM Deputy President, His Royal Highness Tengku Abdullah said “We welcome this move. It certainly gives a positive impact to Malaysia. Especially amongst our youth players. It is a big opportunity for our players to gain exposure in the S.League and at the same time, the Singapore Lions will have the same opportunities in our Malaysian Super League. With this agreement, we hope that this will open the door for many more collaborations in future.”

Source: http://www.fas.org.sg/news/memorandum-understanding-between-football-association-singapore-and-football-association-malays

Between 2 evils

2011-07-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

The prophet Luth a.s. was a messenger of Allah assigned to the Sodom and Gomorah. In the Qur'an, Allah mentions of the perverted nature of the people who went to the extent attempting to commit their lewd acts on Luth's guest who were in fact angels sent down in the form of human beings.

The behaviours of the people of Luth are recorded as such in Sura Ash Shuaraa:

The folk of Lot denied the messengers (of Allah), (160) When their brother Lot said unto them: Will ye not ward off (evil)? (161) Lo! I am a faithful messenger unto you, (162) So keep your duty to Allah and obey me. (163) And I ask of you no wage therefor; my wage is the concern only of the Lord of the Worlds. (164) What! Of all creatures do ye come unto the males, (165) And leave the wives your Lord created for you? Nay, but ye are forward folk. (166) They said: If thou cease not, O Lot, thou wilt soon be of the outcast. (167) He said: I am in truth of those who hate your conduct. (168)

In Sura al Qamar, Allah mentions of the punishment unto the people of Luth when they attempted to commit their lewd acts upon the guests of the messenger:

They even asked of him his guests for an ill purpose. Then We blinded their eyes (and said): Taste now My punishment after My warnings! (37) And in truth the punishment decreed befell them early in the morning. (38)

In Sura ash Shuara:

Then afterward We destroyed the others. (172) And We rained on them a rain. And dreadful is the rain of those who have been warned. (173) Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. (174) And lo! thy Lord, He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. (175)

Indeed such heinous acts were not tolerated by Allah that He sent His punishments upon those who transgressed. The people of Luth are one of the many stories in the Qur'an in which Allah destroyed a people for their sins. Their transgressions are recorded so that generations after them will not follow the same path. The Qur'an is a stark reminder and guidance for us to achieve happiness in this world and the Hereafter.

In Islam, we are told to do 'amar ma'ruf nahi mungkar (enjoin good and forbid evil). The reason that Allah proclaims Muslims as the best Ummah is because of that. In Sura ali 'Imran, He says: Ye are the best community that hath been raised up for mankind. Ye enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency; and ye believe in Allah. And if the People of the Scripture had believed it had been better for them. Some of them are believers; but most of them are evil-livers. (110)

In the recent weeks and days, I have engaged in debates about an event called "Pink Dot" and the Obedient Wives Club (OWC). Some have accused me of politicising religion and engaging in gutter politics. I am deeply amused by the rantings by so-called liberals and progressives about the OWC as being an oppressive club and insulting the dignity of women. I would be accused of being backward and conservative for being on the side of the OWC for sure.

As Muslims, progressive, liberal or conservative, the starting point of our discussion on Islam would be the Qur'an followed by the Sunnah because that is the basis of our religion. Ijtihad would still be based on the two sources. So if we are to judge homosexuality, the understanding of it is uncompromising and undisputed even though there are attempts to introduce a so-called modernist outlook into the matter of discussion.

It has been suggested that homosexuality is genetically inherited and that those who have this 'predisposition' are victims of it not sinners of any sort. However, there are other things which are probably genetically influenced to give predispositions to for example gambling or alcoholism .It could also be argued (and has been) that it is programmed into men's genetics for them to be unfaithful to their partner. All these things don't make it the right thing to do, nor does it prevent these things from being regarded as sinful. Drinking alcohol will still be regarded as sinful in Islam even if you have a predisposition to be an alcoholic.

(http://www.islamic.org.uk/homosex.html)

The issue in regards to the OWC with it's primitive world-view on the relationship of a husband and wife deserves criticism. Their use of the word "prostitute" certainly didn't go down well with the public and segments of the Muslim community. I consider it as just a improper use of terms in pushing for their agendas. I guess they have a lot to learn from the "Pink Dot" movement.

The fact that this is coming from a banned Muslim group/sect is not relevant if you are truly a liberal and believe in "freedom of faith", which means the word "misguided" or "banned faith group" is truly a betrayal of such ideological concept.

When faced with these 2 issues at hand, I would rather remain silent on the OWC and raise my objections to homosexuality and give the Qur'an's point of view on the matter. It does not mean I support OWC. Usually in life we are faced with choices and the choices are never perfect.

Faith and the Public Space

2011-06-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

Bernard Lewis in his book titled "What Went Wrong?: Western Impact the Middle Eastern Response" said: “Secularism in the Christian world was an attempt to resolve the long and destructive struggle of church and state. Separation, adopted in the American and French Revolutions and elsewhere after that, was designed to prevent two things: the use of religion by the state to reinforce and extend its authority; and the use of the state power by the clergy to impose their doctrines and rules on other. This is a problem long seen as purely Christian, not relevant to Muslims or for that matter to Jews for whom a similar problem has arisen in Israel.”¹

Secularism took its root in Europe as a struggle between the traditional powers; the Church and the Monarchy who for a long had been "sleeping in the same bed" abusing the masses and the Enlightened masses who had enough of the abuses. The aftermath of the French Revolution saw the massacre of priests and nuns as a revenge by the people who had long been harmed by the Church. That saw an end to the participation of Church in the public sphere.

In the Muslim World, it was a difficult process as there was never a "Church" or a "clerical class" to begin with. The source of the knowledge of Islam; Al Qur'an and Sunnah was accessible to all and therefore anyone could speak about it and correct anyone if they felt that there had been some misinterpretation of the religion. However during the times of the Ottoman, the system of governance was monarchy and so there were formalisation of office including the religious head (mufti). And so it was possible that abuses in the religious decree issued by the mufti by the Sultan. As the Muslim world was in a pathetic state, secularism was seen as the cure for its condition. If it worked for the West, it should work for the Muslim World.

Although, secularism had been well entrenched in the Western world, religion still continued to have influence on individuals and their thoughts on the public sphere. In the so-called separation of faith and the public space has many times been challenged by the tendencies of politicians to take the source of inspirations of their struggles from faith. Figures who were involved in the struggle for human rights like in the case of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States in the 60s like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. clearly drew their inspiration from their respective faiths; Islam and Protestant.

In the non-Muslim World, religion still plays a crucial role in the development of politics. In Latin America, Christian Liberation Theology concept was adopted by Churches that were influenced by the left-wing as a resistance to the exploitations of capitalism and imperialism. In the United States, the "War on Terror" was actually influenced by religion if we took into account the seriousness of the use of the word "Crusade" by the former President George W. Bush that meant a Christian religious war.

Governments that claim to be secular in dealing with the religious communities, often resort to use religion to influence public policy by financing religious leaders to provide their views to legitimise their actions or their policies. As religion has a big role in the reasoning of the community in their decision to act, secularism in its purest sense prove difficult to be implemented.

1Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong?: Western Impact and the Middle Eastern Response (2002), Pg. 129

Between 2 Ps: Power struggle

2011-06-12T02:28:00.000-07:00

The president of Singapore may not have executive and legislative powers to enforce policy changes in the government. He may only have custodial powers over the reserves and such. But as a head of state and a political position all that can change because he can inspire and galvanise Singaporeans to rally behind for his cause. Powers can be attain through the acquiring of positions and legislating certain laws (hard powers) and also through moral persuasions (soft powers).

A leader that acquires both would certainly be able to carry out certain tasks with ease and also with the support of the people. I do not believe that there is such a thing called "status quo" in the world of politics. Situation change by persuasions or by revolutions. I believe that the new president could effect change through his own initiatives that will receive the support of the people.

There will be bound to be a struggle between the President and Parliament for the moral leadership of Singaporeans. Each will attempt strive to gain legitimacy in their own accords. The President-elect not only has "custodial powers", he also "spiritual power" which will allow him to effect change through other methods. In the world of power, nothing last forever.

Valley Of The Wolves Palestine 2011 (English Subs)

2011-05-28T18:23:00.001-07:00

An Open House...not for everyone...

2011-05-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Between 28 till 29 of May 2011, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is having its Open House showcasing its latest gadgets and development to the people of Singapore. I suppose an air force like the RSAF would awe the public with such event. Not least to say that the public will be invited to have "a feel good moment" by sitting in one of those jet fighter planes and also rub on some of the other machineries.

I suppose that even the Malays in this country would be allowed to enter only perhaps "with some suspicious eyes" keeping a close watch on them. They too would certainly not be denied of the privilege of those petty feel good moments only perhaps with an extra caution by the personel-in-charge just in case, in a moment of joy they spill out some teaching guide as to how to fly the jets or how to arm a anti-jet weapon.

Don't forget to bring your own halal food because being used to a homogenous environment they would probably forget, worse, be ignorant of the fact that there are some who have special dietry restrictions. Finally upon reaching the exit, a career centre would be available featuring the various exciting careers you can expect in the air force. But then there is a special sign board that says "Attention: MALAYS NEED NOT APPLY!". Pffft....

Social media challenges Singapore's rulers

2011-05-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

The city state's ruling party lost seats in recent elections and analysts believe new technologies aided the opposition.

Marwaan Macan-Marker Last Modified: 27 May 2011 13:55

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The opposition Workers' Party gained ground against the ruling Peoples' Action Party in a recent vote [EPA]

Weeks after a watershed general election in Singapore, the influential role played by social media to dramatically transform political debate in this affluent city- state continues to reverberate through cyberspace.

"Social Media in Singapore Politics: It's Serious Business Folks!" was the headline of an analysis that appeared this week on theonlinecitizen, a popular website featuring commentary challenging the official narrative of the southeast Asian country's ruling Peoples' Action Party (PAP) and the mainstream media - all of which are pro-government mouthpieces.

Views that appeared on Facebook.com and Twitter.com plus critical commentary on the Internet "sparked a new way of thinking for Singapore, especially in the political arena," read the article, one of many assessments following the May 7 poll. "The Internet became a platform for Singaporeans to not only vent their frustrations at the PAP, but also to share political opinion and connect with other like- minded individuals."

It echoed views expressed in a blog by Catherine Lim, the country’s most renowned female novelist, who included the Internet and social media among the "confluences of forces" behind the "people's anger [that] broke out in [the 2011 general election] and not earlier."

"The rise of a younger, more articulate electorate, the power of the Internet and the social media… allowed free discussion on usually censored topics," wrote Lim of a country that has been under the authoritarian grip of the PAP since it gained self-rule from British colonisation in 1959.

The views on cyberspace challenging the one-party state were rare till now, note analysts, given the climate of fear that had plagued the country. The PAP, from the days of Singapore’s founding father Lee Kwan Yew, was notorious for suing and jailing its critics as it proceeded to transform a malaria-infested backwater port town into a glittering city with a developed country’s standard of living.

"This election was a landmark because it marks the country’s transition out of fear," said James Gomez, executive director of Singaporeans for Democracy, a local think tank. "Young people, in particular, those who voted for the first time, have become politically socialised through the social media and are very much part of this transition."

Consequently the PAP, led by Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong, son of the country’s first premier, Lee Kwan Yew, saw the comfortable victory margins it had secured in 13 previous polls hit an all-time low. The incumbent party secured 60 per cent of the votes cast - its worst ever showing at a poll.

The PAP’s latest loss to the opposition parties - a slide that saw it drop in the popular vote to 67 per cent in the May 2006 general election, from 75 per cent of the vote at the 2001 poll - is not, however, reflected in the parliamentary seats. The electoral system that has controversial mechanisms favouring the ruling party ensured the PAP secured 81 of the 87 contested seats.

The six seats that went to the opposition was a victory for them - they had only two opposition members in the last legislature. "Though a measly six out of 87 seats is nothing to crow about, one needs to look beyond the election results and consider the larger context in order to appreciate the nature of this breakthrough," noted a commentary this week on Temasek Review, another Singaporean website known for views that go against the grain of PAP politics.

"The real change that has taken place is in the political landscape," it argued. "The PAP now has much more competition than ever before - so much so that even the tried-and-tested strategy of singling out the most threatening candidate for character assassination can no longer be employed."

It was a political shift that some Singapore watchers had been predicting ahead of the polls, given the sizeable number of young voters - a third of the 2.2 million registered voters were under 35 years old - and the wide use of the Internet, accessed by nearly 80 percent of the country’s population of 3.4 million.

The government, moreover, had eased its grip on controlling political discussions and actions in public by 2008, enabling the opposition parties to campaign for the first time using Facebook.com, podcasts and Twitter.com. Video recordings of opposition rallies were also uploaded on websites for the first time without first being vetted by the government’s film censorship board.

"Singapore’s 2011 General Election will go down in history as the most crucial since 1959," wrote Friedrich Naumann Stiftung, a German political foundation, in a background paper on the eve of this month’s poll. "Bread and butter issues such as rising cost of living, housing process, immigration policy and income-inequality have fuelled widespread dissatisfaction."

"Those who characterised Singaporeans as politically apathetic may need to think what has possessed this once politically boring city-state," read Friedrich Naumann Stiftung’s paper, Fear No More: Singapore’s Defining 2011 General Elections. "With the help of new media and the government's increased tolerance for dissent, Singaporeans have become more vocal in expressing their dissatisfaction both online and in public forums."

"The 200,000 new youth voters led the way through online discussions, expressing a need for a system that listens to them," said Sinapan Samydorai, a director of the Think Centre, a Singaporean think tank. "The social media have given a platform for the opposition to build on."

A version of this article first appeared on Inter Press Service news agency.

A leopard cannot change its spots

2011-05-27T01:39:00.000-07:00

Nowadays there is so much hype in the media about changes in the Singapore government's stance on many issues concerning to the plight of Singaporeans. After losing a GRC and the "worst ever" election victory, they are not taking any chances to appear that they are taking it lightly.

Perhaps the most laughable part was the use of the term "radical". If I could remember, in the earlier part of last year, the Malay paper was busy sensationalising the term and attempting to discuss terrorism. Suddenly, in view of a heavy loss and trying to appeal to the overwhelmingly pessimistic electorate, the term was no more taboo. To appease the crowd, they termed their actions as "radical".

Certainly it could not be termed as radical when pooly performing ministers were retained and moved to other posts. Apart from that we now have a foreign minister who makes a statement saying that "it is a dog eat dog world out there". It is either he is totally ignorant of the directions of ASEAN or perhaps he does not want Singapore to have anything to do with ASEAN.

Apart from that, the defence budget continues to be the highest among all totally lacking in its priorities, the position of Singapore as the "Israel of South East Asia" is not reassessed, national service continues to be at 2 years and that Malays continue to be discriminated in the defence industry.

Now, there is a move to bring back the Lion City Cup in the hope to unite Singaporeans through sports caliming that is our common ground. What unity do they speak of when there is no respect for its own citizens? Singapore nationalism is a laughing stock with these kind of inferior minded leaders.

Divide et Impera

2011-05-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

Tadi waktu dalam perjalanan pulang dari Jakarta ke Singapura, saya sempat membaca sebuah buku yang saya beli di Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) Republik Indonesia di Senayan. Buku itu berjodol "Pancasila 1 Juni & Syariat Islam" oleh Prof. Dr. Hamka Haq, MA. Persoalan-persoalan menarik yang ditimbulkan dan dijawab dalam buku ini berkenaan dengan kesesuaian Pancasila dan Islam, Agama dan Negara dan sejarah ringkas tentang Sukarno dan Pancasila itu sendiri.

Pancasila merupakan ideologi asas buat keberadaan eksistensi Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia. Ia mempunyai 5 sila yang merumuskan tentang Indonesia itu sendiri. Yang antaranya ialah "Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa". Bagi golongan Islamis "keras", Pancasila sama sekali bukanlah hal yang diterima atau boleh disesuaikan dengan Aqidah Islam. Namun hakikatnya, Pancasila itu diterima dua organisasi massa Islam terbesar di Indonesia yakni Muhammadiyah dan Nahdhatul Ulama'.

Penerimaan dan penolakan Pancasila itu tetap masih menjadi persoalan dengan munculnya partai-partai yang berorientasikan "Islam Transnasional". Saya secara peribadi sangat kagum dengan negera tetangga ini oleh kerana walaupun sangat besar dan sangat pelbagai akhirnya ia tetap diamankan dengan ungkapan "Bhinekka Tunggal Ika" (Berbeda tetapi tetap Satu).

Waktu menatap buku itu, saya terbaca istilah "divide et impera" yang bermaksud "pecah dan perintah". Ini adalah taktik pemerintahan yang dilaksanakan oleh pemerintah kolonial untuk melemahkan masyarakat yang ia jajah. Manifestasi "divide et impera" di Singapura dapat dilihat dalam bentuk:

organisasi bantuan mandiri seperti MENDAKI, CDAC, SINDA dan sebagainya padahal rakyat Singapura tidak kira kaum dan agama membutuhkan pekerjaan dan peningkatan pendidikan.
di kad pengenalan di mana kita sebagai rakyat masih lagi diletakkan bangsa padahal masing-masing sudah tiada hubungan dengan negara asal nenek moyang mereka.
sistem pilihanraya yang diamalkan ie. Group Representation Constituency padahal yang mengundi seorang wakil di satu tempat itu bukan hanya orang yang sekulit dan sebahasa dengan mereka.
posisi bahasa Nasional kita, bahasa Melayu masih lagi dilihat dalam skop etnosentrik padahal sebagai bahasa Nasional ia harus dipelajari semua warga.
diskriminasi yang diamalkan dalam soal pertahanan Negara dimana orang Melayu tidak dibenarkan ke tempat-tempat tertentu.

Jelas sekali pendiri negeri ini tidak berjiwa mulia dan sama sekali lebih rela dengan mengukuhkan kekuasaan melalui polisi pecah dan perintah warisan kolonial. Begitu jeleknya pendiri negara ini di mata pandangan saya.

Sekarang ini setelah jatuhnya Aljunied GRC ke tangan Parti Pekerja dan adanya seorang "wakil Melayu" di pihak pembangkang, mulalah media akhbar Melayu cuba untuk mensensasikan isu "suara alternatif Melayu". Hal ini sangat memualkan saya. Alangkah ceteknya pemikiran mereka dalam pandangan politik mereka dalam percubaan untuk memberikan nafas baru atau paradigma kepada politik perkauman.

Sesiapapun wakil rakyat itu, dia tetap bertanggungjawab kepada konstituen yang telah memilih dia sebagai seorang wakil. Dia tidak dipilih kerana bangsa atau agama melainkan nilai-nilai yang dia pegang dan perjuangkan dan konstituen yang memilih itu bukan sahaja mereka yang sekulit dan sebahasa dengan calon wakil rakyat itu.

Sebagai rakyat Singapura, kita harus meyakini bahawa:

Semua orang perlu mengisi perut, akal dan juga hati dengan sesuatu, maka itu semua harus saling hormat menghormati dan harus saling tolong menolong.
Bahasa Melayu bukanlah bahasa orang Melayu melainkan ia adalah Bahasa Nasional yang harus dipelajari semua rakyat Singapura.
Bahawa wakil rakyat itu dipilih semua orang tidak berdasarkan kulit dan agama maka itu tidak wajar bagi seseorang wakil rakyat cuba untuk memposisikan diri sebagai suara alternatif bagi sesuatu kaum.
Wakil rakyat harus dapat bersuara untuk semua orang tidak mengira kulit dan agama untuk menentang diskriminasi seolah dia adalah sebahagian dari mereka.

Pancasila bukan kepunyaan bangsa kita namun kita harus mengambil inspirasi dan pelajaran daripadanya dan para pendiri negara tetangga itu. Mereka berjaya menyatukan pelbagai etnis dengan pelbagai bahasa daerah mereka. Mereka menyatukannya dengan menggunakan Bahasa Indonesia yang merupakan Bahasa etnis yang kecil di Indonesia iaitu Orang Melayu. Namun dengan besar hati tanpa merasa egois mereka terima bahasa itu sebagai bahasa nasional mereka.

Melihat Singapura dari sudut pandang etnosentrik hanya merugikan kita. Singapura bukanlah kepunyaan mana-mana etnis melainkan bangsa Singapura itu sendiri dan Singapura itu adalah titik temu antara Utara dan Selatan. Singapura pasca-PAP memerlukan paradigma yang baru. Negara ini benar-benar membutuhkan seorang pemimpin yang berjiwa besar dan mempunyai pemikiran yang luas.

New cabinet line up for Singapore Government 2011 - 2016

2011-05-18T04:13:00.001-07:00

PM Lee Hsien Loong announced his new Cabinet in a press conference today. 11 of the 14 ministries will have a new minister in charge. The new Cabinet will see 9 ministers stepping down from the previous team. Here’s the full list:

Teo Chee Hean – Deputy Prime Minister, coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs
Tharman Shanmugaratnam – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Finance and Minister for Manpower
Lim Hng Kiang – Minister for Trade and Industry (no change)
Lim Swee Say – Minister in Prime Minister’s Office (no change)
Yaacob Ibrahim – Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts
Khaw Boon Wan – Minister for National Development
Ng Eng Hen – Minister for Defence
Vivian Balakrishnan – Minister for Environment and Water Resources
K Shanmugam – Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law
Gan Kim Yong – Minister for Health
Lui Tuck Yew – Minister for transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs
S Iswaran – Minister in Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Home Affairs, Second Minister for Trade and Industry
Heng Swee Keat – Minister for Education
Chan Chun Sing – Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Minister of State for Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts
Wong Kan Seng, Mah Bow Tan and Raymond Limto step down from Cabinet, along with Goh Chok Tong and Lee Kuan Yew.

SDP happy to work with all opposition parties

2011-05-10T21:26:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY, 10 MAY 2011

Singapore Democrats

With reference to newspaper reports about Mr Tan Jee Say approaching the NSP for a possible merger of both parties, the Singapore Democrats wish to clarify that Mr Tan bumped into Mr Goh Meng Seng and during a casual chat there was mention that opposition should show closer cooperation. This is what the SDP has been advocating all along. We are happy to work with all opposition parties to achieve our objective of strengthening the opposition in Singapore.

The state media should not resort to sensationalism and exaggeration.

My Thoughts on the GE2011

2011-05-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Some people have been wondering why I never updated my blog. Well simply because I have been busy and tired to write anything. Also I thought that it would be better for me to keep "radio silence" during the run-up to the GE as there was really a lot at stake. Frustration could better be vented elsewhere when the stakes are really high.

I must say that my involvement in the SDP campaign 2011 has been a memorable one. It was my first GE participation and I involved myself from walkabouts to meetings to making speeches to being a polling agent to casting my vote for the Opposition. The results are out. 6 seats for the Workers' Party (with a hole into the "GRC wall") and a huge dent on the PAP's national vote.

As a member of the Opposition, I rejoice even though my party did not win any seats. We didn't win, neither did we lose. On the whole, our votes went up by double digits. I see well-established seniors joining our party and hopefully they will stay with us for a long time to come. Most importantly, I made a lot of new friends.

The results are out. 60.14% of national votes for the PAP, 93.1% of seats in parliament. They are certainly not representative of our voice in parliament. The variance is about 33% over representation of the PAP in Parliament. A social movement is needed to advance our country into a democracy.

The PAP has now lost 3 ministers including the Foreign Minister, George Yeo. I once wrote a piece on my blog stating George Yeo as "The PM we never had". Well, I knew that he was different in terms of values and also spirit compared to the "Lee faction". His statement on "reforming the PAP from within" reflects on how things are inside. I would expect more dramas to unfold in the future.

The future presents a hope and opportunity for the Alternative parties. If we consolidate our strengths and reconcile our differences, an alternative government could well be formed in the next GE. There is no need for a merger but more of a united coalition which could be formalised through the issuing of a joint alternative manifesto. GE2011 is just the beginning for us.

My first GE speech

2011-05-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, fellow Singaporeans of all ages. I am Muhd Shamin, a member of the Young Democrat, youth wing of the SDP. And so I find myself here tonight, in a fantastic position to speak to you about the role of Youth in bringing about democracy in Singapore and how SDP can help Singaporeans with its alternative policies.

Young people have always been a pillar of strength and progress, be it in terms of a country's economy, defence or social life. Due to the high level of enthusiasm for life and adventure, the curiosity for exploration and the great amount of energy, youths are often relied upon to bring society forward.

A leadership that recognises this and is capable of influencing and motivating them would be able to harness this energy and unleash their potential.

Such a leadership would have to understand the psyche of youths, provide the vision and necessary training, and encourage them into action.

Despite the sacrifices made, the uncertain economic conditions have had an impact on youths seeking employment, stability and to settle down to build a family. This can be seen in the latest report on the population whereby the fertility rate has gone down to an all time low of 1.16. This is a reflection of the low level of confidence that youths have in the future of the country.

Against this background, the Government has made an outrageous suggestion that Singapore would need “young immigrants to save its economy from long-term decline as a result of a falling birth rate”.

Let's not forget the fact that the problem of population growth started with the “Stop at Two” policy during the 70s that was ruthlessly implemented. They have no moral ground to tell the people what they must do and must not do to rectify the mess.

Already the ongoing influx of foreigners is posing a serious problem to Singaporeans in terms of employment opportunities. They now seek to further displace our youth with their quick-fix of bringing in young immigrants to settle here, a solution that will only lead to more problems.

This is a Government that has total disregard for its own people and its youths. Looking at the trend of their policies, it seems that they are comfortable on a path of abandoning their own people for political survival.

The PAP has proven itself to be a party of old thinking with ossified ways bent on protecting their vested interests, none of which resonates with the idealism of the young people in Singapore. The youth in this country feel that they are not getting the respect that they deserve and that the Government has readily abandoned them to their own fate.

Throughout history youths have been at the forefront of change. The fall of the dictatorships in Central Europe to Asia to Latin America to the Middle East were often precipitated by young people who dared to speak up against the regimes that shackled them.

It is not an overstatement to say that youths have made great contributions to the progress of Singapore. The peace and stability that we have here would not have been possible without young people. Young Male Singaporeans spend at least two years of their lives in military service to the nation.

SDP has made some proposals in its Shadow Budget in regards to defence, civil liberties and housing:

1. The best defence of the nation is good relations with its neighbours. Our defence policy will be founded upon building international friendships, replacing the hostile and confrontational stance of the past.

2. On the aspects of civil liberties, SDP proposes setting up the National Democracy and Human Rights Commission, repealing the Internal Security Act and Public Order Act. The agenda of security is of importance to the party. Yes defence is an important agenda. Yes security is very important. But not security at the expense of Freedoms. Security with increased individual freedoms is something we can achieve. And that is what we are trying to do.

3. To address the pressing issue of housing, the HDB will adopt a zero-profit principle in its operation. The MND will commission a study of the conversion of HDB housing to a zero-profit public service. The commission will report to Parliament its finding within 12 months of being set up.

The SDP's alternative policies will go a long way to address the many problems that currently burden Singaporean families. They are forward looking and sensible. Most important it will afford our country continued security as well as sustainable progress that this country needs.

To put our views across and our policies into action, we want your support to get into parliament. And I urge you to your part on polling day by casting your vote for the SDP.

Thank you!

American radical

2011-04-13T01:08:00.001-07:00

American radical

The trials of Jewish-American political scientist Norman Finkelstein.

Special programme Last Modified: 12 Apr 2011 13:12

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"Every single member of my family on both sides was exterminated. Both of my parents were in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. And it is precisely and exactly because of the lessons my parents taught me and my two siblings that I will not be silent when Israel commits its crimes against the Palestinians."

Norman Finkelstein

American Radical is the probing, definitive documentary about Jewish-American political scientist Norman Finkelstein.

A devoted son of holocaust survivors, an ardent critic of Israel and US Middle East policy, Finkelstein has been steadfast at the centre of many intractable controversies, including his denial of tenure at DePaul University.

"You don't know who Norman Finkelstein is. He's poison, he's a disgusting self-hating Jew."

Leon Wieseltier, literary editor, The New Republic

Called a lunatic and self-hating Jew by some and an inspirational street-fighting revolutionary by others, Finkelstein is a deeply polarising figure.

"Norman is a very careful scholar. And he feels very passionately about the Holocaust. His parents are both survivors of extermination camps and he was deeply involved in their lives and the tragedies and so on. [He] knows everything about the Holocaust. And when he sees somebody using it, exploiting it, demeaning the memory of the victims for personal gain, he doesn't like it. I can understand that."

Noam Chomsky, friend and professor of linguistics, MIT

From Beirut to Kyoto, the filmmakers follow Finkelstein around the world as he attempts to negotiate a voice among both supporters and critics.

"If he were not a Jew - that is, I don't think he is a Jew. As someone once put it 'he's only Jewish on his parents side". If he were not a Jewish person or a person of Jewish heritage with a name like Finkelstein, nobody would have any doubt that he was an anti-Semite."

Alan Dershowitz, author 'The Case for Israel'

The documentary was recently voted fifth best political documentary of all time by www.screenjunkies.com.

The second part of American Radical can be seen from Tuesday, April 19, at the following times GMT: Tuesday: 2000; Wednesday: 1200; Thursday: 0100; Friday: 0600; Saturday: 2000; Sunday: 1200; Monday:0100; Tuesday: 0600.

SDP's clear and compelling vision for Singapore

2011-04-13T00:57:00.001-07:00

Malta's cry for freedom

2011-04-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

Malta has conservative rules on censorship, but Maltese artists and writers are fighting back.

Watch video: http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/witness/2011/04/20114513374987686.html

Filmmaker: Charlie Young (ORTV)

EU member Malta has tough censorship rules and a conservative approach to free speech, but Maltese artists and writers are fighting back.

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Mark Camilleri, a student, care-worker and editor of a left-wing magazine, is on trial because in October 2009 he published a fictional short story with sexual content. The director of the university banned that edition of the paper and reported him to the police.

"I published a story which was deemed to be obscene and pornographic by the police so they took me to court for it." he says.

The case has put Camilleri at the vanguard of a movement for change. He has launched the Front Against Censorship which campaigns to bring Malta's laws in line with the rest of the EU.

This film follows him in the build up to his trial. It explores his case and follows his campaign, meeting others engaged in the censorship battle as well as many who maintain a stiff opposition.

Malta's cry for freedom can be seen from Tuesday, March 5, at the following times GMT: Tuesday: 2230; Wednesday: 0930; Thursday: 0330; Friday: 1630; Saturday: 2230; Sunday: 0930; Monday: 0330; Tuesday: 1630.

Source: Al Jazeera

The SDP Promise

2011-04-07T17:56:00.001-07:00

THURSDAY, 07 APRIL 2011

Singapore Democrats

The Singapore Democrats will launch a landmark initiative called The SDP Promise. As the name suggests this is a pledge that the party and our candidates will make to our voters in the coming general elections.

Among some of the promises will be our MPs' pledge to contribute 50 percent of their allowance to help the party serve our constituencies more competently and constructively.

Another promise is to hold quarterly Town Hall meetings with our residents to listen to their views on policy national policy matters and take them to Parliament.

Such a promise is the first of its kind in Singapore and it is an invitation to our voters to track our performance on municipal matters as well as to hold our MPs accountable on issues which we will raise during our election campaign.

Unlike the PAP, the Singapore Democrats through The SDP Promise, will be a transparent party and we will be accountable to the people. In addition, our MPs are not motivated by money but the desire to serve.

Event: Public launch of The SDP Promise

Date: 9 April 2011, Saturday

Time: 3:30 pm

Place: The Public House, 42 Circular Road

After the launch, party members and activists will proceed to distribute The SDP Promise flyers to residents in the constituencies the SDP is contesting. All are welcome. Transport will be provided.

Seth Rogen Talks About Singapore on Conan O'brien

2011-03-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

Preparations at SDP intense

2011-03-22T03:30:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY, 22 MARCH 2011

Singapore Democrats

It's been a long road for the Singapore Democrats as far as this general elections is concerned. We have been preparing for it for a full two years now. Thanks to the Internet, we can take our readers back to our first discussions on getting up our party on election preparations.

This was back in March 2009 when we gathered for a retreat to discuss plans for the GE. (See here) We had no idea then when the elections were going to be but we knew we had to start our preparations.

It was at that meeting that we decided to get serious with our video production. We also embarked on the process of drawing up our alternative economic mainfesto . A year-and-a-half and much research later, we published It's About You.

Since then it has been one long grind going for our walkabouts and house visits at Bukit Panjang and Bishan-Toa Payoh constituencies. We subsequently picked up on Holland-Bukit Timah.

At our retreat two years ago

Despite the hard slog of our ground campaign we found time to commemorate our 30th anniversary with a memorable evening of Dazzle With The Democrats. In many ways, this event proved to be a turning point for our organisation. We found that we had the wherewithal to pull off a major event and do it with quality.

We also staged two successful pre-election rallies (here andhere) that allowed us to test our logistical capabilities for the nine days of GE campaigning.

In conjunction, we carried out a dry run for the elections inExercise Lightning Block. We gained valuable insight into our operational strengths and weaknesses, experience that is proving handy in our final preparations for the real event.

Celebrating our 30th birthday

Then somewhere along the way, a Bear joined us. And not just an ordinary bear. Danny was special. He loved democracy. He has since become a permanent fixture in our campaign and quite a hit with the people - both the young as well as the wise.

All this took place while we were repeatedly hauled to court to face charges for exercising our political rights. This could only happen in a country where the government rules insecure and unconfident.

Some of the hearings lasted for more than a year. We had mothers who had children to look after, businesspeople who had clients to meet, and even a national servicemen who had NS to serve.

But we persevered. We took what they dished out. We remained determined to carry on the fight despite everything that was thrown at us.

We even published our Shadow Budget 2011 which no opposition has ever done.

Danny comes to town

Today we stand on the eve of the general elections, our faces lined with sweat. But we've never felt more proud of our party and our spirits have never been higher.

We are bound together not just by the excitement of the elections but by the values that we hold dear in the party, values of sacrifice and teamwork, humility and diligence, resourcefulness and creativity.

For we are the Singapore Democrats and we stand ready to serve.

We have shown that we are not the riff-raff that Mr Lee Kuan Yew likes to paint the opposition to be. We have shown that we are a competent, constructive andcompassionate organisation with qualities surpassing those of the PAP.

Ready to serve

If you believe that we are the opposition that you have been waiting for, then now is the time to actively support us. Donate to our election campaign. In order to run an effective contest, we need funds for everything from printing posters and flyers to paying for venues for our rallies to renting pick-ups for transport

Your donation could mean the difference between victory or defeat for us, the difference between the dawn of a democratic era for Singapore or continued one-party rule.

Elections are just days away. At this crucial time, do your part. We need your support. Singapore needs your support.

You can make your contributions online here.

Or you can transfer or deposit your donations directly into our account:

Account name: Singapore Democratic Party
Account number: 025 – 006978 – 1
Bank: DBS Bank
Swift code: DBSS SGSG
(Note: No ATM card required if you use a DBS cash deposit machine)

Or you can do it in person at our office at 12A Jalan Gelenggang (off Upper Thomson Road), or email us:sdp@yoursdp.org.

SDP: Time For Change

2011-03-20T23:58:00.001-07:00

So there is not one racist, but two.

2011-03-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

Maintaining harmony here 'a daily struggle'

By Irene Tham

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20110316/bpg5-1.jpg

Foreign Minister George Yeo (in blue shirt) with (from left) Mr Russi Ghadiali, president of the Singapore Parsi Zoroastrian Association, Imam Habib Hassan Al-Attas of the Ba'alwie Mosque and Reverend Kyoichi Sugino, assistant secretary-general, World Conference of Religions for Peace, at an international inter-religious roundtable yesterday. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

SINGAPORE may be a role model of racial and religious harmony, but the Government worries about potential conflicts daily, said Foreign Minister George Yeo.

'From far away, things may look very pretty but when you go in, it's always more complicated and not so simple,' he told a religious conference here, which opened yesterday.

He was replying to a question from Japanese diplomat Yasushi Akashi on what makes Singapore's style of governance so effective, at an international inter-religious roundtable held at Furama City Centre Hotel.

The two-day event is organised by the United States Institute of Peace - a non-partisan institution created by the US Congress to promote peace - and the World Conference of Religions for Peace, an international non-profit body.

Maintaining harmony is 'a daily struggle' for Singapore, Mr Yeo said at the dialogue attended by close to 50 religious leaders from eight countries in Asia, including Cambodia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

He gave some examples of the sensitive issues the Government had to deal with: not allowing Muslim girls to wear headscarves in public schools but allowing Punjabi Sikhs to wear a turban; and banning Salman Rushdie's book The Satanic Verses but allowing The Last Temptation Of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis.

Referring to the latter, he said: 'So we got questioned. Our reply was the Christians are less likely to riot.'

A standardised approach would not work as different groups place different values on things, Mr Yeo pointed out.

He attributed Singapore's success to the fact that the Government worries all the time. 'The day we stop worrying, the problem may get out of control,' he said.

Comparing Singapore's approach to a gardener tending to his garden, he said Singapore is beautiful because it is 'all the time being interfered with'.

Yesterday, religious leaders here, and representatives from countries like Thailand, Cam-bodia and China, also spoke about the role of religion in post-conflict societies

Source: http://forum.channelnewsasia.com/viewtopic.php?t=417864&view=next&sid=9b9179935a6f7aaf6dc33a2dad591cf2

MM vs MM

2011-03-08T18:44:00.000-08:00

P/S: Dr Mahathir looks more "cooler" than that racist up there.

Bella Ciao! (Beautiful Goodbye!)

2011-03-06T01:55:00.000-08:00

Young Democrats make GE pledge

2011-03-05T16:27:00.001-08:00

SATURDAY, 05 MARCH 2011

Young Democrats

As the General Elections loom closer we, the members of the Young Democrats, hereby declare and re-affirm our commitment and dedication to the principles and ideals of the Singapore Democratic Party.

As we get closer to the time when every Singaporean Citizen can exercise their constitutional right to cast his or her vote to determine the direction of the Nation for the next five years, we are ever mindful of the pressing need for improvements in our political system.

We firmly believe that our political system must observe the basic principles of a truly open and democratic society such as a pluralistic media landscape, equality before the law, and free and fair elections.

This is the direction our Nation needs to take if it going to face the challenges in the 21st Century without which her citizens will remain feeling voiceless, powerless and disenfranchised. This cannot be good for the continued well-being of our country.

It is precisely because of these principles that we have decided to come forward together as the Young Democrats. We believe that together with our senior colleagues in the Party, we will be able to make a difference in this coming General Elections.

We pledge to put in our best in order to give the electorate what they have been clamouring for all these years: A well-managed and effective electoral campaign worthy of their votes.

Pledged,

Young Democrats
Singapore Democratic Party

The struggle for Turkey

2011-03-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

‎@24.35 minute: Turkish Minister for European Affairs, Egemen Bagis says "Yes defence is an important agenda. Yes security is very important. But not security at the expense of Freedoms. Security with increased individual freedoms is something we can achieve. And that is what we are trying to do."

Announcement

2011-02-28T18:25:00.000-08:00

This is to announce that I have been accepted as a student of Muhammadiyah University of Malang for it's Masters in Islamic Studies programme. Lectures will begin in April. :)

William Wallace Speech. (An inspiration for us Singaporeans)

2011-02-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

Ronggeng, YMCA and the Shadow Budget?

2011-02-20T23:19:00.000-08:00

Monday, 21 February 2011 Singapore Democrats

Suraya accompanied by Dr Wong Wee Nam

They came in their kampung best - sarong, saree and slippers and were treated to an evening of Ronggeng, 'YMCA' and...Shadow Budget? Yes, crazy as it sounds all three were rolled into one fateful night last Saturday at the Fort Canning Centre.

That's where the Singapore Democrats held our annual dinner. Themed 'Kampung Night', the event recreated the spirit (or at least tried to) of a bygone era when Singaporeans of all backgrounds came together to celebrate what was quintessentially Singaporean.

Where else can you find this unique blend of a Malay village, with Chinese ladies wearing cheongsam, and youngsters singing the Beatles?

It was an evening when friends and members of the SDP let their hair down to have some fun in the midst of a frenetic programme of election preparations.

It started with the fomalities of the party chairman Gandhi Ambalam announcing the entry of former political prisoners Mr Michael Fernandez and Mr Vincent Cheng into the SDP. The two political icons were detained without trial: Mr Fernandez for nine years amd Mr Cheng for three.

Chee Soon Juan addressing the audience

Both men are staunch advocates for the rights of workers in Singapore and it was for this reason that the PAP found them such threats that they had to be detained under the Internal Security Act.

What is important is that the men are again willing to lead the fight for the working poor who continue to exploited by the Government.

The Singapore Democrats are exceedingly proud that they have joined us and chosen the party as their political home. They stand tall among us.

Dr Chee Soon Juan then took to the podium to give the party's address. He reminded the audience that the PAP has been assuming the role of political master over the people and that this arrangement had to change and called on the people to back the SDP to bring about urgent reform needed for Singapore's progress.

Dr Vincent Wijeysingha came on next to present an analysis of the Government's Budget and compared it to our Shadow Budget (see here). He ended his speech with an impassioned call to Singaporeans to reject the PAP's Budget: "You the people of Singapore must send a strong message to the PAP come polling day: We disagree with your policy - this Budget is no good."

Keeping up with the train dance

After the serious talk, it was time to satisfy the other needs. Dinner of local fare was served. And as the guests tucked in, they were entertained by Kraton, a local band led by our very own Young Democrats Vice-President Mr Jufri Salim. The group belted out a series of oldies bringing brought back memories of yesteryears.

But the spotlight was on our very own diva Ms Suraya. Resplendently dressed in a traditional Malay ceremonial outfit, Suraya warmed many-a-heart when she crooned folk songs and ballads.

A few in the audience, including Dr Wong Wee Nam, felt compelled to join Ms Suraya in a dance as serenaded the crowd with Burong Kaka Tua and Teresa Teng's 甜蜜蜜.

Resident guitarist Mr John Law came on next and continued the oldies theme with an instrumental of The Shadows, a band that had played with British pop star Cliff Richard.

Our multi-talented party continued to keep the audience enthralled through emcees Mr Jag Singh and Ms Pam Tan. At the top of his game, Jag was the live-wire who drove the night's programme by keeping everyone in stitches with his comedic routine.

He poked fun at everyone and got them on stage to sing, dance and, for a few brief minutes, abandon their usual serious selves in exchange for some much needed laughter.

Ms Iffa charming the audience during the Best Dress awards

Dr and Mrs Chee were two such victims when they were targeted to perform the Ronggeng, a simple Malay two-step, with Jufri and Suraya as coaches. The entire audience was then roped in to do the Bhangra Dance, an Indian routine which Jag made everyone perform to a high-octane, techno piece. It brought the house down.

Then came the moment that everyone was trying to avoid - the train dance. Jag came off the stage with Pam in tow and started to jiggle and hop to Limbo Rock.

He stopped at the tables and somehow managed to get the audience to form a jiggling and hopping line behind him. By the time the piece switched to the 'YMCA' almost everyone were up from their seats and joining in the line as it snaked through the entire room.

The programme culminated in the Best Dress Awards as participants were given prizes for their best kampung wear.

And as everyone said their goodbyes, we realised that we had achieved another first: Mixing politics with cheesy Village People music. No matter, we had fun. And we want to thank those of you who came for being such good sports, we hope you had as much fun as we had in bringing the evening to you.

Yes, it was a night when we harked back to the days when life was less complicated and certainly one when we felt a lot more Singaporean.

Guests at the buffet line

Doing the Bhangra Dance

Hopping on the Dance Train

For more photos, go to our Gallery section.

12th February 2011 Event: Politics and Ethnicity

2011-02-10T21:55:00.000-08:00

Politics and Ethnicity: Framing Racial Discrimination in Singapore

on 12 February · 16:00 - 19:00

@ Post Museum

Do come down. It is not yet Valentine's Day, so make yourself free for the event.

US interests and the PAP

2011-02-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

MONDAY, 07 FEBRUARY 2011

Chee Soon Juan

Several years ago when I was in Washington DC, I had a conversation with a US ambassador about democracy in Singapore.

“Singapore is an important trading and defence partner to the US,” the diplomat told me. “The State Department doesn't want any headache about democracy there.”

On another occasion, I queried a senior State Department official about US support for autocratic regimes in places like the Middle East and Asia, making a specific reference to Singapore, of course.

His reply was revealing although not entirely surprising. He did not refute the notion that the US Government was supportive of the PAP but chose to characterise his country's position thus: “The American Government is elected to serve the interests of the American people, not uphold democracy in other countries.”

No doubt. The problem begins when there is a conflation of what's in America's interests and its government's support of undemocratic regimes. It is axiomatic that US interests extend far beyond its borders, and these interests primarily revolve around promoting trade (opening up markets for US multinational nationals) and buttressing its military defence around the world.

If supporting an undemocratic regime will sustain or promote these interests, then Washington DC will do it.

The politics of 'pragmatism'

But recent developments in the Middle East are tearing apart the philosphical, moral and even practical underpinnings of such an approach to US foreign policy.

The chaos and violence presently taking place in Egypt is the ugly result, unintended as it may be, of the US' support of tyrants in the Middle East. For 30 years, President Hosni Mubarak was the preferred, if not perfect, ally of the US. His ability to bring a semblance of stability to a volatile region was supported by the successive administrations of the US Government.

But what about his autocratic ways? They were rationalised away as a necessary evil in the accomplishment of a bigger goal of regional peace. Undesirable and painful as it is freedom and democracy, the so-called pragmatists say, must be subjugated in the name of stability and peace.

The one thing that the US failed to heed was the wisdom of one of its very own sons. Martin Luther King, Jr once said: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice.” And justice can only exist when people are free.

Oppression in the Middle East may have worked for the rulers – for a while. In Egypt, the autocratic system became untenable for the people and on 25 Jan 11 the political lid blew. The Egyptian people took to the streets demanding reform. Mubarak has thus far resisted calls for him to step down, forcing a conflagration that has pulled the country to the brink.

US foreign policy makers have no idea how the aftermath of the revolt will turn out. The twin pillars of US interests in the region, namely the Middle East peace process and oil, are now staring anxiously into the abyss. How pragmatic does such a policy look now?

Corporate America's darling

In the realm of realpolitik and geopolitics, Singapore has much in common with the Middle East. The US Government sees the PAP as a crucial partner in maintaining strategic US interests in the region. And the PAP plays this up for all its worth, particularly on two fronts: trade and security.

Let's start with trade. The Singapore Government continues to ensure that MNCs setting up shop in Singapore reap huge benefits, including generous tax breaks.

And cheap labour? No problem. The PAP simply brings in foreign nationals – by the millions – to ensure an abundant supply of low-wage workers.

As a result Singapore has become the poster-child of corporate America, and US trade policy reflects this stance.

What about Singaporean workers? What about the fact that we have no trade unions and workers are not allowed to organise themselves? What do we do when our elderly are forced to work beyond what their bodies can bear?

Free trade, lest anyone misunderstands, is important because it is free trade that supports the free market which, if it is genuinely practiced, rewards enterprise and hardwork.

But free trade must necessarily come with freedom, for without freedom workers cannot organise and bargain for decent wages and conditions. A free market is an illusion when one side holds all the power and sees not the need to negotiate with those it employs.

In truth, there is no free trade in Singapore, only forced trade.

And there is not a thing Singaporeans can do to change such a policy because there is no democracy in Singapore and, worse, it is in the US interest that the PAP maintains the status quo.

Maintaning hostility

Turning to military-security issues, the PAP's strategy is this: Play up America's fears of an unstable and potentially hostile region in which Singapore is a dependable ally and a strategic partner for the US.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew's constant baiting of the Muslim community is, at least in part, aimed at maintaining this psyche. When Indonesia and Malaysia react to his racially offensive remarks, it stokes the sense of vulnerability and reinforces the siege mentality of Singaporeans, and rallies support for the PAP.

More importantly for the PAP, this creation and maintenance of tension between Singapore and our Muslim neighbours is good for business for the military-industrial complex. It gives us a reason to purchase huge amounts of arms and other military equipment from the US. The US Defense Department, of course, finds such an arrangement very satisfactory.

While such an approach may be fruitful for US arms manufacturers, is it good for Singaporeans and Singapore? Is positioning ourselves in constant tension with our neighbours to the north and south healthy for the future of this nation?

Again, how can we debate this issue and vote for a more enlightened approached? We can't. Not without democracy. But then, it is in the US interests that we don't.

Just who is undermining Singapore's interests?

For too long the PAP has framed the issue by painting opposition leaders as being agents of foreign interests out to undermine Singapore. Mr Francis Seow and Mr Tang Liang Hong are but two examples. I have become its latest target.

The truth is that through the decades that it has been in power, the PAP has relied on the West – first the British government and now the US – to prop up its undemocratic rule. For the past five decades, Singaporeans have had no free and fair elections, citizens live in fear of being detained without trial or made bankrupt thorugh lawsuits, and lived without a free media.

The denial of democracy may work in the US interests and the interests of the PAP. But if history and present happenings in the world are any indication, they will not last.

Watch the full episode. See more Need To Know.

Dr Chee Soon Juan is the Secretary-General of the SDP.

Exclusive: Government and MUIS sued over MM Lee’s new book

2011-02-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Originating Summons: Orginating summon is a legal document to served on the Defendant by the Plaintiff. It is one type of originating processes in certain level of Court in some common law jurisdictions (like Hong Kong).

Orginating summon is usually appropriate in either of the following situations:

(1) where the principle question at issue is, or likely to be, one of construction of any written law or document;

(2) where there is unlikely to be any substantial dispute of fact.

An Originating Summons (to file a lawsuit) against the Government of Singapore (represented by Attorney General) and Majlis Ugama Islamic Singapura (MUIS) has been filed with the High Court on 31st January 2011 , in the face of the recent controversial remarks by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew against the Muslim Community in his new book entitled “Hard Truths To Keep Singapore Going“.

The summons was filed by lawyer M. Ravi on behalf of the plaintiff Mr Mohammed Alias Abdulah, a Singapore Citizen.

In the Summons which was forwarded to Temasek Review, the plaintiff is seeking an order/ruling by the court for the following (summarised):

1. That 2 statements in particular in MM Lee Kuan Yew’s new bookHard Truths To Keep Singapore Going“ are tentamount to racism against Muslims.

2. That the Minister Mentor and his previous and present government had adopted discriminatory practices which had formed the foundation of government policies since 1959 that has lead to racist policies and laws instituted against the minority Malays, Muslims and Indians.

3. That the remarks (made by MM Lee) reflect discriminitory policies against the Muslims and the Malays by the Singaproe state and thereby unduly infringing the rights of Muslims in practising their faith, hence violating Article 15 of the Singapore Constitution.

4. That the remarks (made by MM Lee) and the discriminitary practices infringe the rights of the Malays in failing to recognise the special position of the Malays enshrined under Article 152 of the Singapore Constitution and their right to practise their religion enshrined under Article 153 of the Singapore Constitution.

5. That the HDB’s ethnic quota policies deny the rights of the minority Malays and Indians their rights to freedom of association with their own ethnic group in their particular constituency and diluting their rights to form majority status in their own constituencies and have the choice of having their own leaders represent them in Parliment are in violation of Article 12 and 14 of the Singapore Constitution.

When contacted by the Temasek Review as to why the lawsuit knowing fully well that it won’t stand a chance, Mr Mohd Alias said:

Being defamatory to one’s religion is against the constitution rights, isn’t it? And being the big shot minister doesn’t give you the privilege to abuse the system, right again?
I’m not gunning for fame for a laymen to bring a suit against LKY, some might be asking, am I courting for trouble? Singapore pledge already said it all, we the citizen of blah blah blah…… regardless of race, language or RELIGION…. so why did Kuan Yew need to emphasis on Islam??
And the fact his son remark that muslims are doing fine all along, this contradicts to his father’s remark. Meaning he doesn’t agree on Kuan Yew’s view? And why no one is taking action? Where is the ISD Dogs? Police? AGC? MUIS? Why is PAP Executives keeping dumb? Just because he’s a BIG shot?

Pre-Trial Conference has been scheduled for 22 February 2011 at 9am and hearing on 3rd March 2011.

Source: http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/02/04/exclusive-originating-summons-filed-against-government-and-muis/

Multiculturalism, not PAP's race-based policies

2011-02-05T17:00:00.003-08:00

SATURDAY, 05 FEBRUARY 2011

James Gomez

The changing racial demographics and rise in inter-ethnic marriages clearly point to the need to move towards a truly multicultural Singaporean Singapore where policy making is not race based.

Genuine multiculturalism in Singapore should extend equitable status to different ethnic and religious groups when it comes to policy making whereby no one group is seen to receive any undue advantage.

In 2010, according to Singapore Statistics, of the 5,076,700 Singapore residents, 1,846,000 or 36% were non-Singapore citizens. In 2009 of the 26,081 marriages registered, 18% were inter-ethnic marriages and it is a rising trend.

In spite of these hard numbers reflecting demographic changes in Singapore and the ground reality of a globalised citizenry, the PAP government continues to take a colonial era race based approach to key policies.

And the PAP government continues to be regressive. It has now introduced additional and complicated double-barrelled classifications (effective 1 Jan 2011) that serve no policy or national unity purposes.

The PAP government's latest efforts to introduce double barreled racial classifications will only further point to ethnic differences in Singapore.

The complexity of modern Singapore requires that existing racial classifications be eliminated instead of introducing new and further classifications.

Race classifications and the implementation of racially based public policies currently in operation are a relic of the past. They breed an undercurrent of structural racial discrimination in public instituitions and the work place that is not clearly visible in policy terms. It also perpetuates a majority-minority syndrome in Singapore.

As a first step towards genuine multiculturalism, the SDP proposes the following changes:

“Race” in identity documents. Remove compulsory race classifications in identity documents. It can be optional if desired, but will have no bearing on public policy.
Ethnic based self-help groups. Consolidate them into a broad non-ethnic based national assistance programme.
Racial quotas in public housing. Remove racial quotas and give people a free choice over where they want to live.
Group Representation Constituencies (GRC). Eliminate the GRC, and make elections politically and racially barrier free.

Race based policies take up resources, time and energy and distract us from the real issues that face Singapore. What is important to note is that 50 years of PAP’s race based policies have not brought us closer. Racial considerations should be done away with in all aspects of public policy.

In particular, those policies highlighted above that currently have a racial component to their implementation.

The Singapore Democrats will continue to speak up on this issue and other policies that breed discrimination in Singapore. The practice of race classification and race based policy making is out of synch in today's globalised world.

We can no longer afford PAP policies that only highlight our differences, instead of our commonality. Otherwise as a society we are finished.

Dr James Gomez contested in the 2006 GE. He recently joined the SDP. He is also the Deputy Assiciate Dean of the Arts Faculty at Monash Asia Institute.

Egypt: Tariq Ramadan & Slavoj Zizek

2011-02-05T00:12:00.001-08:00

The Muslim scholar and Slovenian philosopher discuss the power of popular dissent and the limits of peaceful protest.

A beautiful sight! "Liberte! Egalite! Fraternite!"

2011-02-02T01:25:00.000-08:00

SDP's Chinese New Year Message 2011

2011-01-31T16:25:00.001-08:00

Like Father, like son...Racist and Islamophobic...

2011-01-30T20:39:00.001-08:00

If there is a conflict, if the SAF is called upon to defend the homeland, we don’t want to put any of our soldiers in a difficult position where his emotions for the nation may come in conflict with his emotion for his religion, because these are two very strong fundamentals, and if they are not compatible, then they will be two very strong destructive forces in opposite directions.

- Lee Hsien Loong, as DPM in 1987

"I would say today, we can integrate all religions and races except Islam, I think we were progressing very nicely until the surge of Islam came and if you asked me for my observations, the other communities have easier integration -- friends, intermarriages and so on...I think the Muslims socially do not cause any trouble, but they are distinct and separate,"

- Lee Kuan Yew on the Muslim in "Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going,", 2011

It is in the blood. Racist and Islamophobic.

A government ready to abandon its people

2011-01-28T02:28:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY, 28 JANUARY 2011

Muhd Shamin

Youths have always been a pillar of strength and progress, be it in terms of a country's economy, defence or social life. Due to the high level of enthusiasm for life and adventure, the curiosity for exploration and the great amount of energy, youths are often relied upon to bring society forward.

A leadership that recognises this and is capable of influencing and motivating them would be able to harness this energy and unleash their potential.

Such a leadership would have to understand the psyche of youths, provide the vision and necessary training, and encourage them into action.

The late Indonesia president Sukarno used to say “100 orang hanya bermimpi, tetapi berikanlah aku 10 pemuda maka akan kuguncang dunia!” (100 people only dream of, but give me 10 young people, and I will shake the world!)

Despite the sacrifices made, the uncertain economic conditions have had an impact on youths seeking employment, stability and to settle down to build a family. This can be seen in the latest report on the population whereby the fertility rate has gone down to an all time low of 1.16. This is a reflection of the low level of confidence that youths have in the future of the country.

Against this background, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has made a clumsy suggestion that Singapore would need “young immigrants to save its economy from long-term decline as a result of a falling birth rate”.

Let's not forget the fact that the problem of population growth started with the “Stop at Two” policy that was ruthlessly implemented by Mr Lee himself. He has no moral ground to tell the people what they must do and must not do to ctify the demographic debacle.

Already the ongoing influx of foreigners is posing a serious problem to Singaporeans in terms of employment opportunities. Mr Lee is now displacing further our youth with his quick-fix of bringing in young immigrants to settle here, a solution that will inevitably lead to more problems.

This is a Government that has total disregard for its own people and its youths. Looking at the trend of their policies, it seems that they are comfortable on a path of abandoning their own people for political survival.

The PAP has proven itself to be a party of old men with ossified ways bent on protecting their vested interests, none of which resonates with the idealism of the young people in Singapore. The youth in this country feel that they are not getting the respect that they deserve and that the Government has readily abandoned them to their own fate.

Throughout history youths have been at the forefront of change. The fall of the dictatorships in Central Europe to Asia to Latin America were often precipitated by students who dared to speak up against the regimes that shackled them.

It is not an overstatement to say that youths have made great contributions to the progress of Singapore. The peace and stability that we have here would not have been possible without young people. Male Singaporean youths spend at least two years of their lives in military service to the nation.

Shamin is a member of the Young Democrats.

Politics and Ethnicity: Framing Racial Discrimination in Singapore

2011-01-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

If you feel strongly about racial discrimination in Singapore, please do attend this forum organised by friends of Dr James Gomez, Executive Director of Singaporeans for Democracy (SfD).

There is no censorship. :p

Politics and Ethnicity: Framing Racial Discrimination in Singapore

Location: Post Museum

Time: Saturday, 12 February 2011 16:00

You can't put the fizz back into the can

2011-01-27T00:53:00.000-08:00

THURSDAY, 27 JANUARY 2011

Singapore Democrats

Take a can of Coke, shake it and then open it. Now try to put the fizz back into the can.

That's what the PAP is trying to do with politics in Singapore. Its recent effort to rein in activists is evidence that the regime is trying to roll back time and take Singapore back to the era where it had complete control of the political narrative of this country.

Like trying to put back fizz, this endeavour is going to fail.

First, the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) launched a vicious attack against the Temasek Review (TR). SPH journalists tried to out the person(s) running the website and ran a shockingly personal campaign against the group. Even Temasek Holdings got in on the act, wanting TR to relinquish 'Temasek' as its name.

The result? It put off even more the already angry readers and, to boot, attracted many more people to the website. Rather than closing down TR, the autocrats made the site even more popular.

The Government then turned its attention on The Online Citizen (TOC), another website with a large readership. TOC was told that it was going to be included in the Government gazette as a political association. It was clearly a move designed to intimidate the organisers of the website.

The editors and volunteers of the set-up have thus far responded to the state harassment with commendable fortitude (with a little bit of cheeky defiance thrown in).

Like TR the resultant effect is the TOC gaining sympathetic support from the online community which, by the way, is growing with each passing day. Lawyer Mr Siew Kum Hong, who hitherto was not involved with TOC, stepped up to volunteer as a registrant for the group. He explained in his blog that he did so because he "wanted to demonstrate support for TOC through this challenging period."

His parting shot: "I'm looking forward to the ride."

Then, a few days ago, police called up Ms Rachel Zeng, Mr Seelan Palay, and Mr Jarrod Luo to question them because there were reports that they were selling Mr Alan Shadrake's book Once A Jolly Hangman. Mr Shadrake himself has been a thorn in the autocrat's side as he refuses to back down from his prosecutions in court.

With his counsel Mr M Ravi who is himself conducting a heroic legal campaign in the courts over the mandatory death penalty, Mr Shadrake is proving to be more than a handful for Lee and Co.

Back to Zeng, Seelan and Luo. The police action may stop the activists from selling Mr Shadrake's book, but if you know the trio like we do, you can be sure of one thing: this latest PAP move has just made them more resolute in their quest for freedom and justice in this country.

The nature of autocrats

This is the folly of dictatorships. They cannot see the futility of their ways. For all the talk about their academic prowess, PAP ministers and MPs demonstrate a remarkable lack of intelligence and foresight in reading the future and what it portends.

Cracking down on dissent and activism in this day and age when information is available at the click of a button? Not very smart.

This regime was successful in detaining its opponents in the 1960s, 70s and even 80s. These were possible only because the party could control the dissemination of information. But that was then. This is now. There was no Internet then. Now the fight is on a different plain. No longer will the PAP be able to brand its opponents the way it wishes without a backlash from the public.

For every punitive and repressive action that it takes, there will be an equal and opposite reaction. Over time such reaction will accumulate and sooner or later the threshold will be crossed. It will take a very foolish person to bet against this development.

Far be it for the Singapore Democrats to offer our opponents any advice, but if there are any sensible and sane minds out there in the PAP, this might be a good time to take stock of what's going on in the world and start moving politics in Singapore in the right direction.

Subserving themselves to Mr Lee Kuan Yew's anachronistic style of politics is not at all an astute gambit. In fact it is a dead-end street. All this talk of demolishing opponents is spouted by a man who is trying to relive a bygone era.

You just can't put the fizz back into the can.

Stop Dr Chee from going to prison this election

2011-01-25T23:03:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY, 26 JANUARY 2011

Singapore Democrats

Dear Friends,

You may know that the Judiciary has rejected Dr Chee Soon Juan's appeals against his conviction for speaking in public without a permit — incidents that date as far back as 2005. He was sentenced to $20,000 fine or 20-weeks imprisonment in default. He has until 10 Feb 2011 to pay up or to go to jail. (See here for details.)

The High Court's decision is not unexpected but its timing is most unfortunate. The SDP is in the midst of preparing for the General Election which is expected to be called within the first half of this year.

With Dr Chee at its helm, the SDP has grown tremendously in the last few years. It has attracted many credible candidates and energetic young people who are eager to help the party do well in the elections and serve the people.

We cannot afford to have Dr Chee incarcerated during this crucial period. We urge you and your friends to help us ensure that he will continue to lead our party to victory this GE. Please give generously. (Seehere for ways to help.)

In solidarity,

Gandhi Ambalam Chairman	Francis Yong Vice-Chairman	John Tan Asst. Secretary-General
Gerald Sng Treasurer	Jeffrey George Asst. Treasurer	Chee Siok Chin Member, CEC
Mohd Jufrie Mahmood Member, CEC	Mohd Isa Abdul Azizy Member, CEC	Slvester Lim Member, CEC
Johnny Hoe Member, CEC	Laurence Lai Member, CEC

Ways to give

Paypal or credit card

I wish to give

Bank transfer or deposit (to Dr Chee's spouse's account)

Account Name: Ms. Huang Chih Mei
Bank Name: United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB)
Account No: 314-106-026-9 (savings account)
Bank Address: UOB Ltd, Thomson Branch, 251/253 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574376
Swift Code: UOVBSGSG

(Note: No ATM card required if you use a UOB cash deposit machine)

Cheque

You can write a cheque made payable to Ms. Huang Chih Mei and mail it to 12A Jalan Gelenggang, Singapore 578192.

Others

If non of the above methods works for you, please email us at sdp@yoursdp.org to make alternative arrangements.

My Prayer today...

2011-01-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

May Allah curse Lee Kuan Yew the racist and Islamophobe, his party and the wretched Muslim scholars and leaders who chosen to keep their silence. Tidak ada kehormatan dalam berdiam diri. (There is no honor in silence).

Control of religion in S'pore must change with times

2011-01-23T02:46:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY, 23 JANUARY 2011

Muhd Shamin

The recent ruling by the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) governing the festival of Thaipusam is a manifestation of the worsening state of human rights in Singapore. Under the new guidelines "shouting and other forms of unruly behavior is prohibited; participants shall not paint their faces or bodies or wear any form of disguise".

These restrictions are not uncommon in Singapore. In the Muslim community, the Islamic Religious Authority of Singapore (MUIS) rules that mosques are not allowed to project the sounding of the azan(call to prayer) because it causes a “public nuisance”.

These PAP rulings are issued through religious bodies to give them a “religious coating”. It is therefore not surprising to note that these bodies are resented by the followers of the religion in this country and lack the moral and spiritual legitimacy to represent the followers.

Origins of the HEB and MUIS

Islam and Hinduism are among the world’s major religions commanding the following of about two billion people. Due to their long history, these two religions have evolved and the interpretations of the religions have diversified as a result of changing times and different cultural understandings.

Naturally, it is difficult to find consensus on a lot of matters, let alone finding one body to represent and govern the religions.

Islam and Hinduism have their origins from the Mohamaden and Hindu Endownment Boards (MHEB) under the British Colonial Administration. Through an act of Parliament, they became two separate bodies: HEB would govern matters of the Hindu religion and customs, and MUIS would take care of issues pertaining to Islam.

Secular Republic

It is not the business of the secular government to involve itself in the matters of religion. Religion is a personal right and choice. No one government should dictate how an individual should practice his/her religion.

All a government should do is to ensure that an environment exists that allows all religions to practice their faiths as they see fit with the following ground rules:

That it be understood by all that no one faith is superior to another,
That none of the practitioners espouse or practice violence against another religion,
And that there must be tolerance in our society that each religion has the right to practice their rituals freely.

Under the PAP, however, the Government actively controls the practice of religious faiths by appointing religious leaders. In Islam, for example, the Mufti acts as the representative of the Muslim community in Singapore. He is appointed by the President of the Republic of Singapore who is not a Muslim. Why is he not elected or chosen by the Muslim community?

Religious leaders appointed by the government will be viewed with suspicion because they will be seen as a mouthpiece of the ruling party and lack credibility. This will cause unhappiness in the community.

There is an urgent need for a new form of engagement between the secular government and religious currents. We cannot hold on to the current, out-dated practice. A new religio-political arrangement based on the rule of law and respect for human rights and dignity must be established.

So what if YPAP has 3000 new members?

2011-01-21T03:27:00.000-08:00

Young PAP have 3000 new members, read this: “100 orang hanya bermimpi, tetapi berikanlah aku 10 pemuda maka akan kuguncang dunia!” (100 people only dream of, but give me 10 young people, and I will shake the world!) - Sukarno

Chee's appeals dismissed, another nail in democracy's coffin

2011-01-20T18:07:00.000-08:00

THURSDAY, 20 JANUARY 2011

Singapore Democrats

Dr Chee Soon Juan's appeals to the Judiciary to protect the freedom of speech of Singaporeans has again failed. High Court Judge Steven Chong this morning upheld Dr Chee's convictions for speaking in public without a permit.

The SDP leader was sentenced to $20,000 fine and 20-weeks imprisonment in default. Dr Chee was given until 10 Feb 11 before beginning his jail term.

In his submissions, Dr Chee had argued that the system was abused by the PAP and laws were being used by the ruling party to deny the opposition and civil society from exercising their political rights.

With civil liberties, the opposition and the people are prevented from publicly discussing and bringing pressure to bear on the PAP to protect their economic rights.

Shorn of their rights, Singaporeans today find themselves in a helpless position even as they find their jobs threatened and their wages decline. They continue to remain at the mercy of a Government whose greatest priority to take care of the elite.

Elections by itself is not going to protect the people from an exploitative regime, especially in an electoral system as controlled as the one in this country. Without the ability to congregate in public to protest, the PAP is under no pressure to listen to the people. It will continue to do as it pleases.

But this is the tragedy with authoritarian governments. They get so comfortable oppressing the people that they lose touch with reality and misjudge society's mood. Until its too late.

Political freedoms allow people to hold their governments accountable and, in so doing, help political systems to develop and evolve peacefully. But when citizens are denied their rights, systems stagnate and eventually erupt in undesirable and violent ways.

Unfortunately, instead of opening up and giving the people room to express themselves politically, the PAP is continuing to clamp down on society - both online and off. The continued denial of permits to NGOs like Transient Workers Count Too to conduct a public procession and the gazetting of The Online Citizen are two recent examples.

Judge Chong's decision to convict Dr Chee today is yet another nail in democracy's coffin in Singapore.

Tunisia: The seeds of revolution

2011-01-18T18:39:00.000-08:00

Uncertain times for Tunisian army

2011-01-17T18:17:00.001-08:00

Van with graffiti abandoned at MUIS

2011-01-16T00:16:00.000-08:00

Van with graffiti abandoned at MUIS

05:55 AM Jan 15, 2011

SINGAPORE - A "Middle Eastern-looking" man - a description given by the police - drove a van to Braddell Road, parked it outside the Singapore Islamic Hub, home of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), and promptly disappeared.

His actions shortly before 5pm on Friday led to a huge police presence at the usually-quiet neighbourhood.

And as officers cordoned off the area surrounding the vehicle, they took another step: Covering up parts of the van.

The reason: Words had been sprayed on its exterior that could be offensive to the Malay-Muslim community. These included expletives in Malay.

MUIS, in a statement to the media, said that the "suspicious" van was found near the entrance to its building at around 5pm.

The Government statutory board did not know whose van it was and noticed the spray-painted vulgarities. The police were then alerted.

When contacted, a police spokesman said on Friday: "Police were alerted to a van with offensive writings parked along Braddell Road outside the Singapore Islamic Hub at about 5.15pm. Investigations are ongoing, and preliminary checks showed the van was driven to the location by a Middle Eastern-looking man around 50 years old." Some eye-witnesses said that the suspect could have been Malay.

The police are investigating. "We view such incidents seriously," said the spokesman. "Any person who is found to have deliberately incited anti-racial or anti-religious feelings will be firmly dealt with under the law."

At press time, the search was still on for the suspect. Meanwhile, the van has been towed away.

Will never happen

2011-01-15T23:53:00.000-08:00

Talking of change in the political landscape in Singapore, people will just say "Aiyyah...Singaporeans ah...."
Singaporeans are charaterised as meek, not brave enough, passive, timid, too apathetic.
The government, on the other hand, is said to be strong, capable, able to reach every tiny corner in the island.
Ben Ali's regime was described as such too.
But situations here are not yet similar to the Tunisian's.
We don't need people to go on the streets.

SDP gets warm reception from BP residents

2011-01-15T22:51:00.001-08:00

SUNDAY, 16 JANUARY 2011

Singapore Democrats

A resident with an SDP mug posing with John Law

The Singapore Democrats continued our pre-election campaign with members knocking on residents' doors during our house visit with Bukit Panjang residents yesterday. We are encouraged by the warm reception that residents showed us during our visit. One lady told us that she is helping to canvass for the SDP among her friends and neighbours in the estate.

Many of those we met expressed their concerns over the continued rise in the cost of living. A few said that the mass immigartion of foreign workers concerned them greatly.

A group of housewives sitting and chatting along the corridor said that they will support the Democrats in the elections. They said that they had read our newspaper The New Democrat and were concerned that after the elections, the Government will raise the GST further.

Speaking in Hokkien, one of them said: "If the GST goes up to 10 percent, I will have even more problems going to the market."

We have made our intent clear on taking on PAP MP Dr Teo Ho Pin in his Bukit Panjang ward at the next general elections and have called on the Prime Minister's Office to leave the constituency alone as a single-member seat.

While our online effort continues to expand, our groundwork to reach out to the electorate has not stopped either. We have been busy meeting the people at the market and food centres to hear their concerns and to tell them the importance of getting the SDP into Parliament to speak up for them. We are on target to visit all the blocks in the estate.

While we spend much time at the constituency, we are also focusing our attention on a couple of other constituencies which include, but are not limited to, the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.

Fire incident

While we were on our rounds, a fire broke out at of the the blocks yesterday afternoon. No one was reported injured although the incident caused a commotion in the neighbourhood. Thick smoke enveloped the surrounding area as fire-fighters worked to put the fire out.

When the fire was out and the crew was packing up to leave one of the men came up to us and said: "Doing your house visits?" He gave us the thumbs up before walking away.

What's really behind the restriction on Thaipusam?

2011-01-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY, 12 JANUARY 2011

Teoh Tian Jing

Could the new Thaipusam regulations be a knee-jerk response to the gang-related street violence in recent months? The announcement of the restrictions by the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) seems to suggest so.

Under the new rules, no singing or music is allowed in the procession, and portable music equipment are banned as well. The 2011 guidelines states that "shouting and other forms of unruly behavior is prohibited; participants shall not paint their faces or bodies or wear any form of disguise".

Is shouting considered unruly behaviour? If it is, what do we do about people screaming (often vulgarity) during a football match? And if painting one's face is prohibited, then those who paint their faces during National Day Parades should be disallowed too. What about disguise? Are we also going to ban the lion dance and the bighead doll that accompanies the lion? What about the guy in the Tua Pek Kong costume giving out ang pows?

This is the problem with Singapore. The Government makes rules that arbitrarily discriminate against certain sections of the community. This creates resentment among the people.

When the authorities should be relaxing rules to allow for more spontaneity and expression, it does the opposite and enforces even more conformity in our society.

Singaporeans are, by and large, a tolerant people when it comes to religious and ethnic ceremonies. Hungry Ghost Festival getais, deity processions, Malay weddings, and Chinese funerals have been taking place frequently in our midst and for many decades.

So it seemed more than a little strange that one of the reasons cited was that "residents of new homes along the processions 4km route" had complained about the Thaipusam festival. The procession courses through parts of Orchard Road and Tank Road which means that it does not affect Singaporean heartlanders. So who are the real complainants? Are they Singaporeans?

What about the road closures? Are the complaints because of the inconvenience caused by the closure of the roads? If that's the case, then what about the road closures for the F1 race and National Day parades which occur for several days and weekends. The Thaipusam festival occurs only for one day in a year.

The pervasive social control the government wields on Singapore society applies not only to religious issues. In 1987, then Prime Minister and current Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said: "If we had not intervened on very personal matters - who your neighbour is, how you live, the noise you make, how you spit, or what language you use. We decide what is right. Never mind what the people think."

The potential for this resentment may not be evident now as the PAP continues to take a heavy-handed authoritarian approach on social issues against segments of the population. But there are indications that resentment is building up, and the PAP may find itself falling from its authoritarian grace simply because the people have had enough.

The PAP deflects political responsibility by getting the government-appointed HEB to announce the restrictions. It doesn't hide anything.

If the new rules are a reaction to the recent gang violence, then it is overkill. Does the police have evidence that Thaipusam festivities are related to violence?

The ban on drums, body painting and music removes the traditional and religious elements of Thaipusam. It will only disappoint those seeking religious solace as they take part in this annual event.

The PAP champions religious tolerance among Singaporeans. It does not seem to practice what it preaches.

Teoh Tian Jing is a member of the Young Democrats, the youth wing of the SDP.

Young Democrats benefit from overseas exposure

2011-01-10T23:14:00.001-08:00

SUNDAY, 09 JANUARY 2011

Muhd Khalis

I had joined the Singapore Democratic Party about a year and a half ago. In this time I have witnessed the growth in the party and especially its youth wing, the Young Democrats.

Not only have we grown in terms of numbers but also political experience as a result of attending workshops and conferences, both locally and overseas. The most notable event was Muhammad Shamin’s internship at the European Parliament.

For myself, I have had the chance to observe a by-election in Penang at the invitation of Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat (People's Justice Party). I had also attended a conference in Manila, meeting with President Noynoy Aquino who was then a presidential candidate.

These trips overseas for conferences and meetings are crucial not only in the YDs gaining political experience but also acquiring knowledge and networking.

For example, during my visit to the Philippines, I had the opportunity to meet Dr Wilfrido Villacorta, former Deputy Secretary of ASEAN. I learned about the framework of ASEAN and how policies made by governments of the member states affected other ASEAN countries. This allowed me to learn a little bit more about foreign relations and our Government's foreign policy.

By observing and also taking part in some of the organisational activities, I have also learned the ins and outs of teamwork. There are many aspects to managing a project, and leading a group of people and organsing them takes a certain amount of know-how.

At the policy level, we are also exposed to the differing viewpoints of bilateral issues. One example is the banning of sand to Singapore from Indonesia and the reluctance of Singapore to return Indonesian money stolen and brought to Singapore during the fall of Suharto.

Some of us in YD had the opportunity to discuss this issue with Indonesian MPs, and we saw how important it was for governments to cooperate with each other and how compromise can benefit both nations

We also have the opportunity to examine how policies such as Minimum Wage work in other countries. We are able to discuss with some of our counterparts some of the advantages and disadvantagees of such a policy. I came away convinced that Minimum Wage can work in Singapore.

All in all, I believe that SDP has done the right thing in sending our youth members for regional workshop and conferences. The exposure to international politics will put our party in good stead in the years to come.

I am still learning in my political journey and I urge youths in Singapore to join me in that journey.

Muhd Khalis is a member of the Young Democrats.

Minister and union chief speaks

2011-01-10T21:55:00.000-08:00

TUESDAY, 11 JANUARY 2011

Singapore Democrats

On the same day that Minister and National Trade Unions Congress (NTUC) Secretary-General Lim Swee Say claimed that he and his colleagues were the best in the world because they negotiated "good terms" for Singapore's civil servants, his party MPs were lamenting about the plight of low-income workers in the country.

Mr Lim had bragged that the civil service in Singapore is the best in the world and should not be shy about the high pay it receives. Not lost in the message is, of cource, the fact that the ministers are also the ones who are the highest paid government officials in the world.

This stands in stark contrast to the multitude of workers in Singapore who continue to struggle from inadequate wages.

Elderly workers have little choice but to continue to slog for a living during their retirement years because they have no savings. While that is bad enough, they also find themselves having to work harder for less pay.

Younger employees find their incomes diminish as inflation ravages their spending power. The introduction of cheap and massive foreign labour by this Government has articfially depressed their wages.

The result is an ever-widening income gap that is making life a stressful burden here in Singapore. This has caused PAP MPs to express concern and to call for a system that "can promote inclusive growth."

But the tone-deaf Minister seems determined to ignore this development as he goes on about how well the public sector is doing - yes, even as productivity remains at a sorry level. He is the same minister who crooned "I feel so rich" when workers are having a hard time keeping up with expenses.

Quite incredibly, Mr Lim then said that he and his affiliates at the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) and the Public Service Division (PSD) "work hand in hand" to negotiate the terms for workers:

We may be the highest paid, but at the same time it is also important for them to understand we're probably the most effective, the best civil service in the world. And this came about because AUPE and PSD (Public Service Division), we work hand in hand, so on the one hand, we negotiate for fair terms, for good terms, for responsive rewards for civil servants.

Singapore remains one of the very few places where such jarring propaganda is allowed to continue. Mr Lim is a cabinet minister serving as union chief. The arrangement means that the labour movement remains at the mercy of an exploitative Government

But even as the PAP MPs do their little pre-election dance about the suffering of low-wage workers, they remain conspicuously silent on the rights of these workers.

Not a single one of them will break party-line and call for a scheme that will pay workers their worth. The Singapore Democrats re-emphasize this fact - workers don't want handouts which is what the Workfare scheme essentially is. They want to be paid what they are entitled, to be paid their worth on the market. A rational market means that wages will be sufficient for living costs. This, as even PAP MPs concede, does not exist in Singapore.

Muhd Khalis and Vincent Wijeysingha interacting with a young voter

This is why the SDP is adamant about a Minimum Wage policy. Minimum Wage will ensure that workers will be spared Mr Lim's nonsense of fighting for them while exploiting them.

It is also why the SDP continues to work in the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC of which Mr Lim, and his equally tone-deaf colleague Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, are MPs. We continued with our groundwork this past weekend where we met with residents and sold our newspaper, The New Democrat.

A chairman of a Residents' Committee in the area approached us and expressed his anger and disillusionment with the PAP whom he said he had supported for many years. He bought a copy of the newspaper and left a generous donation.

We intend to give Mr Lim and Dr Balakrishnan a contest this coming elections, depending on the outcome of the redrawing of the boundaries which, by the way, the PAP is still whitholding at this late stage. Release the information already.

Over a cup of coffee

2011-01-10T00:55:00.000-08:00

An invitation to a coffee-shop discussion reminded me of a sarcastic poem that I wrote sometime back titled "Inilah Negara Islam Kedai Kopi!". I wrote it after talking to a "religious man" at a coffee-shop who aspired for a "theocratic state" but did not do anything about. He would always sit at the coffee-shop for hours and do nothing but talk.

There are some people who could only sit in the "coffeeshop" but do not do anything about their fate. They get agitated and jealous when they see other people doing something. And so they react by inviting the people who did something to unproductive discussions and debates.

These are people whom because of the lack of will power and fighting spirit "accept defeat before any struggle". They claim "political apathy" but react to those who strive to overcome the problems in their society in whatever way they could. This is known as defeatism. It is an ideology embedded in the person. It could well be religiously motivated because of the wrong understanding of the belief that there is another life after this one.

Such people are not effective and could never have a strong influence on their surroundings. They are only capable of being "wet blankets" and killing the spirit of those who stand up for their rights. They are capable of reasoning, but only for maintaining status quo.

P/S: Revolutions could be born over a cup of coffee. But revolutions are in the hands of people who are militant, not "politically apathetic".

I am from Bangsa Singapura

2011-01-07T01:58:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY, 07 JANUARY 2011

Muhd Shamin

When I was younger, I used to ask my parents about my grandparents. Who were they? Where did they come from? Why was I darker than most Malay people and yet I spoke the Malay language and not Tamil? Why did some of my extended family members look Chinese and Middle-Eastern?

I remembered my mother explaining to me that my grandfathers came from India, my paternal grandmother was Javanese and that my maternal grandmother was of Malay-Arab mix.

If I were to put it fully on my Identity Card, I am not sure if there would be enough space. If I declared partially, then I would be denying the other parts of me, and that would not be fair. My birth certificate shows that I am an Indian.

During primary school, I was first sent to an Indian language class. I was puzzled. After sometime, I was transferred to a Malay language class. It was a very confusing time for me.

I showed my identity card to some friends during my internship when I was in the European Parliament last year as an intern. They were aghast. “What is this? A Nazi country?” one of them commented. It reminded them of the terrible time that engulfed Europe.

That is how complicated my "racial" identity is. But that is, in a way, a reflection Singapore. It has always been the melting pot of cultures. It is because of that that we get to enjoy various kinds of food. The quaint mixture of Chinese and Malay ingredients gave rise peranakan cuisine. Then we have dishes like Roti John, a combination of Malay and Indian foods. Even the name is a mixture.

This mish-mash of people is also where we get our Singlish. People of older generations knew more than one language. Indians, Chinese and Malays spoke Singlish and Malay patois.

Later on, I came across people who were like me yet they were declared as “Malay”. They then told me that my grandfather changed his race after independence because if they were Indians they could not get free education and privileges. I didn't know how to respond. Out of hardship and for material gain, people resort to denying a part of them.

Which brings me to the question about race. What relevance does it hold for me? Nothing. The diversity that we have in Singapore is a blessing for us all. It makes us more tolerant of each other's differences. It makes us know more things about the world.

No race is superior. It is just a myth created by those in power to instill intolerance. Aren't there Malay graduates who are just as competent as Chinese and Indian graduates? Aren't there Indian businessmen who are just as rich as a Malay or Chinese businessmen?

In the SDP, we do not focus on race. the colour of our members' skins are not important. Nor is there a need to create a bureau to represent a specific group of people.

Of course, there are still problems that affect specific ethnic groups. These are caused by PAP policies. But when we speak up on these issues, we speak up as a a party, Chinese for Indians, Indians for Malays and Malays for Chinese. We speak as Singaporeans for all Singaporeans. I am confident that it will remain that way.

And through this party, the idea and ideal of Bangsa Singapura - the Singaporean People - will prevail.

Shamin is a member of the Young Democrats.

I'm getting personal...

Attack on Turkey is attack on the Muslim Nation!

Singapore - the intellectual hub of Nusantara (Part 2)

Singapore - the intellectual hub of Nusantara (Part 1)

The "Other" Muhammadiyah

Fundamentalism

Unity

Freedom and Liberalism in an "Islamic State"

Poem to a Jewish Boy

Islamic Liberalism: Mustafa Akyol

Erdogan BerPancasila

Reunification: Msia-S'pore

Erdoganism: Secularism redefined

Turkish's AKP foreign policy

The Talibanistic Liberals

Colin Powell talks to Al Jazeera

I am a fundamentalist

Burqa ban in Italy-Islam & Life

Advice of Roozbeh to Samimi

Worthy of respect and prayers...

Islam of MUIS - Islam of Abu Dharr

Sikap Mu'awiyah r.a. terhadap pengkritik

Wikileaks: On Singapore Muslim Community

Dream of a united Nusantara: Mohd Yamin

SDP holds party conference amidst dramatic expansion

Malaysia's Ethnic and Religious Divides: Aljazeera English

Happy Birthday Racist Republic! Happy Birthday Israel of the East!

George Galloway on the Norway terrorist attacks

9th of August 1965: Day of Humiliation

Democrats wish our Muslim friends a fulfilling Ramadan

OsamAnders BinBehring BreivikLaden

Fastabiqul Khairat

When in Rome, do what the Romans do

City Harvest Church stance on Homosexuality

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE AND FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE AND FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA

Between 2 evils

Faith and the Public Space

Between 2 Ps: Power struggle

Valley Of The Wolves Palestine 2011 (English Subs)

An Open House...not for everyone...

Social media challenges Singapore's rulers

A leopard cannot change its spots

Divide et Impera

New cabinet line up for Singapore Government 2011 - 2016

SDP happy to work with all opposition parties

My Thoughts on the GE2011

My first GE speech

American radical

SDP's clear and compelling vision for Singapore

Malta's cry for freedom

The SDP Promise

Seth Rogen Talks About Singapore on Conan O'brien

Preparations at SDP intense

SDP: Time For Change

So there is not one racist, but two.

MM vs MM

Bella Ciao! (Beautiful Goodbye!)

Young Democrats make GE pledge

The struggle for Turkey

Announcement

William Wallace Speech. (An inspiration for us Singaporeans)

Ronggeng, YMCA and the Shadow Budget?

12th February 2011 Event: Politics and Ethnicity

US interests and the PAP

Exclusive: Government and MUIS sued over MM Lee’s new book

Multiculturalism, not PAP's race-based policies

Egypt: Tariq Ramadan & Slavoj Zizek

A beautiful sight! "Liberte! Egalite! Fraternite!"

SDP's Chinese New Year Message 2011

Like Father, like son...Racist and Islamophobic...

A government ready to abandon its people

Politics and Ethnicity: Framing Racial Discrimination in Singapore

Dear Friends,If you feel strongly about racial discrimination in Singapore, please do attend this forum organised by friends of Dr James Gomez, Executive Director of Singaporeans for Democracy (SfD).There is no censorship. :p

You can't put the fizz back into the can

Stop Dr Chee from going to prison this election

My Prayer today...

Control of religion in S'pore must change with times

So what if YPAP has 3000 new members?

Chee's appeals dismissed, another nail in democracy's coffin

Dear Friends,

If you feel strongly about racial discrimination in Singapore, please do attend this forum organised by friends of Dr James Gomez, Executive Director of Singaporeans for Democracy (SfD).

There is no censorship. :p