Sgpolitics.net salutes Tak Boleh Tahan protesters
March 12, 2010 by admin
Filed under: TBT
Written by Ng E-Jay
12 March 2010
On Thursday 11 March, the Tak Boleh Tahan protestors who congregated outside Parliament House almost exactly two years ago to call on the government to help the poor cope with escalating prices were convicted of assembly and procession without a permit.
The protesters conducted the event peacefully and did not on their own cause disruption to the public or to traffic flow, apart from attracting the interest of some on-lookers. Nonetheless they were still convicted under the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
Mr Gandhi Ambalam, Ms Chee Siok Chin, and Dr Chee were fined the maximum amount of $2,000 ($1,000 for each charge) and sentenced to 2 weeks’ jail in default. Seven others were each fined a total of $1,800 for the two charges and 12 days’ imprisonment in default.
The authorities have made it clear that no permit will be granted for outdoor political activities, rendering the permit system a white elephant that serves no purpose whatsoever. As clear as day too is the fact that certain laws in Singapore are used to stifle political dissent and prevent certain opposition voices from being heard publicly.
During the trial, the defendants argued that Article 12 of the Singapore Constitution which states that citizens are to be treated equally under the law had been contravened because the police allowed a similar event organized by CASE to take place, but denied the rights of the Tak Boleh Tahan activists to do likewise.
The defendants also argued that the government policy on banning all outdoor political activities regardless of circumstances contravened Article 14 of the Constitution which guarantees the freedom of speech and peaceful assembly unless national security is under threat.
The judge disallowed both lines of defence.
Sgpolitics.net salutes Tak Boleh Tahan protesters for championing the right of all citizens to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, which are fundamental human rights as well as essential cornerstones of any true democracy.
One need look no further than Hong Kong or Taiwan to see how a culture of respect for political dissent has created a thriving climate in which people are motivated to think on their feet and play an active role in shaping the nation’s destiny.
Contrast this to Singapore’s situation where every bit of dissent is being carefully controlled and managed by the government, much in the same way the whole economy is being run. Is it any wonder why Singaporeans have growth politically apathetic and show such disinterest in being involved in national affairs?
The Tak Boleh Tahan activists are not just victims of the government’s micromanagement of every aspect of political discourse in Singapore. They are also victims of the government’s iron-fisted approach to dealing with dissenting voices that they cannot tolerate, because of the fear on the part of the ruling clique that if such voices were to be given free expression, Singaporeans might take heed and this would erode their power base.
The Tak Boleh Tahan activists have endured political persecution as a result of their beliefs and convictions, and many of them have paid a heavy price as a result of standing unwaveringly by the values they hold dear.
Even though I was one of the 18 activists who were charged in 2008, I cannot count myself yet as being amongst the ranks of such activists. I can only admire their guts of steel and resolve from a distance.
Currently, the defendants are appealing the decision and the execution of the sentences have been stayed pending appeal.
I wish all the activists the best of luck in reaching out to as many Singaporeans and winning as many minds as possible.
I will always be humbled by the monumental sacrifices in terms of personal freedom and time that some of these activists have had to put up with to bring this basic message to all Singaporeans.
They do this not for any fame or glory, but simply because they love Singapore.
during the execution of the crazy dragon 18 deadly blows, JJ was the first to break free from the deadly kungfu stance formation. to avoid detection, the mastershapeshifter undressed himself to remove the team unique red t-shirt.
too bad. his hideout was betrayed by one of the 18 TAKBOLEHTAHAN nicompoops. he was arrested, put on trial and without further hesitation was also the first to plead guilty. he got himself fined for 600 taels which co-incidentally was an angpow given by the LEEgime to every peasants.
and now, his flattery and hypocritical admiration for the bigger fools and clowns from the SDP CLAN. when he hits the keyboard, JJ is much deadlier with his stubby plump fingers.
