Singabloodypore

SINGAPORE



1. INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT ON SINGAPORE

* Asian and European parliamentarians gagged by government

A visiting group of Asian and European parliamentarians was denied permission to speak at a public forum organized by the Singapore Democratic Party(SDP). The group was formed of delegations from the Council of Asian and Liberal Democrats (CALD) and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe (ALDE), two organizations with which the SDP is linked. The forum's focus was stated as the development of democracy in Asia and Europe. The reason for the ban given by the authorities was that the forum was not in the public interest. At a separate ALDE/CALD press conference, the visiting parliamentarians reacted strongly, one charging that Singapore was authoritarian in the same category as North Korea, Myanmar and China and that it was a police state. Danish politician Anders Samuelsen said "It is indeed proof that the fight for democracy is still on....I am shocked. This is state control of the worst kind". The SDP took issue with government authorities for stating that foreigners should not abuse their privileges by interfering in Singapore's domestic politics, as the parliamentarians were to speak about their own countries' experiences with democracy. There was reportedly an intense exchange between the ALDE/CALD delegation and a government team led by the Deputy Speaker. The SDP later pointed to a meeting in Singapore of international economic advisers to discuss the country's growth strategy, questioning as to whether this also constituted "foreign interference". (www.singaporedemocrat.org 19/4)

The parliamentarians attended the SDP public forum on democracy, sitting with the local speakers, but remained silent throughout. In his forum speech, Dr Chee Soon Juan, SDP Secretary-General, charged that Singapore's increasing wealth/poverty gap was a direct result of government policies, and criticised recent government pay increases that will raise the Prime Minister's annual salary from approximately S$2 million to over S$3 million. Representatives of foreign embassies in Singapore were invited to attend. (www.singaporedemocrat.org 4/4, 13/4, 15/4, 16/4, http://jurnalo.com 13/4, 15/4, www.eubusiness.com 13/4 , http://www.cnn.com 13/4, http://singaporeelection.blogspot.com )



* International Bar Association (IBA) meeting in Singapore in September: Human rights defenders urge discussions

Organizations and concerned individuals raised serious concerns regarding the IBA's decision to hold its annual meeting this year in Singapore, given the misuse of the law to penalise the opposition and silence critics. Following protests from within Singapore and abroad, the IBA announced that it would devote a full day to a discussion of human rights and the rule of law in Singapore. Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada wrote to the IBA requesting the opportunity to present a paper at the meeting, possibly in collaboration with other organizations. (www.lrwc.org)

The Singapore Democratic Party, while welcoming the full day's discussion on the rule of law, urged that human rights violations such as the lack of freedom of expression in Singapore itself be addressed and referred to the cases of lawyers J B Jeyaretnam and Francis Seow. Dr Chee Soon Juan, who was described by the Asia Sentinel as "daring the International Bar Association to take on the Singapore government in its own counrty", was quoted as pointing to abuses under the law and as saying "My colleagues and I continue to be imprisoned, fined, sued and made bankrupt but we soldier on because we want justice and freedom for our fellow citizens. To this end, we ask that you lend us a hand. To quote Aung San Suu Kyi: 'please use your liberty to help us gain ours' ". The SDP proposed:

- The inclusion in the rule of law discussion a session dedicated solely to the Singapore situation;
- An invitation be extended to victims of the Singapore government to speak to the assembly;
- The session be open to the public;
- A discussion of concrete proposals to improve the rule of law in Singapore.

(www.singaporedemocrat.org, 28/2, 4/3 etc , www.asiasentinel.com 20/3)


* Chee Siok Chin addresses high-level assembly in Italy

Prominent Singapore Democratic Party(SDP) member Chee Siok Chin addressed a high-level assembly in Italy in March. SDP Secretary-General Dr Chee Soon Juan had been invited by the Italian government to speak to the gathering, but was barred from leaving Singapore by the Singapore authorities. It was a meeting attended by government officials, ambassadors and civil society leaders. Instead, Chee Siok Chin addressed the assembly on the Singapore situation on the topic of The Role of Civil Society in the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy:

- Singapore justifies repression by using an "Asian values" argument. Though this has now been debunked by many, reportedly both Venezuela and Russia are looking to Singapore as a role model in suppressing human rights;

- Singapore is touted as an economic giant, thus the absence of democracy is concealed;

- There is a need in Singapore to have independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, a free media, an impartial election commission and democratic institutions.

She welcomed the urging by US Undersecretary of State Paula Dobrinsky that groups in the Community of Democracies look at concrete measures to address issues of human rights violations committed by autocratic governments. Ms Chee reported that many assembly participants, including ambassadors, expressed their support. Gianni Vernatti, Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, expressed his wish to meet the SDP during a planned visit to Singapore later this year. (www.singaporedemocrat.org 7/3)


* Far Eastern Economic Review honoured

The Far Eastern Economic Review (FEER) -- which is defending itself against a defamation lawsuit filed by Lee Kuan Yew and Lee Hsien Loong following publication of its favourable article on Dr Chee Soon Juan -- has been honoured by its peers. Its editor, Hugo Restall, won first place in the magazine category of the annual Human Rights Press Awards organized by the Hong Kong Journalists Association, the HK Foreign Correspondents Club and Amnesty International. Among the attributes the judges looked for was "courage on the part of the journalists or publisher". The Review is now banned in Singapore. The Asian Wall Street Journal (27/3) commented that the award was "a rebuke to Singapore's attempt to silence anyone who reports on the political opposition and is especially welcome support for a vigorous and free press in Asia". FEER has applied to the Singapore High Court for permission to use British Q.C. Gavin Millar because of the complex nature of its defense against the defamation charge. Peter Low, a Singapore-based lawyer for FEER, said it could not find a local senior counsel to argue its case. The Straits Times said Singapore has 45 Senior Counsels (the local equivalent of a Q.C.) but none of those approached has been willing to represent FEER. (AFP/ www.taipeitime.com 28/4)


* Honorary Doctorate for Lee Kuan Yew at the Australian National University (ANU): "outrage"

The decision to confer the degree on Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in March was strongly criticised within and without the university by academics, students and others on human rights grounds and was reported by the international media. Reuters (22/3) described the reaction as one of academic "outrage". Critics referred to Singapore's execution of Australian Nguyen Van Tuong after a trial that did not live up to international standards, to Singapore's restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly and association, and to penalties imposed on the political opposition. Canberra Times (30/3) reported that "Lee Kuan Yew laughed off student protests and a storm of criticism....About 60 students gathered outside the hall and about a quarter of the seats inside remained empty". Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer defended the decision to confer the degree because Lee was "a great regional leader".

The Hon. David Kilgour J D, former Canadian Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific, wrote to ANU President Ian Chubb that he was "horrified" at the plan.(22/3) Academic Hilary Charlesworth, director of ANU's Centre for International Governance and Justice, contrasted Lee Kuan Yew with Nelson Mandela, a previous recipient of ANU's honorary doctorate. (SMH 23/3) Australia's Young Labor Left protested outside the hall where the ceremony was held, calling it "atrocious". (www.younglaborleft.org 23/7) John Tan,a psychology lecturer in Singapore, who had taken part in the Freedom Walk on International Human Rights Day, 10 December, criticised the ANU for conferring an honorary doctorate on Lee Kuan Yew despite his "anti-human-rights record". (ANU?) Law Students for Social Justice was preparing a legal challenge to declare the honour invalid on the grounds that correct procedures were not followed in coming to the decision to award him the degree. Australian Institute director Clive Hamilton said the award was an embarrassment and offensive, out of keeping with ANU Law School's renowned expertise on international and human rights law. Taipeh Times (18/4) reported "That the ANU could impugn its reputation for excellence in Asian studies and human rights law to further the ambitions of its two top officers is surprising enough. That these men should ram through the award by shelving university processes of review and then praise Lee's 'integrity...commitment to the causes of peace and prosperity and international statesmanship' is downright contemptible. But credit where credit is due: Lee would applaud their methods." (See also AFP 28/3, AP 28/3, Australian 29/3, SMH 28/3, and Age 28/3, www.abc.net 22/3)


* US Department of State - Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2006:

The entry on Singapore states: "The government has broad powers to limit citizens' rights and to handicap political opposition. Caning is an allowable punishment for numerous offences. The following human rights problems were reported: preventive detention, executive influence over the judiciary, infringement of citizens' privacy rights, restriction of speech and press freeeom and the practice of self-censorship by journalists, restriction of freedom of assembly and freedom of association, some restriction of freedom of religion, and some trafficking". (http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78790.htm ) Note: Singapore's shocking execution rate is not listed -- the USA is also a retentionist state.



2. HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNERS AND GOVERNMENT CRITICS

* "Indomitable" J B Jeyaretnam: freed from bankruptcy -- will speak and act on his principles

J B Jeyaretnam's bankruptcy order was lifted after he made the final payment of S$233,255 to the Official Assignee. The Court of Appeal ruled in April that he would be cleared of bankruptcy if he paid the full amount owed to creditors within three weeks. (CNA 24/4) He had been declared bankrupt in 2001 following successful defamation lawsuits filed by Singapore's leaders, including the Prime Minister. He was quoted as saying he was relieved but had paid "a heavy price". His licence to practise law may be restored, he is able to travel abroad without official permission, and observers speak of his right to contest the next election. (AP 10/5) He declared that he would hold a press conference May 20 at which he would "speak the truth"about Singapore. A statement was issued by AI Canada: J B Jeyaretnam freed from bankrptcy -- "it's a heavy price I have paid". Previous media reports have referred to him as "indomitable" and "the veteran opposition critic", who speaks and acts for the disadvantaged out of comitment to his Christian beliefs. (Star 19/5)

* Dr Chee Soon Juan: challenges the status quo

- Dr Chee, Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), was found guilty in February of attempting to leave Singapore without permission, and was fined S$4,000 or three weeks in prison. He is appealing. Bankrupts who leave Singapore without permission can be fined up to S$10,000 or jailed up to two years. (www.singaporedemocrat.org 26/2, Reuters 26/7) His twelve applications over the past year to travel abroad have all been rejected by the authorities. In a letter to the Official Assignee, he appealed the decision to reject his application to travel to Taiwan to visit his seriously ill father-in-law. (www.singaporedemocrat.org 28/2). He continues to receive -- and welcomes -- invitations to speak at meetings abroad.

- Dr Chee wrote to the Chief Justice charging that court procedures and judgments in September 2006 against himself and his sister, Chee Siok Chin (also a prominent human rights defender), had been unfair. The two defendants had been charged by Lee Kuan Yew and Lee Hsien Loong with defamation for remarks in an SDP journal linking the government and a scandal involving the country's largest charity. Dr Chee and Chee Siok Chin were appealing against the plaintiffs' application for a summary judgment, i.e. a trial not in open court but behind closed doors. Dr Chee pointed out that their appeal had been turned down by the judge, despite the fact that they had left the court (which was closed to the media and public), as their lawyer, M Ravi, was medically unfit and unable to attend. He and Chee Siok Chin were found guilty of defamation. (www.singaporedemocrat.org 8/3)

- In May, Dr Chee, with Yap Keng Ho, appealed against their November 2006 conviction for speaking in public without a permit when they were selling the SDP news journal during the 2006 election period. (Gandhi Ambalan had also been found guilty.) Dr Chee challenged Judge Tay Yong Kwang's hearing the appeal on the grounds that the judge had -- in hearing an earlier defamation case against Dr Chee -- barred the use of a foreign Q. C. Dr Chee requested Judge Tay therefore to excuse him from the current appeal. Yap Keng Ho requested an adjournment so as to arrange for J B Jeyaretnam to be his counsel. Judge Tay refused both requests and dismissed the appeals. Dr Chee stated his commitment "to do what is just and not look the other way when injustice stares us in the face". The SDP website quotes P N Bagawathie, former Chief Justice of India:" I would use the provocative phrase 'state lawlessness' to describe the situation where there is abuse or misuse or excess of power by the State or its officers....The judiciary stands between the citizen and the State as a bulwark...." For the appeal submissions, please see www.singaporedemocrat.org 16/5.

- Dr Chee and the SDP strongly criticised as "obscene" the raises in annual salaries for ministers and civil servants, thus paying Singapore's Prime Minister approximately five times the salary of US President Bush. The Prime Minister's salary will rise from over S$2 million to over S$3 million. Salaries of Cabinet ministers will rise from S$1.2 million to S$1.6 million. The government stated that the raises were being given not for the sake of the current Cabinet but to recruit the best possible leaders and prevent corruption Dr Chee's criticism was, according to the Star (14/4), echoed by others: "The outcry was widespread among middle-class Singaporeans who earn an average of S$1,500 a month....The poorest 10%, struggling with S$300 a month, was livid". AFP (29/4) reported: "The city-state faces a widening income gap and pay hikes for ministers and top civil servants...[which] triggered a rare public outcry from normally reserved Singaporeans." (www.singaporedemocrat.org 29/3, 10/4, ST 12/4)

- Drawing attention to the rights of workers in Singapore, amongst whom are some of the poorest Singaporeans, Dr Chee called for Singaporeans to exercise their rights and attend a meeting where they could help plan activities for May Day. He and Chee Siok Chin undertook a cross-Singapore Walk for Singapore's Workers to draw attention to inequities in pay. It is the second marathon walk by Dr Chee and Ms Chee in recent years. In 2000, they walked 26 miles to mark the number of years that Chia Thye Poh was imprisoned. (www.singaporedemocrat.org 25/4, 29/4, 30/4, AFP 27/4) ) Dr Chee said "It is alarming that our workers can be paid the amount they are paid and ministers continue to lavish themselves with such salaries". Lecturer John Tan called for Singaporeans to assemble in large numbers at Speakers' Corner to show support for the Walk for Workers. In its 72-page report , A Nation Cheated -- A Report on Poverty and Labour in Singapore 2007, the SDP criticised the government's attitudes and policies on income gaps and treatment of workers. (speakup@singaporedemocrat.org)

* Francis Seow: book preface available by e-mail

The preface to his latest book, Beyond Suspicion? The Singapore Judiciary, is available from me by email. Francis Seow, a former Solicitor-General, former President of the Singapore Law Society -- and a former prisoner of conscience -- charges Lee Kuan Yew as the politician primarily responsible for the misuse of the law for political purposes. He writes in the preface that justice in Singapore is "Janus-faced....Judges, sad to say, in politically-freighted cases have repeatedly demonstrated a singular facility at bending over backwards to reach decisions favourable to the Singapore government and its leaders....Lee [Kuan Yew] used to assert that the judiciary must be protected against 'unjust attacks and slurs,' but, in truth, it is he who has not only disfigured the pristine face of justice in Singapore but undermined its very foundation by by politicizing it, as well as that of the legal profession....To paraphrase Vladimir Denisov, a Gorbachev-era Soviet parliamentarian: given their princely pay, perks and privileges of office, no Singaporean judge would be mad enough to rule against Lee and his political confr�res." The book may be ordered from Amazon.com and from Yale University Southeast Asia Studies www.yale,edu/seas/BeyondSuspicion


3. CONCERNS CONTINUE

* Death Penalty

Teo Cheow Kim, 52, was found guilty of trafficking in 30 gr heroin and sentenced to death. The death sentence is mandatory for possession of more than 2 gr. Soon after he was sentenced, his son was held for assaulting a Central Narcotics Board officer. (ST 11/5)

*Torture/Ill-treatment

A rapist was sentenced to 16 years and ten strokes of the cane. (ST 19/3)

* Suspected terrorists: The government said it was holding 39 individuals under the ISA for involvement in terrorism and espionage. Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng reported that ten members of Jemaah Islamiyah had been held since December 2001. Three others were released after cooperating with the authorities and following rehabilitation. (AFP 9/4)

* Falun Gong Practitioners: Ng Chye Huay was reported jailed in Changi Prison on 19 April, having been convicted of harassment for holding a banner, "Bring Li Lanqing to Justice", outside the Chinese Embassy during a visit to Singapore by Chinese official Li Lanqing. She was sentnced to a fine of S$1500 or 15 days in prison. She refused to pay the fine. On April 23, five Falun Gong practitioners, charged with assembly without a permit, were brought for a pre-trial hearing. One of the five was Ng Chye Huay. (Epoch Times? 27?/4 http://en.epochtimes.com) At approximately the same time, the Straits Times (28/4) reported that two in about five cases heard at the Community Court result in probationary sentences, clearly signalling that it was succeeding in its goal to rehabilitate rather than incarcerate. Chief Justice Chan Sek Cheong was quoted as saying: "Prison should be reserved only as a last resort for those who really deserve and need it."


* Freedom of expression/new expressions

- Salary increases for government and civil servants strongly criticised: "Hefty" pay raises, which the government defended as necessary to prevent corruption and as still not meeting levels in the private sector, were described as "infuriating" many Singaporeans, given that the Prime Minister's salary was already more than three times that of US President Bush. (CNN 5/4) Under the new scales, the Prime Minister will see his salary rise from some S$2 million to over S$3 million and Cabinet ministers from S$1.2 million to S$1.6 million. Critics said that the increases were " in poor taste at a time that many middle-and lower-class Singaporeans face a declining standard of living". The Financial Times referred to UN income equality data placing Singapore at 105th worldwide (www.ft.com 10/5) . Serving Cabinet ministers were reported as receiving their salaries and in addition their parliamentary pensions when they turn 55, and eight of them, including the Prime MInister, are in that category. (http://www.atimes.com 6/4) Opinion Asia described a "howl of protest" in Singapore and quoted opposition MP Chiam See Tong's statement that a politician "must maintain integrity, moral authority" -- and referred in contrast to PAP MP Lily Neo's criticism of the US$190 a month given to the poor and unemployed. (www.opinionasia.com 20/4) Following negative reactions, the Prime Minister said he would give his increase to charity. The Star (21/4) wrote that the increases "will attract not only quality people with integrity and passion...but also the greedy and self-serving". (http://english.aljazeera.net 5/5) Law Society President Philip Jeyaretnam said that, in view of ministers' salaries, people might wonder whether, in taking on unpaid posts for public causes, they are "being taken for chumps". His comments were related to pay levels for lawyers, engineers and others. Former prisoner of conscience lawyer G Raman applauded the comments. (ST? 11/5, www.singaporedemocrat.org 17/5) )

- According to the Jakarta Post, young people were questioning strict attitudes of the "old guard" in regard to the ban on Martyn See's documentary on former prisoner of conscience Said Zahari, the one-month imprisonment of blogger Benjamin Koh (under the Sedition Act), the harassment following publication of Dr Chee Soon Juan's book, and the ban stopping the European and Asian parliamentary delegation from speaking at a public forum etc. (www.thejakartapost.com 20/4)

- Documentary on Said Zahari banned: The government banned Martyn See's 49-minute interview documentary on former prisoner of conscience Said Zahari, who was detained under the ISA for 17 years 1963 - 1979. He now lives in Malaysia where he has spoken out about his difficult years in detention. The Singapore authorities judged that it was not to be shown in Singapore because its "distorted and misleading" portrayal of the events could undermine confidence in the government. Said Zahari asked "Is the government still afraid?....I feel sorry for Singaporeans who have not been given a chance to see the other side of Singapore history....The government is afraid more and more people will know about the nation's history". His book, Dark Clouds at Dawn - A Political Memoir", was published by INSAN in 2001 in Malaysia. (AP 10/4) Reporters Without Borders called the ban "inappropriate...ridiculous", given that Martyn See's films are available on YouTube, Google etc. (AP 17/4) (www.malaysiakini.com 21/4, ST 25/4)) Writer Loh Chee Kong questioned the ban, since Said Zahari's memoirs are sold in Singapore. He recommended that the government instead issue a rebuttal of Said Zahari's criticisms. (ST? 27/4 cheekong@mediacorp.com.sg) The Said Zahari documentary can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4ZNKABbOWk or http://singaporerebel.blogspot.com or http://video.google.com )

- Singapore's media ranking by Freedom House dropped from 146 to 154: "Media freedom in Singapore is constrained to such a degree that the vast majority of journalists practice self-censorship rather than risk being charged with defamation or breaking the country's criminal laws on permissible speech." (http://freedomhouse.org 4/5) Note: Reporters Without Borders' last ranking placed Singapore at 145 out of 167 countries. There were no reports of World Press Freedom Day (3 May) celebrations in Singapore. The SDP criticised the lack of Singapore media coverage of its own May Day message and activities, which had been reported internationally in IHT, ABC, Reuters, AFP, AP etc. (www.singaporedemocrat.com 3/5) Singapore's media regulator, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA), said it was looking to expand its jurisdiction from the print and broadcast sector to emerging new media markets i.e. the Internet and telecommunications TV services. The reason given was the need to take into consideration the interests of fair market competition between the traditional print and broadcast industry and the new media. (AFP 27/3, Star www.littlespeck.com 7/11) Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng reportedly commented that the government was investigating a few Singaporeans who had been influenced by radical Islamic ideas they got from the Internet. (AFP 3/3) Asia Times (9/3) reported on the impact of bloggers in 2006: "Singapore's bloggers and Web-based writers signalled that they were a force to be reckoned with. And in a state where government control over the mainstream media has been a fact of life for more than four decades, Singapore's freewheeling blogosphere is set to have significant political and social ramifications." Freedom House reported that further Internet restrictions could result in possible imprisonment or fines for defamation and that internet users living abroad could be prosecuted if they abet an offence in Singapore. (http://freedomhouse.org 4/5)

- The economy: Singapore lecturer John Tan judged that Singapore's economic development was due to many factors and not solely to Lee Kuan Yew. He stated that Singapore was now falling behind as indicated by a survey showing that more than half of young people wished to emigrate. (www.singaporedemocrat .org 29/3) The Singapore Miracle, Myth and Reality, a new book by Rodney King, is described as taking a contrary view of Singapore's claims of having cutting-edge efficiency, global competitiveness, economic freedom and transparency. King argues that Singapore does not have a highly developed and successful free-market economy. (Karzinform www.inform.kz 17/4)



* Gender Rights

- Possible changes to the laws on homosexuality (Penal Code Section 377A) were to be debated in Parliament. The Home Ministry said, that although the relevant section would not be deleted, it would not be "proactive" in enforcing the law against consensual acts in private. (ST? 8/5)
.Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew questioned the criminalisation of homosexuality, saying that doctors said people are born homosexual. Under current Singapore law, a man found to have committed an act of "gross indecency" with another man can be jailed up to two years -- though prosecutions are rare. (Reuters 23/4) National University of Singapore Law professor Yvonne Lee wrote that decriminalising homosexuality would be an error: "Allowing an aggressive homosexual rights agenda to dictate law reform ignores the nature of Singapore's multireligious community. Such an agenda would be divisive". (ST 4/5) Lawyer M Ravi replied that the current law was outmoded, that there was a fundamental right to pursue one's natural inclination and that non-discrimination must be extended to all. (www.singaporedemocrat.org 7/5) In May, former Methodist bishop Rev. Dr Yap Kim Hao called for greater understanding and respect for gays in Singapore. He was speaking at a dialogue between the Christian church and the gay community, which was attended by more than 350 people. (AP 11/5)

- The Alliance of Women for Research and Action (AWARE) launched its book on the history and development of AWARE, which now includes goals on issues such as ageing and migrant labour. On sale at bookstores S$19.90. (ST? 17/3)

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