Comments, opinions and an occasional ramble
The iron rule of the law is not supreme excellence
I quote the following paragraph from the Financial Times on the proposed amendements to Singapore laws:
“Internet users could face punishment for defamation and making ‘statements that cause public mischief’ or for ‘the wounding of racial feelings’. Documents, including film or sound recordings, sent over the internet could be subject to criminal prosecution.”
Did anyone remember our PM saying not too long ago he wants young people to speak up? Did he not promise an open and inclusive society? What’s the meaning of the proposed toughening of laws on the Internet?
I’m disappointed. Then again, I should have known better. I should not have traded my cynicism for optimism a few months back. Indeed, as the chinese saying goes, 江山易改，本性难移 (translated: It’s easy to change a mountain or river, but it’s hard to move innate character. This saying is the chinese equivalent of “a leopard never changes its spots”).
In Sun Tzu’s art of war, in Chapter 1, there are 5 factors to determine whether it is favourable to wage war or not. They are (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.
Notice that moral law comes first. The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accordance with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger (taken from http://www.chinapage.com/sunzi-e.html).
With the impending revisions, I see it as laws being imposed, but these laws are not moral laws. Moral laws in my opinion are laws that the general population agree is good for their society to have. However, my government is going to implement laws without the agreement of the populace. There will be a public consultation, but what are the chances of these revisions being scrapped?Â
And, why are the laws being drafted in the first place? Why does my government, while promising an open and inclusive society on one hand, now wants to take away the only little space of freedom of expression that we citizens have on the other hand?
The national pledge I used to say everyday in school rings so shallow now.
We the citizens of Singapore,
Pledge ourselves as one united people
Regardless of race,
Language or religion
To build a democratic society
Based on justice and equality
So as to achieve happiness
Prosperity and progress
For our nation
To build a democratic society, based on justice and equality. Where’s the democracy in restricting the right of expression? Where is the justice and equality to ensure that defamation suits will not be abused in the name of ”statements that cause public mischief” against ordinary Singaporeans like me who intend nothing but just to be heard? Is this my country?
I think I realise now why I don’t feel a swelling of pride when I introduce myself as a Singaporean.
As a parting shot, let me quote Sun Tzu again:
“Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.”
The iron rule of the law is not supreme excellence.
| Print article | This entry was posted by Aaron Ng on 11/11/2006 at 12:30 am, and is filed under Perspective. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
about 3 years ago
I’m particularly concerned by this statement I got off Channel NewsAsia:
“There are also plans to enact a new offence which covers an action that is likely to cause racial or religious disharmony, or promote enmity on grounds of race or religion.”
I’m disturbed by this. If I’m atheist, does this mean that I cannot criticise logical inconsistencies in religion? Or state the flaws in religious texts? Does this mean that I’m committing a crime if I publicise a whole lot of satirical and parody material that makes fun of religion? Not to mention that evangelising and proselytising one’s religion to others often means putting down or casting doubt upon the belief systems of others. Would it be considered an offence in this case?
If some nutcase does something crazy, like praying over his critically sick child instead of sending him to hospital (as has happened in other countries), or says something stupid and justifies his claims on the basis of the infallibility of his religious text, does that mean that we would be criminals if we were to criticise him and doubt his claims, or even worse, offend him by making fun of his beliefs?
This just opens a whole new can of worms. Funny that our brand of religious harmony is being maintained by stamping out all forms of discussion and debate. But it would be interesting to see what actions would be defined as leading to religious disharmony.
about 3 years ago
You are absolutely right. This law means that the next time some Christian comes trying to convert me, I can report him/her to the police on the grounds that it is likely to cause religious disharmony by promoting Christianity over my religion.
Makes no sense to me at all.
That aside, I’m more concerned about the tightening of Internet speech. I hope that the PAP dominated government don’t make that change. As the last GE has shown, a good economy, progress package and upgrading carrots are cutting lesser and lesser ice with Singaporeans. To curb this little relatively more free space of expression will only increase resentment against the PAP. I don’t understand why are they heading down the path I consider to be political suicide.
about 3 years ago
I beg to differ on the statement that they are committing political suicide…as history has shown, Singaporeans have a short memory…furthermore as majority of the people get their information from the Straits Times, they wont be able to know the other side of the story…thus when an election comes we can expect a repeat of the past…to read too much into the percentage increase of support for the oppostion is to be too optimistic…
about 3 years ago
Hi nedstark,
History teaches us lesson, but it is no sure predictor of the future. I am cautiously optimistic because an increasingly educated and mobile populace is less likely to buy the PAP’s arguments. I could be wrong, but at least the conditions are better than before.
There’s another reason for my optimism. Humans are not immortal. (I think you can read in between the lines)
about 3 years ago
Let face it. Our PM has no final say as long as the bigPaPa look over his shoulder. Our PM is still very much the Papa’s boy. I won’t be surprised the decision to buy Thaisin come from the first emperor of Singapore instead of HoSin. Why ? HoSin must be angry with bigPaPa because she been make scrapegoat and ppl start blaming her. That’s why she doesn’t want to say anything or even admit she wrong. Think about that, as a number one head of a big org, act as a coward and hide behind family ??? I don’t think she do that without a reason.
And that’s why only the great daddy come out and speak and say nothing wrong with the deal. Now, that pretty obvious, behind the MM title lies a person that pretend to step down, but in actual fact, running and planning the whole show, and still making decision.
Singapore can never grow with so many india chiefs and pretentious from the top. PAP’s credibility is fast losing, or already lost to negative.
It is obvious that the law is amended to even protect the PAP from some news leaked by insiders or comment that will make PAP a losing side.
Think about the following statement:
making ’statements that cause public mischief’ or for ‘the wounding of racial feelings’. Documents, including film or sound recordings, sent over the internet could be subject to criminal prosecution.â€
Isn’t Derek Wee will be charged with public mischief since he tell the truth that caused commotion to the society ??
Isn’t Andy Xie’s leaked email on the whole IMF issue caused commotion when we learn that this credible economist think Singapore isn’t that rich and prosperous afterall ???? That email may have consider as public mischief since it will shake the whole Singapore if published in Strait Times.
about 3 years ago
Singaporean may not be stupid to realize that gov is using excuse of terrorist and others unrelated reason to setup law to protect themselves from ppl expressing anger at them.
Why continue to draw big salary if gov are not able to resolve the social issue ??? they set their own performance benchmark that even if it fail still can rewards for it perhaps ???/
about 3 years ago
I was initially cautiously optimistic too. By the looks of the admendments to the penal code, Singapore is becoming more and more of a police state. These new laws are so vague and can be easlier misinterpreted. *throw up hands in frustation*
about 3 years ago
Dear Willey,
In principle I would agree with you, although I am not sure about the bigPaPa part.
I’m quite sad that the proposed amendments are two steps back for Singapore in terms of freedom of expression. The inability to freely express one’s view will hurt Singapore in the long run. If Singaporeans do not even know what can be spoken and what cannot be spoken, the most logical course would be to shut up. This would mean that good ideas might never surface too.
I don’t think that’s healthy for this “little red dot” in the long run because if we lack ideas, we can’t stay ahead of the competition.
about 3 years ago
Hi Charissa,
Somehow, I really wished that the PAP dominated government wouldn’t so something like this. They have done a fantastic job of bringing Singapore to where it is today. I reserve my greatest respect to them for this. However, I’m just sad that instead of making their achievements even greater by liberalising Singapore, they choose to go down the path of restriction. Well, maybe I’m jumping the gun by saying that it’s a path of restriction. It’s more of a path of uncertainty brought about by laws that may very well be abused.
I hope that the public consultation on the proposed laws will include consultation with the Singaporean blogging community. I have little hope of reversal of the proposed changes, but I do hope that concerned citizens are not prosecuted for doing their duty, that is, expressing concern for their motherland.
about 3 years ago
Haha… although i criticise them, I do indeed respect them alot for bringing Singapore this far. Unfortunately, they keep tanishing their lovely economic record with a bad human rights record.
Actually, by the looks of Singaporea’s history, that path of restriction has been long forged since Singapore independence. It is just getting tighter and tigher. Somehow, I am less optimistic than you.
I feel sad to be a Singaporean. We are forced to become goldfishes stuck in their bowl, “blissfully” ignorant of the things that goes around them.
about 3 years ago
Hi Charissa,
Respect is one thing. What PAP’s has done in the past is no indication of success in the future. In fact, I starting to feel that PAP has become a liability for future of Singapore since it itself does not create value that justify their fat pay check and bonus.
In the past, when Singapore is successful is because ppl is working hard in 1990s and belief their hard work will pay off. It is unfortunate that in 200x years onwards, the globalization bug hit quickly, the mentality for PAP’s solution is to bring FT, privatised, casinos, setup restriction law etc to do whatever to “so called” bring economic growth and stability to the system. In other words, they are running out of ideas and simply implement any policy that help to sustain PAP’s track record. Are they capable ? Execution wise, I believe they are indeed effective. Idea-wise? I think a young kid can think up such solution easier as the solution pass the cost back to Singaporean. It doesn’t need a minister to generate money-making business that reap $$$ back from Singaporean.
Yes, some say minister do need to consider issue about decision ?? It doesn’t matter if they consider anything at all, if the final decision is already pre-determined, with view only that optimically supported in their favour and using power of their sole newspaper media, with decision make behind closed door, with no accountability and transparency, with reason such as “implement first, and if anything wrong, seek help”.
Yes, there is already chao in PAP, it just that they pretend to stay calm. Wayang is one thing, but to continue to deny the freedom of Singaporean will make Singapore a even tiny red dot. Dot that many will try to avoid investing in the end. Dot that even its own people feel disgust about.
about 3 years ago
Restriction is one thing, but using law to cover their incompetency and incapability to run the country is what Singaporean fears because these will lead to rising cost and delusion. Innovation and creativity can never strived under these environment , so why gov even pretend Singaporean can ???
Yes, the PM shouldn’t talk too much “crap” if he can’t deliver, and the president shouldn’t hang his picture in so many place if he remain “puppet” and quiet and happily draw his millions dollars salary.
So let put in this way, the only thing that PM has accomplished so far is perhaps is the opposite of what he say. “Nobody will be left behind”. We are the “nobody” when we grow old and can’t compete with cheaper labour, and that’s why we be left behind. (from insanepoly).
I felt disguised when ppl talk about success of Singapore as run by PAP. It depends on how you define success. If you define purely by economic reasons. Yes, because we Singaporean work hard to ensure future and job security for ourselves, but in social wise, it is pathetic. Book downplay social issue.
about 3 years ago
Are Singaporean complaining ?? Yes, we complain about social issue and job security, or anything that threaten our existence. Isn’t PAP and MP has the same problem too ??? It just that the system place for the elite protect them whereas the policy below the elite doesn’t give that kind of protection to others.
about 3 years ago
I cannot disagree with your pessimistic conclusion. I personally found some solace in the fact that the draconian laws helped our then nascent nation to bootstrap itself. The empahsis on the rule of law over democracy probably was needed to stabilize us pass the tumultous years. But now the scaffoldings have outlived their usefulness. To discard them is hard because of the force of habit. We may do so some day… Don’t hold your breath.
Here is a link on Chinese Legalism the alleged ruling philosophy of Singapore by KiWeto that you may find interesting assuming you have not got there first. Don’t take it too seriously unless you think it is right.
about 3 years ago
It is getting harder each day to speak up. I guess that we will have to write coded messages that do not mean anything but mean something. Every step of the way we are blocked here and there. They are human, we are human. Why must they treat like some kind of zombies? Why do they want to hurt people and cause pain to people? Do they have souls in their bodies? It does not make them looked superior. Instead, it make them looked like insecure people who hide behind laws.
about 3 years ago
I believe there is a major problems with PAP gov. Don’t anyone feel something wrong that PM has to constantly remind those MPs who are consider intelligent above all elite to express care and work to make ppl happy ??? Aren’t these the MP suppose to have the concern for people first ??? This reminder always get published, especially when major crisis happened that shake the whole nation like ppl jumping from MRT due to poverty or ppl like Derek Wee express his view that very much reflect our concern. Instead of been mature MP, it seen that these MP is no difference from public professional who seek money first more than concern. Or perhaps, that these ppl become MP because gov PAP doesn’t want them to support opp Party and pose a threat ??
Whatever it is, it already become clear.
The gov say that only newspaper can be trusted and validated ??? Validated by who ?? by MP and Lee who are themselves start to be questionable by ppl ?? The elite who doesn’t want to say anything bad but always think positive and enjoy huge advantage compare to vulnerable laymen ???
These positiveness unfortunately become excuse for inflation to come, everything to increase, and ironically the thing that increase come from the same gov policy !!!
Talking about conflict of interest when gov running Singapore as though running a business.
Why do we keep losing money when GLC invest in other countries. Simple. The answer is that those elite thought they know best and get the “so-called” best advisor who ironically conform to their view and to their faviour. It doesn’t take a cuckoo to realize that.
Do we have the so called reserve as we believe we have. I seriously doubt so. Some money must have lost so large and unaccounted for that only the Lee must place his own son to be finance minister to prevent “outsider” from knowing the truth. There is always something wrong when PM hold other important post, and this is definite as PM in their election say that he don’t have time to fix opp party.
We are not trying to be negative, but just look at how positiveness as portrayed by the media, MP, PM and even MM has landed us into state of fear, doubt and uncertainty. We can ignore that negative until we have a house mortage to pay and yet we start losing job to cheaper FT who doesn’t care a shit but rent house instead.
Is that what Singapore value is all about ???
about 3 years ago
What we have here, is a party that has become too entrenched in believing its own hype that it is blinded to reality around it.
They are a liability today. There is an increasing degree of incompatibility between what most Singaporeans desire and what they think is right for the country.
I don’t see value-addedness in their high cost existence in proportion to the real, visible progress in Singapore today.
You want to talk economics and pragmatism? A simple balance sheet would show that we have not gotten adequate returns from the govt, from the investment (taxes) that has been in place for the past decade.
about 3 years ago
http://i-came-i-saw-i-solved-it.blogspot.com/
My blog above contains documentary proof that LKY rigs elections and proof that he rigged the 1997 Cheng San GRC election, as eyewitnessed by my acquaintance, a eurasian former Police Inspector by the name of Mr David DUCLOS; and his lawyer friend.
Because LKY has been rigging elections, he does not fear being toppled and so has been acting arrogantly like a little emperor.
LHL is no better because he was the Minister in charge of the ISD when the PAP Govt lied about the “Marxist Conspirators” during which sordid episode LKY lied blatantly that the accused 22 Catholics were “marxists”. This is also in my blog.
Do find the time to read these documents.
about 3 years ago
http://www.singapore-window.org/sw01/010521m1.htm
If you are not sure what the government can do to silence the opposition, read these posts again.
about 3 years ago
well, I cannot more agree with this part of YCK’s post,
“The empahsis on the rule of law over democracy probably was needed to stabilize us pass the tumultous years. But now the scaffoldings have outlived their usefulness. To discard them is hard because of the force of habit.”
willey, I do realise that they are fast running out of ideas. Obvious problems from transactional leadership and a planned economy. =|
about 3 years ago
Hi Willey,
I agree that the PAP is successful in some aspects, and not all. The only problem I have with the PAP is, as you said, they like to hide their flaws using a variety of means. I wished they’re not doing that. I think that nobody in Singaporea is expecting them to be perfect. As human beings with some thinking ability, surely we recognise that people do make mistakes. I would be alot more supportive of the PAP if they are willing to admit their mistakes. To me, the mark of greatness is not how much you have achieved, but rather, how much you are willing to admit that you have failed to achieve.
about 3 years ago
Hi YCK,
It’s depressing to be Singaporean sometimes. We’re like birds with our wings clipped. I can never understand how can we compete on the world stage if we forbid competition and openness in certain areas of our own home.
about 3 years ago
Well Layman,
Like I said, we would appreciate the PAP alot more if they are willing to be more candid about their mistakes. To err is human. I think Singaporeans would forgive honest mistakes and work with the PAP to move on. At least, I would.
about 3 years ago
Hi K,
The government cherry picks information to lull Singaporeans into believing that everything is well. I don’t doubt that many things are going well, but I honestly think that there are many things that are not going well that has been swept under the carpet. I really fear for ordinary Singaporeans that one day, our leaders will jump ship and take away the nation’s wealth. I’m not saying that it will happen, but the odds are higher when one party is so dominant. There are too many cases of leaders absconding with the nation’s wealth (e.g. Marcos).
about 3 years ago
Hi Robert,
I’ve read your blog and I found it to be extremely interesting. Unfortunately, that was ten years ago and we can never be sure what happened. Nonetheless, your willingness to say what you saw is commendable, and I must say that it is another of those hot potato questions about the PAP that never gets answered.
about 3 years ago
Well Charissa,
Globalisation is proving to be a headache for many governments, not just Singapore. I think for all the criticisms we throw at the PAP, sometimes, it’s really hard to manage such uncertainty.
I am of the opinion, though, that being more open to alternative ideas would be one plausible solution. Giving people the freedom to speak with little restrictions will allow more ideas to surface, because you are harnessing the knowledge and power of more people. The probability of generating good ideas increases. Unfortunately, conservative thinking in the PAP is hindering this.
about 3 years ago
do not rock their positions and threaten all that they have built. they have to be ruthless to stay in power. in some countries, they rob its people and plunder an entire nation in power through corruption. that’s for low grade criminals. the smoothest operators are those who can dress up the country with great successes to impress even your harshest critics and thereafter, rob the people under their noses!
the latter methods belong to the smoothest and slickest operators. they employ the greater strategy which is to have your people souls killed and stil have them think they’re your greatest of friends.
they are so good, most don’t suspect the amount of damages done in their lives.
so just don’t look at clean streets and buildings housing poor souls(I.E. rental flats). the exterior is impressive but highly deceptive. it is within the four walls that a certain ugly death permeates in society!
a very slick operation to reap through successes( usually for the minority) rather than foolishly plundering the entire nation but the damages are no less cruel.
and i am not talking about THAT country of course.
about 3 years ago
The greatest deception come from what we can see not what we have heard. Look around you, the Singapore vibrant city, the infrastructure, vivocity, the cleaniness, and even the attractive layout of newspaper of StraitTime, etc, these so called image of success. Are these image of success blinding us into thinking all goes well, and are these images really reflect true reality of Singapore’s prosperity ??
Perhaps why PAP never admit any mistake because they do want to expose accountability and transparency. If any mistake happen like NKF, the republic will want accountability and transparency, but if there is “NO admission of mistake or wrongdoing”, why should there be accountability and transparency ??? And beside, to cover them up, just simply setup law and policy to say that certain thing damaging to the country cannot be disclosed. (Though real damaging has already been done).
It is obviously that we have the highest paid ministers in the world, and yet with no transparency and accountability, they will continue to be, but remember, these elite are just leading(or ruling) a tiny reddot, and that ironic is that even leaders of very big country lik China, US, India etc aren’t getting a pie of just their salary. So is their MP pay justified what they have done to Singapore ?? Perhaps public should determine that not so called “law from men of integrity” determine that.
MP is just like human being like any of us. With no transparency and accountability, ignorance, arrogant, incompetency and greed will perhaps set in. Didn’t we feel the same in workplace ??? Since when, money is ever enough ?
about 3 years ago
Aaron,
no “smart” ppl will open up and admit mistake if it open a can of worms that “may eventually threaten their existence and legacy”. Perhaps so many thing have been covered up or downplay, and many things that is OB that become questionable in public eyes.
Perhaps if u wrong and make one mistake, one should continue to do so to make more “mistake” since there is no other alternative at all. There just no turn back for Lee and MPs now. The most they can do is that hope with pro-65 and other things that do help alleviate their “doings”. The public just get distracted and problem will not never surface again. This has been done repeatedly with great success. Master of distraction is what we have seen from last election.
about 3 years ago
There really not much we could do in Singapore. We just hope those “wayangness and pretentious” behaviour from so-called elite doesn’t do great damage in the end.
Long live Singapore.
about 3 years ago
The problem is that the mistakes they made affect the people, not them. First, it is for your own good. And when it is screwed up, it is on your own. Mistakes affect a lot of people’s life, some affect the choice in life and cannot do anything about it. Flip flop in educational policies is a good example. We do not have much say in things that affect OUR life. Yes, the policies have choices but it is like: left you get screwed, right you get screwed too.
about 3 years ago
Dear willey, Layman and smoothoperator,
While politically it may appear to be never good to admit one’s mistakes, I think that’s fear on the part of those in power. I honestly think that ordinary Singaporeans think that the PAP is still the best party because it has a proven track record. I also think that human beings are more likely to forgive an honest person. This is why I wish deep down in my heart that mistakes are admitted. The measure of a great man in my opinion is how humble and open he is about his own weakness, and not his strength. Maybe I am too idealistic, but I would faithfully follow a leader who readily admits mistakes than one who never seems to make mistakes. At least, I know the one who admits mistakes is honest, and I don’t have to worry about being taken for a ride.
about 3 years ago
Hi, nice article with quotes from Sun Tzu!
about 3 years ago
Hi Yoyobarn,
The post was inspired precisely because I remembered that Sun Tzu never advocated the use of force as the first resort to win a war. In the same vein, I don’t think that our government should use laws as the first resort to “subdue” the internet users.
about 3 years ago
Charissa, Aaron and others,
Our comments have been getting quite pessimistic haven’t they? I hope that we can shake off our bad name of being such a stifled society. It could be in a generation. Anyone taking bets?
Well, I am hopeful because Singapore cannot be stunted in the “nation-building” phase forever. We cannot be always in the making. We will arrive one day, just like our moving from the Third World to the First. It will be ridiculous to argue otherwise, and cruel to ignore the growing pains. It is time to dismantle the scaffoldings a piece at a time.
about 3 years ago
with 7% GST, we bound to get even more pessimistic especially with reasons that cuckoo PM give for the rise, and strange enough, it coincide with thaisin heavy loss investment. Now I know why they say it is GOOD INVESTMENT. FOR A LOSS OF BILLIONS DOLLARS, THEY HAVE NOW RETURN THAT turn LOSS INTO PROFIT OVER NEXT FEW YEARS BY GETTING 7% GST. SEE, THE GOV ALWAYS WIN.
They lose money, it okays for them since it is taxmoney, if they turn up profit, it is consider profit for them and award in bonus and good vision. And if turn really bad, just let those innocent young PAPs take the blame while behind is still those old as@#$hole still running the show. See, what a democracy of Singapore has helped us,
thank PAP, you suck us dry and thank for giving us so many carrots that end up more carrots for these gahmen instead. And no wonder they want to tighten rule in internet to destroy ppl’s comment.
about 3 years ago
and worse, carrots that are promised, but we never get to eat the carrots with peace of mind.
about 3 years ago
It all craps and things is done depending whether PAP want to do it at all. With no need of accountability and transparency, we are at their mercy of their decision. Look at the upgrading plan for Hougang, u know the arrogance and BS. Singapore’s free press is at rank 148 which I consider still pretty good, it should be 168 (last pos) because their mouth and action not in sync.
about 3 years ago
Hogwash Tsunami, you are right.
Bullshit is just a mouth away.
about 3 years ago
Hi Daniel,
I think Kim Jong Il’s North Korea will definitely beat us hands down for the last spot. At least we can have some consolation that we’ll never be the last.
about 3 years ago
Aaron,
that’s good, but Singapore been highly competitive and always want to be No1, will likely to overtake Korea’s position in just matter of time.
It easier and suitable for Singapore to be no1 from the last onwards than from the front.