SCORES of people gathered at Hong Lim Park on Sunday evening for a
locally-organised event billed as an expression of "solidarity" for
Malaysians calling for clean elections.
Speaking to the crowd, event organiser Jolovan Wham said both
foreigners and Singaporeans should have the right to freedom of
expression, referring to the arrest of 21 Malaysians on Saturday
for illegally gathering at Merlion Park. Mr Wham, a social
activist, then read out a statement by 200 Malaysian social workers
and counsellors working here who called for free and fair elections
and a strengthened social welfare system.
The other speaker was poet Alfian Sa'at who apologised on behalf of
the Singapore government for "these repressive laws on
demonstrations", in reference to Saturday's arrests. Nine other
Malaysians had also been warned days earlier for participating in a
protest last Wednesday. He then read out a monologue from his play
"Parah", which is about race relations.
Most in the crowd wore black and were issued yellow candles for a
vigil. A significant number appeared to be Malaysians who came to
observe the event. Several signs expressing support for Malaysia
were laid on the ground in one corner of the park. Said businessman
Mr Chong Chin Chun, 43, who is a permanent resident from Malaysia:
"Our neighbours are here to speak out for us, I will feel very
shameful if I don't turn up to support."
