http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/455…
Nearly $6,000 collected for CSJ ’s
fine
Monday, 31 January 2011
Singapore Democrats
Dear friends and supporters,
To date we have collected almost $6,000 in contributions for Dr
Chee Soon Juan’s fine which the Judiciary imposed. Dr Chee was
fined a total of $20,000 for speaking in public, an act which
citizens of democratic countries conduct as a matter of right.
In Singapore, however, this is an offence even though freedom of
speech is a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution as well
as the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We, the Singapore Democrats, have consistently emphasized the
importance of civil liberties in Singapore. Some argue that
political rights are not what Singaporeans are interested in.
This is a terrible mistake to make. Without free speech and
peaceful assembly, citizens are powerless against their
governments. Without political rights, governments are able to do
as they please without regard for the people’s welfare as is the
case with the PAP.
Without rights, the opposition and civil society are weak and
cannot play an effective role in keeping the government in check.
Ultimately, this means that the people are constantly at the mercy
of their rulers.
Instead of the ruling party serving the people, it is the people
serving the ruling party. Our present socio-economic problems stem
mainly from our lack of political rights.
This is why we fight so hard to reclaim back the rights of
Singaporeans. We will continue to do this and we hope more and more
Singaporeans will join us in our effort.
We thank the many of you who have contributed to Dr Chee’s fine
and we are grateful for your warm support. We note that many of you
are not financially well-off and yet have come forward to do your
part. We are very touched and encouraged. No matter what the
PAP does to us, we will continue to keep the
flag of democracy flying high.
Nonetheless, there is still a shortfall of $14,000 and we hope
that those of you who have yet to give, would do so soon (please
read “Stop Dr Chee from going to prison this election” here).
In the meantime, below is the amount of contributions received
to-date (as of 30 Jan 11, Sunday) for Dr Chee Soon Juan’s fine. The
deadline is 10 Feb 11. You can also click here for daily updates on
the progress of the collection.
Contributions-To-Date
Thank you for your contributions
0 5k 10k 15k 20k
Amount received so far: $5,800 Amount needed: $20,000 Shortfall:
$14,200
Updated: 30 Jan 2011, Sunday
For story, click here. To give, click here.
Yours in solidarity,
Gandhi Ambalam
Chairman
Singapore Democratic Party
Be Our Supporters
http://www.facebook.com/yoursdp