Bravest soldier in
Singapore
Friday, 31 October 2008
Shafi'ie charged for standing up for Singapore
Singapore Democrats
He may not be locked in combat in Iraq but he is arguably the most
courageous soldier in Singapore today.
Recruit Muhammad Shafi'ie, the youngest among the Tak Boleh
Tahan (TBT) activists, faces two trials in as many weeks: one
for protesting against escalating cost of living in front of the
Parliament House on 15 March this year and the other for contempt
of court.
The 19-year old Singapore
Polytechnic engineering graduate is currently a National Serviceman
in the army at the Pulau Tekong Camp undergoing his Basic Military
Training (BMT).
Mr Shafi'ie is now into his seventh of his 13-week BMT. He commutes
between camp and the Subordinate Courts to join his fellow
activists in the on-going trial.
"Everyday, I leave Pulau Tekong at seven in the morning by ferry to
reach the jetty at Changi from where I head straight to the court
to face the trial," he said.
Regarding the TBT protest, Mr Shafi'ie said: "In the year 2007, the GST was
increased to 7% from the previous 5%. Following that, the public
transport fees, tertiary education fees, the ERP, to name a few,
were also increased. At around the same period of time, the highly
paid ministers had another round of pay rise.
"It does not make sense that the government is taxing the
population more and claiming that it is actually helping the
citizens, by giving back a fraction of what is taken from us in the
form of 'offset packages'. Where is our money actually going
to?
"What I did on 15 March with 17 of my friends was to tell the
government - Tak Boleh Tahan!"
What about his parents? They are, of course, worried about his
involvement in political activism. In fact, his father was rather
disappointed when Mr Shafi'ie pleaded not guilty to the current
charges brought against him. Father probably wanted to get the
matter over with so that his son could get out of actiivist
work.
Asked why he was not pleading guilty and what he thought of the
trial, the NSman said: "I
don't think what we did on 15 March can be called a crime. We hurt
no one and neither did we create any disorder. What we did was to
express our concerns as citizens on issues that affect us
deeply.
"In fact the Constitution states that citizens have the right to
free speech, assembly and expression. These are basic rights, not
privileges. So I don't understand why we are being charged for
exercising our rights as citizens."
Shafi'ie with Jufrie Mahmood
Through his steadfastness, Mr Shafi'ie is slowly changing his
parents' minds. His mother attends the TBT trial in the subordinate
court every day.
To the mild-mannered NSman, Mr Jufrie Mahmood, seasoned opposition
figure and fellow Tak Boleh Tahaner, has this to
say:
"I hope that in the future, this land will be a more conducive and
compassionate place for all. But before that can happen, we must
correct the wrongdoings that are happening now. It is a
responsibility, to ourselves and to the people around
us.
"It is truly heartening to have a young man like you coming to the
fore. I am sure there are many more like you out there waiting to
be enlisted. You have started the ball rolling. Keep it going and
keep up your spirits!
"It's a long, long haul indeed. But remember, a journey of a
thousand miles begins with the first step. The first few steps have
been taken. If older members like myself don't make it to the end,
we feel assured that youngsters like you will be there to continue
on the journey. With true grit, we shall achieve, maybe sooner
rather than later.
"As for myself, I will continue playing a supporting role and
giving my two cents worth.
"We must persevere and have faith in what we are doing. To bring
about change under the present political environment, we just
cannot afford to follow the ineffective old formula year in and
year out.
"Though we are much maligned now by the establishment and the local
media, the day will come when we will be exonerated. The truth will
inevitably emerge."
Mr Shafi'ie will face another trial together with Mr John Tan and
Mr Isrizal next week in the High Court over contempt of court
charges from 4-6 Nov 08. The three were charged with wearing
T-shirts bearing a picture of a kangaroo in a judge's gown.
http://www.yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/