Thank you message from CSJ
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Singapore Democrats
Dear friends and supporters,
It's been an exceptional few weeks. The courtroom tension, the
coffee-laden nights, and my conviction for speaking in public (my
fifth one) will make May 2008 a month that will not be soon
forgotten. And oh yes, there was also Siok Chin's and my
imprisonment for contempt of court.
But rather than feel drained and despondent we are energised. For
us the fight has only just begun.
And the one thing that keeps us going is your support. For this we
say thank you. Your messages, articles, court attendance, presence
at the vigils, etc are the oxygen that feeds the burning ambers of
this campaign, ambers that will one day flare up into the bright
flames of freedom and democracy.
Ironically, however, the PAP is helping to fan the fire. Much of
what we have been doing in the campaign would have gone largely
unnoticed if not for the reaction of the PAP Government and its
media.
The Government takes punitive action against my asociaties and I in
the hope of deterring others from joining the cause. But it seems
that the opposite is happening. For every time it cracks down on
the campaign, our ranks grow.
This is because when right-thinking Singaporeans see the cruel hand
of injustice being slammed down on defenders of democracy, they are
sickened. Unable to look the other way, they step forward and say,
"Count me in!"
Consider this: When I was first imprisoned in 1999 there was no
such thing as a vigil. Last Friday, 30 people showed up, and
several were new faces.
But why do these people stand up? Because they know that our future
lies in a democratic and open political system. Sitting back and
cowering in fear of the PAP is not going to bring about the change
that we so desperately seek.
For the first time in the history of Singapore, citizens are coming
alive because they see that there is indeed something that they can
do to bring about such change. They are beginning to realise that
if we apply ourselves strategically and intelligently, that if we
persevere, we can succeed. They see the hope.
In other words people are beginning to realise that we are not
completely powerless. They see that adversity can be turned into
opportunity for further action. They see the liberating value of
overcoming their fear.
In short, they see the power of collective Nonviolent Action.
This is why we are witnessing the growing number within the group
of activists and party members. I work with such individuals and my
heart brims with excitement when I see the eyes of these
Singaporeans filled with determination and hope.
Among them are real patriots who do not look the other way when
they see injustice committed. They will not keep silent. They are
leaders.
They don't need tea sessions at the Istana or be head-hunted and
bribed with million-dollar salaries. They step forward because they
love this country and want to serve its cause.
The days of living in a system of unquestioning obedience to Mr Lee
Kuan Yew are numbered. This much is clear. Singaporeans are no
longer willing to be dragged hither and thither just so PAP can
maintain its grip on power.
Many more will join this campaign of change before the end of this
decade. This is not an idle boast or words born of machismo. It is
an observation made from hard examination of reality. In an age
where the world is clamouring for openness and participation, and
where technology now facilitates such practices, Lee Kuan Yew's PAP
is desperately out of sync.
It is clearly not possible to rule Singapore the way it was last
century. Singaporeans, especially the younger ones, have seen the
benefits of a democratic system and they want it for themselves.
More important, they are willing to make sacrifices for it.
To be sure, the journey to democracy is still long and the travails
many. We must not lose heart when the going gets rough. We must
press on. Our goal cannot be achieved it if we remain submissive
and timid. As long as we, the foot soldiers of justice and
democracy, determine not to relent in the pursuit of our dream
there can be but only one outcome in our struggle.
Let us fight with passion and courage. But let us also fight with
grace and dignity.
I glanced through some of the things written about me by the press
over the least week or so. Of course, this is not the first time
that epithets have been thrown at me. But the degree of venom this
time round is surprising.
The appeal to (pseudo) medical grounds in a concerted and
coordinated manner to further blacken my person is unprecedented
and quite without shame. Just when you think that the low road
cannot get any lower, it takes another dip.
How do I retaliate? I shall not. Because to do so would be to
engage in the politics of evil that I detest.
Instead, I want to focus on the objectives that we have set out to
achieve, to reform our political system into one where both ruling
and opposition parties have a role to play to build up Singapore,
and where both camps, even as they fight tooth and nail,
acknowledge that both have the interest of Singapore at
heart.
This latest media blitz on me is, however, not totally negative. At
the very least, it provides Singaporeans a glimpse into the level
of anxiety with which the regime views this campaign for political
reform.
A government assured of its position and legitimacy will not react
in such a crazed manner. On the other hand dictatorial regimes,
desperate to stymie democratic change, often resort to spreading
poison about their opponents and dissidents.
This is something that activists and reformers should take heart
from. We are obviously doing something right to earn such vile
disapprobation from the rulers.
I take this opportunity to thank you again for all your support. I
will not tire of speaking up for what is just and right. I hope you
won't either.
In the next few days, I would like to spend a little more time with
my children. Their being away in Taiwan, the time spent in court
and my subsequent imprisonment has ravaged my time with them this
school holiday break. I look forward to being a normal father with
them these next few days. At least, there are three little people
in Singapore who think I'm sane.
I wish you all the very best.
In solidarity,
Chee Soon Juan
http://www.yoursdp.org/index.php/component/content/article/1-singapore/