When warnings go unheeded
Containing dissent is getting harder for the Singapore government.
The problem has been creeping up gradually, but it has taken the
Burma crisis, motivating a surge of protests by Singaporeans and
expatriate Burmese alike, to show how things have changed in
Singapore. The old kneejerk policy of the government to ban every
attempt at using the public space to make a point is becoming
unworkable.
To be credible, bans must carry the real chance of enforcement. But
what if enforcement is seen as carrying too high a price?
More and more attempts to protest, every one met with
bans
As it is, there seems to be more and more attempts to organise
outdoor protests, demonstrations, marches, vigils and
whatever-you-might-call-it. Some organisers apply for a permit,
others don't bother. Every one is met with refusal and if one still
carries on, with police interception.
In yesterday's edition of 'Today' newspaper, it was reported that
the police has banned a proposed 'Peace Concert for Burma'
co-organised by the Substation, a centre for the arts, and Timbre,
an outdoor cafe. Timbre is located in an enclosed courtyard
adjacent to the Substation, and regularly holds music events. The
only difference between this event and others would be that candles
would be lit and a minute's silence observed.
Even so, the police statement said, "Political and 'cause'-related
events are assessed to have a higher potential to stir emotions and
controversy; an outdoor concert may lead to law and order
concerns."
The "stir emotions" excuse is similar to the one used to explain
the ban on a cycling event that had recently been proposed by the
Workers' party. I don't have to say how vacuous that excuse
is.
A month earlier, the police had banned another idea from the
Substation: to hold an outdoor fair comprising stands by various
civil society organisations. A similar permit application the year
before was also refused.
Just a fortnight ago, students from 3 universities across 4
campuses organised a Peace Vigil over the Burma crisis. At the
Singapore Management University, the 4th October gathering was
supposed to take place in the open ground-floor foyer of the
library building. Hours before it was to begin, the police phoned
the Dean of Students, warning him that such an outdoor event would
be illegal. The vigil was then hurriedly moved into the library
itself.
Over at the Kent Ridge campus, their vigil had to be called off
altogether. It's not clear what transpired, but according to the
campus magazine The Ridge, "the proposal was rejected" -- by whom
was not made clear...
http://www.yawningbread.org/arch_2007/yax-796.htm