I arrived at Centrepoint around 3:40pm. Saw SDP's "roadshow" as
I drove past, before turning left into the carpark. I did think to
myself, "hmm, no surprise they are here, hope they don't hijack the
black 'event' tho."
I think SDP was courteous enough to packup their roadshow and
change in black at 4pm sharp. Whether the courtesy was intended or
not, as one of those in black, I "tip my hat" to you.
As I watched the SDP folks pack up, I overheard a youngish looking
female reporter asking someone nearby (in black with a zoom len
expensive looking Digi Cam with a companion dressed in white
Tshirt) "But you are wearing black, why?" or something like that.
The guy just insisted that he was a concerned passerby or something
like that.
At around 4:15pm, I was strolling around the 2nd and 3rd stories.
There was definitely a slightly higher number of people wearing
black at centerpoint on Saturday 8 Sept. I did exchange smiles with
some at the entrance, although there was this chap at the entrance
in a White England Soccer Jersey who was people-watching with a
grumpy look on his face, like hes weekend was burnt. =P
High enough number of black clothing to call it abnormal, perhaps
not. Did they all disagree with the compulsory annuity? I dont
know for sure. But going around spotting the plainclothes did
provide some free entertainment while my date went shopping at
Mango and Gap. Also some amusement much later, to see Uncle Yap
with his cellphone snapping away at middle aged men who were
loitering in groups or 2s and 3s.
I proceeded to the basement to see what were the Chee's up to. From
afar, they looked like they are surrounded by reporters at
MacDonald's. (Including 2 -3 Caucasians with huge zoom lens
cams)
Went back up to the ground floor a while later, spent a short while
walking up and down the mall, spotted a plainclothes a the top,
with a walkie, who spent most of his time there on a wooden bench,
looking down.
It was past 5:20, and I thought of leaving, after watching 4-5 of
the plainclothes take a smokebreak (I think only the one posted at
the top floor smoked) next to the taxi stand. Oh and Grumpy in the
england jearsy was still at the entrance together with his chinese
colleague.
So I thought, ok walk through the mall one last time to add my
presence. l went through the basement, saw the CNA female reporter,
looking somewhat exasperated. Hopefully she did get something to
publish. I proceeded upstairs via the escalator, and started
walking near or next to people who wore black. Standing next to a
guy who was wearing black, just to add to the black presence.
Then I noticed there was a "black presence" in front of the
Cultural Musical performance. See pic below. Ok, so I thought, ok
I'll watch and add to the "Blackness". Guess what, the
plainsclothes taking a break at the taxi stand all came back in,
surrounding the "performance". 2 were watching from behind the
stage, leaning on the railing at the escalators. 2 were on the
right of the audience, on the 2nd floor, leaning on the railings.
And a youngish looking skinhead was watching from the
mooncake/pastry booths.
When the performance ended, I proceeded to Macs to get a drink, saw
a group of like 5-6 black at Macs, thought of taking a photo, but
then thought better of it. I then departed CP after that with my
date for dinner. All in all, I think, it felt good. Hopefully the
press did get something.
Success or not, largely depends on your point of view or
expectations. If one expected this event to actually steer
Government polices, then its was not really much of a success to
speak about.
But then again, steering Government polices is not something that
the people (who wore black to centrepoint yesterday afternoon)
wanted or expected to achieve isn't it? Taking action to show or
pass on a message of disagreement or objection to government
polices, is still at its infancy here in Singapore. Even an alien
concept to some.
In my opinion, this event is just another milestone in the
political maturity of Citizens here in Singapore, where people who
actually disagree but more than often, end up saying : "Aiyah,
protest also no use. Its the Government leh".
A message of disagreement or objection to a policy or Government
decision, does not have to end in violence, or even breaking the
Law.
I hope this even will build in momentum, generate more awareness
that Singaporeans actually have a say, and can say something, other
than Yes to the Government, in an ever so slightly more assertive
manner.
To all those who came in black, don't give up, even if the press
brushes this of as nothing. Even if the government or anyone comes
out and call this a pointless endeavour. Do not back down, continue
to spread the word. The Government will do all it can to discred it
even, do not let negative press of the event discourage you from
participating further.
Just as importantly, do not be goaded or baited into more extreme
or confrontational practices, in future similar events. Keep it as
it is, but help the numbers grow, generate awareness, spread the
word. Keep the event peaceful and non-confrontational.
I propose the same thing, same time, same place, same colour on
15/09. Hopefully we Singaporeans can get things moving, and keep
the momemtun building.
Edited Typos
http://power2thepeoplesg.blogspot.com/
