SDP vice-chairman harassed by customs officials
18 Jun 07
Singapore Democrats vice-chairman, Mr Francis Yong, encountered an
all too inquisitive customs office at the Woodlands Checkpoint last
week.
When he pulled up his car for inspection, Immigration and
Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers ushered him to the office
where a thorough search of his belongings was conducted.
This included examining every piece of paper and plastic in his
wallet. This was followed by a just-as-thorough inspection of Mr
Yongs car.
The ICA was not satisfied with the usual search. The vehicle was
moved to a special area and a complete scan was done by equipment
that seemed to come straight out from Mission Impossible
VIII.
Apparently, it was concerned that the SDP leader, who was a
candidate in the 2006 elections, may have been carrying some
contraband designed to disrupt life in Singapore as the PAP knows
(and loves) it.
In the meantime, about 10 officers arrived to assist in the
harassment process. What took other inspections 15 minutes to
complete, Mr Yongs lasted more than an hour.
They picked the wrong man to intimidate. Democrat Yong has been
with the SDP since its inception.
"You marking my car?" Mr Yong could not resist poking at the
officer-in-charge to see what reaction he would get.
"No, no, no, this is just a routine inspection," came the practiced
response.
So what was really behind all the fuss?
The officer let the cat out of the bag when he asked: "The last
time you came in was there anything
?"
The man was being coy.
The "last time" referred to September 2006 when Mr Yong had in his
car this banner:
[/url]
