http://www.singaporedemocrat.org/articleALDECALDforum5.html
Media Release:
OK for foreigners to praise the PAP but not criticise?
13 Apr 07
To be really open and inclusive, a society ought to engage in
exchanging views and ideas with foreigners, who are part of the
global community.
Of all the argument that the PAP advanced to reject our application
to hold this forum, the ludicrous claim that they do not want
foreign interference in Singapore sounds the most absurd.
It shouldn't come from the PAP, which is heavily dependent on the
so-called foreign talent and massive foreign investment to propel
its tottering economy. The PAP always tells us to invite foreigners
in our midst with open arms. In this age of globalization,
Singapore can't be an island by itself.
What is wrong with foreigners sharing their views on democracy,
freedom of speech, and freedom of association with us? These noble
ideals are not something strange but are found in our Constitution
and in the national pledge that our children are made to recite
everyday.
It looks like it is alright if foreigners praise the PAP
system. Only a couple of days ago, a foreigner of all
places, Finland, wrote a flattering letter in the Straits Times
justifying the ministerial salary and agreeing with the PAP that
the government in Finland is mediocre. This Finnish guy happens to
be the person who assaulted one of our Singaporean women. We do not
want such character to pollute our thinking. In fact, he should be
sent back to Finland, where he is wanted by the authorities there.
We should be more cautious in giving PRs to such people rather than
denying these honorable Members of the European Parliament from
exchanging views and ideas on parliamentary democracy, which the
PAP claims it supports.
It is the PAP, which seems to be over reliant on foreigners. Even
in our National Wages Council, which determines how much our
workers ought to be paid, there are foreigners. Council members
from Germany, Japan and the US decide the worth of our workers.
This is indeed the most disgraceful thing to the sovereignty of our
country.
The PAP frequently organizes seminars and conferences in Singapore,
inviting foreigners to speak. So, what is wrong in inviting
European and Asian parliamentarians, who had just finished their
annual meeting in Jakarta to stopover in Singapore to address us on
issues pertaining to democracy?
The hot topic now is the ministerial multi-million dollar salary.
Since Denmark and other European countries came up for mention not
so favorably in our Parliament, we thought it would be a good idea
for our MEP from Denmark to put the issue in proper perspective.
What is wrong with that? Should we not encourage more such
interaction? Will it not be good for an "open and inclusive"
society that our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong often advises us to
be?
