A Tan on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:06 am 

Best thing you could have done for NewCO.

If these allegations are true, I am concerned. And I’m a liberal and I have no kids.

I hope MoE responds to clarify if Doc is misrepresenting.

Dave on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:20 am 

Can he produce the proof? I doubt it.

Francis on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:32 am 

Alan’s son must be very stupid if he can so easily get “confused”. Come on, he is a JC student. In JC, we discussed controversial issues in GP lessons all the time, like abortion, euthanasia, etc. If Alan wants his son to get a lousy education where he is only exposed one point of view – the Christian one, then perhaps he should homeschool his son.

Bala on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:36 am 

WayangParty should forward the email to MCYS Minister Vivian B for his comments – he being a Christian and his son is apparently in ACJC?

Anonymous on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:37 am 

18 years old already and should be able to think independently and form their own opinions. GP lessons are intended to be engaging and often controversial topics were brought up for discussion and healthy debate – including war, importance of mother tongue, sexuality, internet influence etc etc.. What is the fuss all about? You never know what sort of topics will emerge during the A Levels exams – it’s best to be well prepared and be kept in the loop with the developments and affairs around the world.

Anonymous on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:42 am 

Please STOP reproducing people’s private emails. I find it MOST distasteful.

Yongzheng on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:47 am 

I have the following observations:

1) Dr Alan Chin has two daughters only, where did the son come from? Maybe it is another person talking about his son.

2) Quote:

[[[ Think and pray seriously about it, trust in God’s sovereignity (casting out all fear) in this situation and obey His direction. It really is a spiritual warfare in this day and age.
We do not act as representatives of any prayer group,church or school. We go as God’s children in Jesus’s Name choosing God’s law over others. ]]]

Dr Chin is playing a dangerous game, he is pitching all christians in Singapore to act against the gay/lesbian people
and uses terms like “spiritual warfare” … “choosing God’s law over others”.

This is certainly a cause for concern for the authorities. If such attitude do not get halted, Singapore will be in serious trouble. I am watching with my eyes wide open what is going to happen next!

Eveline on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:48 am 

Good grief. Does this guy know what GENERAL PAPER is all about? It’s a module meant to educate students about general affairs and to encourage the development of critical thinking skills. How to do that properly if you want to censor even the source material?

admin on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:49 am 

Hi there,

Dr Alan Chin’s email was never meant to be a PRIVATE email.

He implored his friends and churchgoers to forward it to AS MANY PEOPLE as possible to get his message across.

The email sent to us was forward by his daughter Natalie Chin to ACJC students.

In fact, Dr Chin should thank us for publicizing his email for him FOC.

More than 10,000 Singaporeans will know his intention now instantaneously compared to a few hundred.

Let the whole of Singapore see for themselves what Dr Alan Chin and COOS stand for.

There is no need to hide anything.

Anonymous on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 11:00 am 

Dear Admin, being as highly literate as yourselves, I’m sure you would have realised that you do not fall into the category of “Dear praying parents”. Please exercise some good sense and decency in the discharge of your role.

Anonymous on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 11:12 am 

This is the AWARE CSE curriculum if anyone is interested to have a look – http://voicethread.com/#q.b468061.i2489061

KJ on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 11:18 am 

This is the AWARE CSE curriculum if anyone is interested – http://voicethread.com/#q.b468061.i2489061

Alwin Loi on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 11:22 am 

To “Anonymous”: WP only helps circulate this email to other “dear praying parents” out there who may not get the opportunity to read the message because of limited access of email forwarding system as compared to web posting. To quote your statement: certainly you are as highly literate if not higher than the rest of us, thus we are sure you would also have realised that although WP does not fall into “dear praying parents” category, it has helped many “dear praying parents” out there to have the opportunity to read Mr. Alan Chin’s message. so, please exercise some good sense and decency before giving out your comment

Harrylky on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 11:44 am 

When are these people going to get out from their self imposed cacoon to see the real world ?
In West not only are guy couples openly accepted but gay couple with family is a reality. Australia is legislating to recognised this.

Zorro on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 11:48 am 

KJ thanks for linking to the CSE instructor manual. I read thru it and as a father of one daughter, I would have no issue putting her through the CSE lesson. Others may disagree but again I won’t impose my views on other.

The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Daily SG: 30 Apr 2009 on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 11:54 am 

[...] to Ms Josie Lau – Yawning Bread: Identity mobilisation – a threat to society – The Wayang Party: LEAKED: Email sent by Josie Lau’s husband, Dr Alan Chin BASHING MOE for “promoting” homosexual… – The Wayang Party: Another “wayang” by Thio Su Mien? Parents’ appeal to Education Minister [...]

C H LIM on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:01 pm 

How timely that this GP lesson should happen “just last Monday.” Please! JC students are mature enough, GP lessons are meant to be universal, and the lesson was conducted by a Christian teacher.

Dr Chin says that this is a “spiritual warfare”, and “we do not act as representatives of any prayer group, church or school”. What is he fighting, and who is he representing?

He also says that homosexuality “is a personal choice that should not be imposed on our society”. Homosexuality is not a choice; homosexuals are born that way. Since when did homosexuals impose their lifestyle on society?

Does Dr Chin not realise that he is the one who is imposing his persoanl beliefs on society, and that many people (in fact the majority) do not share his beliefs?

gambit on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:02 pm 

omg that parent who wrote that must be living under a rock, or she needs to ask her son what GP is about. as a GP tutor myself, the focus of this subject is argument. to weigh out issues of any topic and consider both sides before we make a stand, this is what students are taught as argumentative essays. so in order to know both sides of issues, they need to gain INFORMATION about it. yes even controversial ones.
That’s how students learn OBJECTIVITY, something obviously absent in this parent’s parochial frame of mind.

so ms holier-than-thou parent, if you think your son is getting tainted in our public education system, kindly home-school him. good luck when he gets to NS though. he will learn a vocabulary beyond your wildest dreams!muahaha

Unaware on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:03 pm 

What is wrong with u all??? Why u all switch to read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” after finishing “Animal Farm”? This is a BIG downgrade in intellectual choice leh… like downgrading from Secondary School to Primary School!!!

Isn’t it a bit too early to talk abt Christmas now??? Do u all so naively think that the Grinch has decided to plot another big heist after his heart has grown 3 sizes larger??? What!!! He is planning to take over Santa’s Grotto in North Pole?? Ha ha… u all are so cute leh… think too much abt presents until u all go gaga… I realli dun like this topic but I find these are serious allegations, and it is necessary for responsible ppl like me to counter them one by one…

Well… I dun believe Santa Claus is a woman because he grows beard and he is happily married to Mrs. Clau. This is definitely a crap argument!! This is like saying he is a woman becos u all neber see how he piss… Phui!!! If he ever hears any of this nonsense, I can tell u… he’ll piss off his ass and u all can forget abt ur presents!!!

Oh my goodness!!! This is a more serious accusation… but I also dun buy this argument becos if it realli is contagious… it surely has not achieve much success over the last few hundred years… but seriously leh, I do see more clowns putting on fake red nose nowaday. Phui… shame on all these clowns.

While we’re at here discussing these imprt issues… I wonder what Mr. Grinch is doing now… and where is his faithful dog Max…hmmm…

KJ on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:11 pm 

@ Zorro : I think your response after reading thru the CSE curriculum models a process that is commendable in this whole AWARE saga – that is to look at official documents/records/statements and make our conclusions from there.

There has been too many allegations based on speculation/fabrication etc…

LWL on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:14 pm 

I agree with Zorro. My son are from the Methodists schools and I have no problem with the CSE lessons too. Nothing in these information suggest that AWARE has been promoting the homosexuality lifestyle. In fact, I am grateful for this. I would much prefer that they were taught these information in an evironment where they are properly guided and where students can debate and debunk. This is certainly better than if they have to come to their own misguided conclusion or worse, from someone that is biased or equally ignorant.

mark d on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:16 pm 

This should be forward of a forward, as indicated by “Forwarded message” after the subject-line of Dr Alan Chin’s mailer.

ali loo yah on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:19 pm 

I see a witch hunt coming. These misguided xxx fundamentalists are starting a damaging purge without even properly defining and knowing what is a or is not a witch.

Eterna2 on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:20 pm 

The main crux of the thing is that Dr Chin is assuming that homosexuality is a choice!

That one can CHOOSE to be a homosexual. Which is an incorrect assumption.

Dismayed Christian on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:24 pm 

“It really is a spiritual warfare in this day and age.”

It’s exactly with this line of reasoning that terrorists decided to bomb the US on 9-11.

Does noone see the fanatical and inciteful nature of this email? Truly disgusting and unChristianlike as well. Painfully close to sedition.

Perhaps he should Focus on HIS own family and stop dragging his daughter into the fray as well. I dread to think what will happen to our nation if these hate-filled and vindictive comments are what people concede to be righteous.

Unaware on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:37 pm 

Aiyo, I’m getting old.. time for me to retire… here are the missing allegations:

1. Santa Claus is a woman because “Santa” is actually a feminine variation of saint.

2. Red nose epidemic – Rudolf is going to spread his glowing red nose to the rest of the reindeers and later to all the children of the world!!!

Ryan on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:57 pm 

Fundamental XXX should stop imposing their beliefs on others. They do not represent the entire Christian community.

For Church of our Savior, fabricating lies just so that they can win people’s trust will eventually just explode in their faces.

And Dr Chin, does it meant that others who are praying to Gods other than Christ should be extinguished from the face of earth? What kind of man are you. You are a XXXX without a doubt.

KeepMeInACavePa on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 12:59 pm 

I ‘love’ the term “Spiritual Warfare” used by Dr Chin(if the mail was indeed from him). I guess its true that there are no longer boundaries for warfare in this day and age. Such loosely used terms like that acts only as a nest for distrust and fear to exist in our society. I believe there is no place for such terms to be used irresponsibly in our society.

What i worry most is that what’s stopping this spiritual warfare to surpass the topic of homosexuality and move on to other issues. I worry that one day, many of us will be blind-sided due to the trust and mutual self respect we thought existed with each other and become collateral damage of scheming individuals all bent on winning in THEIR spiritual warfare.

I shudder to think about the similarities between this and JI’s idealogies of “spiritual warfare.” Where do we draw the line?

As once a JC student myself, taking general paper, provides a window to view the world and construct one’s own opinion. Please wake up, the real world is as it is. Us ‘kids’/young adults are exposed to much more what with the pervasive use of the internet. If you’re afraid your kids will pick up on such topics, then my suggestion is to raise them well. Raise them with your family values within the confines of your family.The only reason to worry is when you’ve not been good enough parents to instill in them the maturity they need in this world. Let them learn to form their own opinions and not just force opinions down their throats.

If we’re afraid of exposing the young adults to what the real world is, then send them off into a cave and keep them there till you’re satisfied.

cy on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 1:34 pm 

the world is concerned about swine flu.and here singapore is fighting over Aware flu

mrbiao on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 2:02 pm 

Laughable. Dr. Alan Chin had to resort to libelous and unqualified remarks in his emails.

1. “Fwding some more info that (prayerfully) can help us see the aggresive and thwarted works of the Evil one thru the well meaning but totally brain-washed old guard of AWARE.”

So Dr Alan Chin is implying that the Old Guard of AWARE have been brain washed by the Evil one (Devil?)?

2. “My son’s immediate response was that of disgust and I was relieved that my son’s lesson was taught by a Christian teacher and thus would be filtered to a certain extent.”

This is implying that all Christians are anti-homosexuals? Or implying that non-Christians will think homosexuality is fine and thus not “filter” the contents?

3. “We do not act as representatives of any prayer group,church or school. We go as God’s children in Jesus’s Name choosing God’s law over others.”

Quite laughable that he is still insisting that they do not represent any religious organization, given the overarching role and theme of COOS in this saga. Does this imply that if the law of Singapore is not in line with their SUBJECTIVE INTERPRETATION of “God’s law” they would go with God and break Singapore law?

Ray on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 2:04 pm 

Quote from his letter: “My son’s immediate response was that of disgust”….that’s because, Dr Chin, you brought up your son to a bigot just like you are! Congradulations on your excellent parenting skills!

Going by his logic…it also means this for any GP class…
- Discussion about Abortion is promoting abortion
- Discusiion about Enthanasia is promoting mercy killing
- Discussion about Gambling is promoting gambling
- and so on ……

So what’s really left to discuss?

Is Dr Chin suggesting the JC students DO NOT THINK about issues but accept the church teachings and regurgitate that for the GP paper?

shoestring on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 2:06 pm 

“Please STOP reproducing people’s private emails. I find it MOST distasteful.”

I agree totally. It is not only distasteful, it speaks of Wayang’s endorsement of betrayal. Those e-mails are meant to be private among friends and ‘trusted’ individuals, not the public.

Wayang, in my opinion, you have lost it. Please do not say you did it in the name of ‘whistle-blowing’. You are stirring up anti-christian feelings and you know that.

LOLcat. on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 2:22 pm 

When will all these close-minded, Jesus-praying, God-admiring, homophobic step out of their Fairyland?

They have to realize change is inevitable and its only a matter of time, the society will find viable ways to make these changes.

wayneworld on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 2:48 pm 

First the new exco unscrupulously drove out the old guards from Aware. While they’re still engaged in this clammy battle front, the new exco challenged the media to another front by accusing ST of being bias in their reporting. At the mean time, in the back scene, the feisty girls lobby hard for more support from the anti-gay community and the church-goers through their COOS pastor.

Now, their wings are probably strong enough (at least they thought so) and they’re homing in on the big gun–MOE. Before Dr Thio has even come clean with a satisfactory explanation to clarify MOE’s query, the new exco has published a controversial CSE programme online, preying on the fear of concerned parents. On top of that, Dr. Allan Chin, Josie’s hubby, also transforms from his passive role of counting votes to actively rallying for supporters.

What are they thinking? C’mon make peace and stop waging war. Don’t get too carried away by the fleeting success of looting a few unsuspecting ladies. Taking on MOE is a totally different ball game.

ps: I can almost hear the dentist’s conversation in his clinic, trying to win over a sympathetic vote from an auntie-looking client who’s lying down on his dentist chair, her body stiffed and her mouth wide open.

“If BJ is normal, why do you think God give us a full set of teeth? Look, strong teeth like yours?” The dentist knocked her front teeth gently with a metal scraping tool then paused and fixed his gaze at the auntie. The auntie was dumbfounded, her eyes wide-open and twitching.

“If only anus can speak, what do you think will be the first word spitting out of a gay’s butt?” Speechless, the auntie broke into a nervous laugh that slowly crescendoed into a high-pitched, ear-piercing scream. “HELP!”

“Bingo! Correct answer, priceless expression,” cries the excited dentist with a hand snapping off a picture. “Gotta share this with my Josie and Pastor Derek, none of us could get it right with the expression. Do you mind if we use this for our Saturday’s EGM?”

Question on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 2:56 pm 

did Alan Ching write this email? Because as I know he has 2 daughters with Josie Lau thus the sentence seems odd “just last Monday, my son in ACJC ”

Also, it states at the beginning that it is a forwarded message.

mrs_c on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 3:39 pm 

i didnt read through all the comments.. but i was simply wondering about the authenticity of the source (said email). how do u even know for sure that he penned it?

admin on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 3:50 pm 

Hi mrs_c,

The email was forwarded actually by Dr Alan Chin’s daughter to ACJC students.

One of the recipients is David Bala, son of Dr Vivian.

Dr Alan Chin’s email address is authentic.

Feel free to check with Dr Alan Chin’s friends if they have received this email.

For our regular readers here, they will know we never publish anything which cannot be verified.

Gerry on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 4:11 pm 

Please don’t print out Dr Alan Chin’s daughter’s name. Also, please blank out the name of Vivian Balakrishnan’s son. Don’t let the sins of the father visit the children. Thank you.

reader on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 4:20 pm 

To shoestring (2:06pm):

“Please do not say you did it in the name of ‘whistle-blowing’. You are stirring up anti-christian feelings and you know that.”

If there is nothing wrong or hateful in the content of Alan Chin’s email, why will anti-christian feelings be stirred up in readers?

And as have been said many times above, this is NOT a private mail between family members or close friends. It is meant to be disseminated.

On a personal note, I actually find it laughable that Alan Chin does not trust JC kids to be able to make up their own mind. So now even JC kids are impressionable too? How old do they need to be before they can be exposed to controversial topics?

I’d like to ask every reader to have a complete look at the CSE in the links posted above. It is silly to come in with silly accusations if we have not even seen the guide for ourselves. To be honest, I think they have done a wonderful job on emphasizing safe sexual behavior and empowered decision making.

Peter on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 5:11 pm 

It’s interesting that some people are objecting to this email being circulated. There is no general right to privacy in Singapore. Dr Chin would need to show that his email (if it is his email) is covered by the tort of breach of confidentiality. Clearly, from the content and fact that it is being circulated to motivate like-minded people to turn up and vote, you can’t seriously claim there is any confidentiality in this email.

But I do agree that the names of MPs’ children should not be circulated.

Anonymous on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 5:40 pm 

in all honesty, by secondary school, there will already be a sizable number of people who are already aware of homosexuality issues. and chances are, they find out about it through the media and society at large.

therefore not much “damage” is done when GP lessons cover gay issues. in fact, these lessons serve to provide students with a deeper insight into the issues at hand.

hence dr chin’s kids cannot possibly be mortified by what is taught in the GP syllabus. i’m sure they have some awareness of the issue at hand.

of course i’m assuming that dr chin does not personally ferry them to school and back home in order to ensure that his children remain pure and pious by limiting their lives to home, school, and nothing else in between.

Singman08 on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 5:57 pm 

If ISD is serious about their work, I think it justifies inviting Dr Chin for coffee because his words borders dangerously close to sedition.

Anonymous on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 6:08 pm 

is this email even REAL? prove it.

看破紅塵 on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 6:13 pm 

This Dr Alan Chin is using religion to anti-social, anti-govt, etc. Is he serving for the good of people? or is he an ***?

admin on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 6:54 pm 

Hi there,

It is very easy to prove if this email is authentic.

Print it out and take it with you to COOS this Thursday at 7pm for their Corporate healing session.

Dr Alan Chin will be there.

Walk up the pulpit and read it loud for the audience to hear or approach Dr Alan yourself to confirm.

Well, it’s a bit too late now.

Alain Jaw on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 7:12 pm 

“3) Will the viewing of such images leave our impressionable children in a state of confusion?”

When such a question is asked, I can’t help but wonder if this was asked by a Christian who believes in an omnipotent, omniscient God who has power over ALL things … yet leaving children in a state of confusion is not something God would have foreseen and had a perfect solution to? Where is thy faith, o professed follower of Christ?

True followers of Christ will always abide by the Master’s words … ‘What ye do to the least among men, that ye do unto me’.

What encouragement is here to assist the household of faith? But let us likewise remember to do good to all.

Joe on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 7:25 pm 

Ray on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 2:04 pm

“… but accept the church teachings and regurgitate that for the GP paper?”

Joe on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 7:47 pm 

Hi all,

Given that Dr Alan Chin “only has two daughters” and refers to “son” in email, sounds a bit fishy. Is it he has a lesbian/gay issue at hand that he is all so worked up ? He should send his son/daughter to the Pastor Hong or Dr Thio. They have powers vested in them by god. They can talk the gay/lesbian into being a heterosexual.

He is a Doctor ?? on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 8:04 pm 

Any 1/2 brain person will know, MOE will NEVER promote such thing, they can adopt a more inclusive attitude but to actively promote it in school???

Unless Dr can show solid proof, he better get ready some KY for his ass.

don on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 8:05 pm 

I was an acjc student from 2005-2006. I can attest to this

“Notes given were of 2 particular case study of :

1) Molly ( toddler ) with 2 moms.

2) A gay who wanted to have children decided to cohabit with a lesbian couple and between them they bored 2 girls and of course depicted the persons in these situations as happy and adjusted as any normal family”

And of course, I find Dr Alan Chin’s opinions really ridiculous.

GP is an argumentative topic meant to broaden our exposure, deepen our insights into the REAL world which we live in and to give as an added and unblinkered perspective on the people around us.

I struggle to see how screening such shows is an act of promotion of the homosexual lifestyle.

Does that mean that screening holocaust films, or terrorist footages, is equal to us endorsing these events/acts, or that students will automatically turn to terrorist or Nazi diehards after watching those films?

I am more concerned with students totally devoid of such exposure and perspective. Students who have no idea of the world they live in and the realities of life. The first step towards integration and betterment of society is the infusion of knowledge. Without extensive social education on HIV [which is still utterly lacking in SG], HIV would have been much more rampant than it is today. The first step towards addressing any social issues is to increase awareness and step up on education. Shunning such topics,including the omission of such films, is not the way forward for singapore.

Ed on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 8:14 pm 

Speaking like this is certainly most unchristian-like. Using the term ’spiritual warfare’ to describe your / AWARE’s struggle against purportedly pro-lesbian AWARE’s ‘old guard’, and MOE’s choice of curriculum in GP is simply preposterous. Read your statement yourself. You sound like a terrorist.

Seriously, stop giving christians a bad name. I have friends doing the whole ‘aiyer…. christian like that one arh…’ to ‘wah lau eh, why these fundo christians behave like that…’. How do i justify your behavior? Yes, you can say that i don’t have to justify anything about you… but you’re giving ALL christians a bad name… including me.

So please, rein in your emotions and think. We’re a nation of educated, civilised people who can think and discuss things through. Relying on emotions to form an argument is hardly a becoming show of the amount of investment the government has put into your education. And channeling the christian community to a cause like this is hardly becoming of a good christian like yourself.

The Audacity « Chronicles of the Little Prince on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 8:17 pm 

[...] This email is extremely scary. I’m appalled that someone has the audacity to spread hate messages under [...]

LionCityGuy on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 9:16 pm 

I think WP has done a very good and brave job in bringing this email(if authentic) to the public. It has given us a clearer picture of the person involved. If Dr Chin really penned this email then he should be man enough to admit it. I think the authenticity level is rather high given all that has happened.

I don’t agree with those that say that this is a private email and should not be shown. This is NOT private, in it he has solicited all christians to act against the old AWARE etc.

Imagine; what will happen next if people with such thoughts become more arrogant

teehee on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:15 pm 

“WayangParty should forward the email to MCYS Minister Vivian B for his comments – he being a Christian and his son is apparently in ACJC?”

No, his son and daughter have already graduated from the college.

teehee on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 10:25 pm 

…and his name isn’t David Bala anyway, so you guys can relax.

Robox on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 11:05 pm 

Re: “I was relieved that my son’s lesson was taught by a Christian teacher and thus would be filtered to a certain extent.”

That says it all, doesn’t it?

The “filtered” information is actually the non-factual information on gay and lesbian sexuality that I had written about, and that Focus on the Family disseminates in THEIR sex ed programs in the schools.

bystander on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 11:30 pm 

If 18 is too young to deal with a GP topic on homosexual or any other topic that requires critical thinking rather then just accepting it at face value, then i will say that 18 is too young for religion. Religions builds on faith and encourages non-critical thinking.

Incidentally, a GP lesson is one whereby a student can express his views and present the argument in an mature way. The students need not agree with whatever topic that the teacher has for them and can apply their own critical thinking.

Lop on Thu, 30th Apr 2009 11:35 pm 

To certain extent, it reflects how some people perceive education – education is supposed to wipe clean the mind and replace with the intended content, rather than stimulate and develop the skill of critical thinking.

pikacute on Fri, 1st May 2009 12:11 am 

“filtered” meant “god is almighty”. Seriously, after gays, who are these xtian terrorists gonna get? Chinese temple associations? Single mothers?

No no, old guards are not the ones brainwashed. SOOC believers are more likely brainwashed and hogwashed by weird alien doctrines.

theobjectiveone on Fri, 1st May 2009 1:13 am 

In my humblest opinion, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the GP lessons conducted and if the lesson content was filtered because the teacher was a Christian, I feel sorry for the students.

Think about this. Values which you do not accept does not mean that they do not exist. Gambling is a vice and non pro-family action that they do not advocate too but does it mean that schools should not be discussing about this topic at all because it exposes them to the highs and lows that gamblers experience? There’s even legal betting here!
How do they learn the right stuff if they are not exposed to the illegal? “Wrong” is not an objective word usage when used in such context because that would be imposing your own moral values onto others.

Topics discussed during GP enable students to weigh the cause and effects of every possible scenario and put up an argument to make your stand.
If such topics can’t be discussed in an objective and open minded way, how are students going to be taught? Are they going to be saying” No I do not agree with this because my religion says no.” without being able to explain if they are not exposed to both sides of the story? What is there to be disgusted about case studies and asking students to give views on such occurrences in the society? It might be a minority grp but there’s no denial that people are becoming less of a closet gay/lesbian/bisexual.
This guy is probably still living in the dinosaur era.

Bleah on Fri, 1st May 2009 4:45 am 

personally, i think it doesn’t matter if the email is authentic or not because the content of the email is already damning enough.

I fear the kind of society that the email implies where the future of our nation is taught to only believe in a singular direction without being exposed to changing trends in the world around us. This does not bode well for the very survival of Singapore if we do not and are unable to embrace changing global trends.

Moreover, by aruging that Christian beliefs are the above all else, then this is tantamount to racist/ anti-religious comments because of the dangerous implications that this can promote. This promotion of Christian beliefs as more important then anything else is shocking and is dangerous to society as it encourages insular thinking and an inability to accept others. Are we promoting an exclusive society that cannot accept others?

If this are the kind of Christian values that are being encouraged, then i would feel ashamed to call myself a christian who is associated with them. What happened to the brotherhood of man, if we as christians are so willing to arbitarily denounce others without seeking to understand others? WHo are we to pass judgement upon others, when we ourselves should be judged?

Being faithful to Christ is good, but keep it to the realms of your home and church and do not impose it to others. Its an embarrassment to christians.

exsingaporean on Fri, 1st May 2009 5:17 am 

Obviously alan chin is shoving the whole issue of gays and lesbians under the whole carpet hoping it would all just go away. Someone as intelligent as he is surely must know that its better to educate them on the subject and not shield them under a blanket of ignorance, so they can make a inform choice of what the consequences of their decision be. Gays and lesbianism has been in singapore when i was back there in the early 70s when nobody seems bothered about it. Its only a controversy now cos many are ill informed and inhibited by their peers to dwell into isuues that is basically a taboo subject in singapore society.

Anonymous on Fri, 1st May 2009 9:57 am 

This is extremely sad.

General Paper is a subject that aims not just to develop language skills, but to promote critical thinking. GP students are typically exposed to a wide range of different social issues, and required to discuss these issues; do projects; write essays and so on.

The very nature of the subject is that GP will encourage students to think critically and form their own opinions on many different topics, including controversial ones. War; politics; religion; media; healthcare; environment; and yes, gay issues – all these are fair game for GP discussion.

But what is Alan Chin seeking to do? He wants to stop students from learning to think critically for themselves. He wants to deny them the opportunity to discuss, analyse and form their own conclusions through their own reasoned analysis.

And why? Simply because he has already formed his own opinion about homosexuality. Thereafter he will not permit others to think about the issues for themselves and possibly form a different opinion.

What I have to say on Fri, 1st May 2009 12:34 pm 

I have attended a charismatic Christian church in town a few years back and there were several reasons why I quit and did not ever want to step into it again:

1. The pastor made fun of homosexuals openly at the pulpit in the main service where there were many young people. Sarcasm and snipe remarks were made. Everyone in the church responded with “amen” and with much chuckles.

2. The pastor made fun of people who practiced traditional Chinese religion, calling them idolators, and they do this at their pulpit in the main service on Sunday where there were many young people and children.

3. The pastor tried to link current world event/disaster to bible texts. In August 2006, when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans that killed hundreds of people, and many of whom were poor and homeless, including Christians, the church attempted to link the disaster to America’s decision to endorse the accord in which Jewish settlers must withdraw from the Gaza strip. The pastor openly pointed out several passages in the Old Testament, claiming that God opened the flood gate to those who evict Jews from Gaza. He also attempted to link several other flood events in history to the same passages. The pastor frequently said “God spoke to him” and “he had visions” about these.

These were all reasons why I left. I have nothing against Christian beliefs. But these messages preached intolerance of other faiths to the young and these impressionable people will grow up thinking that it is okay to do so as they do not often questioned their pastor’s sermon and the church “amen-ed” it.

More sickeningly. connecting current world events to religious text is a formula for fundamentalism, which we are not unfamiliar with. The events of 9-11 and the Jihadist beliefs, stemmed from the fundamental beliefs that God has no place for non-believers, and that passages could be taken out of context to mobilise support for the group’s goals or political ends in the name of religion.

Personally, I have a couple of friends from such religious group and I found it difficult to discuss religion and philosophy with them. I don’t dislike them for their faith but I find it difficult to accept the way they see the world in black and white, and that their religion is supreme above anybody else’s, without the need to listen and respect other faith, or putting things holistically into socio-historical context. And everytime I talk about this, they will try to talk me around to convert me and of course, I never like that.

Sadly, many children of the church will grow up in such environment. As the religion permeates deeply in their daily lives, I am not sure if they are willing to mingle with people from other groups if given a choice and form their little boundaries as they grow up. Will they be given a chance to see things from a perspective in these communities?

And it’s scary to think that some of them will someday lead the nation, whether it’s in governmental institutions or private organisations, or even in secular social groups, and propagating their beliefs, perhaps seemed insidiously to an outsider like me but the fact is they probably don’t see it that way, and in the process alienating the needs of other groups.

The result would be disastrous. This will slowly erode and tarnish the values of the all inclusive multi-cultural and multi-religious society that Singapore has been building over the decades.

The meaning of discussion « Mathia Lee ~ Plans and Preoccupations on Fri, 1st May 2009 12:59 pm 

[...] Source : http://wayangparty.com/?p=8604 [...]

Thomas Morus on Fri, 1st May 2009 1:55 pm 

Its interesting how certain individuals speak of betrayal and mistrust here. I believe that the emails were meant for PUBLIC circulation and that reproducing it here is (in my humble opinion) thoroughly legitimate. Perhaps Mr Chin should even be grateful to the website, that in reproducing his email, he is now able to reach out to the other simpletons out there.

On the issue of inviting anti-christian sentiments here, what sentiments did you honestly expect the e-mails to churn up. Respect for the Church and its capacity to tolerate and love all individuals as equals? It always starts with one issue… now its homosexuality, then abortion, and so on and so forth. What sickens me most is that there are good christians out there going about their own business only to get their religion and their beliefs bashed online and dragged through the mud because of the irresponsible actions of certain individuals like Mr Chin.

If you’re unhappy with the syllabus and the stuff they teach in secular school by all means send your daughter to a convent. And for god’s sake, use your damn brain sometimes to think instead of thumping on the bible all the time. It gives US christians a really bad name.

I am not for homosexuality too Mr Chin, but unlike you I believe that mutual respect goes both ways. You can’t have the cake and eat it at the same time. With regards to the uproar over your wife’s actions and your e-mail…. you asked for it

father_of_3 on Fri, 1st May 2009 3:07 pm 

To Zorro.

You may agree with what CSE teach you kids. But have you check with most parents?

Do they ALL agree? For one, I do not.

Bala on Fri, 1st May 2009 4:16 pm 

Hi teehee – another son? see link http://wayangparty.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/vivian-balakrishnans-son-caught-ragging-at-acjc/

overseas on Fri, 1st May 2009 4:28 pm 

i am a singaporean living overseas and haven’t been kept up to date with this AWARE situation fully, just articles here and there.

But from this email, if authentic, i would just like to say,

Singapore is NOT a Christian country.
Please do not impose a religious view on everything.

Anyway, GP, is necessary. It’s like newspapers and all the media you can find out there but just in school.

The topic does not promote the gay lifestyle or whatever, you discuss it. Like everything else in school and LIFE.

SO, just because you close your eyes, does it mean it’s not happening. Ignorance is bliss, isn’t it?

And again, Singapore is NOT a christian country.

Joel on Fri, 1st May 2009 4:44 pm 

This is saddening. How do we as a society progress, not in the least starting with the minds of the next generation of leaders, when people like Mr Chin have their minds imprisoned in jail cells of intolerance.

My god, can we expect JC students to grow up into reasonable, thought-inspiring men if we don’t ask them to question the deeper constructs that make up our world, our society?

To be a proponent for an idea is one thing. To be such a bigot about it is another.

LongXiFuZi on Fri, 1st May 2009 4:49 pm 

The whole business is now very clear. It is about a group of Christians who surreptitiously hijacked a secular organisation and then pretended that they were not acting in concert. After they were exposed, the ante has been upped. If their church pastor think it is appropriate to galvanise support from the pulpit, all Singaporeans should sit up and take notice. Imagine, how can Singapore not go to the dogs, if Buddhist, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, etc now respond by galvanising their believers from their temples and mosques, etc. That is a day we should not want to see in Singapore.

sit on Fri, 1st May 2009 5:16 pm 

#

Archbishop Desmond Tutu of Anglican Church in South Africa who won the Nobel Peace Price in 1994 , has this to say.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4 on 18 November 2007, Tutu accused the church of being obsessed with homosexuality and declared: “If God, as they say, is homophobic, I wouldn’t worship that God.”[77]

Dear readers, if you have the time please read the chapter on church reform in this ,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Tutu

The COOS is under the Anglican archdiose in Singapore.

Isn’t what Archbishop Desmond Tutu said in 2007 exactly what is happening in COOS which Josie LAu belongs to . The COOS church is obsessed with homosexuality.

We should ask the X tians , is GOD homophobic ??

And to add salt to the wound of COOS, the Anglican Church itself is not in agreement in its ranks about the homosexual issue. Progressive churches in the west like the Anglican Church of England, The North American Anglican church and the South African Anglican Church have a more tolerant view on homosexulality . Read more at

http://schools-wikipedia.org/wp/r/Rowan_Williams.htm

refer to chapter on homosexuality

Just look at how people of responsibility in the Anglican Church in the west frame their arguments with sensible reason, fair logic and thinking. and humility unlike The new aware Exco curt and closed argument type of mentality.

Why the difference you may ask , because in the west like UK and USA , the media will ask very pertinent questions to as to how you defend your views about homosexuality.

If they sense a persoanl view involve they will rip your defence to shreds and force you to say it is purely a persoanl view and should not be applied to society in general.

Society is secular and should so.

Why is it so hard for the New Excos of AWARE with members of COOS to admit to themselves that the old EXCO of Aware did carry out their duties with an awareness that Singapore is a secular place with people from a multi religious background and and even bigger majority of people who are secular in their outlook, they may have a religious view but they keep it to themselves knowing that society in general have a market place of pluralitic views.

Wolverine on Fri, 1st May 2009 6:11 pm 

I think Wayang Party has lost it’s plot. I used to enjoy reading articles on the blog for it’s objective and neutral reviews until WP started to bash the new Aware committee, not writing as a bi-partison information dissimenator, prefering to bash certain religions, if however, Aware was taken over by a pro-gay group, probably there wouldn’t be such a big hoo-ha as it is non-religious. WP should continue stick to it’s origins and that is the political scene in singapore instead of focusing and demonising the whole Aware saga. Perhaps WP has ran out steam in this area and instead chose to focus on the Aware saga to cover up its deficiencies.

talkmore on Fri, 1st May 2009 6:14 pm 

MOE should call up Dr Alan Chin & ask him to justify his claims. If he cannot justify his claims, MOE MUST make a police report. Do NOT let people like Dr Alan Chin & the Thio family to get away with these baseless allegations.

Flying Low » Neutrality in the Classroom on Fri, 1st May 2009 8:04 pm 

[...] Recently, apparently the new president’s husband, a Dr Alan Chin, has supposedly been fowarding an email spluttering about how homosexuality is being discussed in a positive light in the GP classroom. [...]

glass on Sat, 2nd May 2009 12:32 am 

Wolverine, I agree with you. Its not only Wayang Party blog but a host of others incl TOC and others. You see, like all newspaper, their objective is to drive traffic to their sites – not to ensure good discussion. And in this hard economic times, they have to give up their ideals to pander to those forumers who have so much time to keep conjuring imaginations and plots and guesses to attract readership and eyeballs.

Its a sad state of affairs – both print media (esp ST) and the so called respected alternative media have all chosen to be absolutely bias. May I suggest to stop relying on these guys to bring up issues that affect the general population. I’m only here to see how ridiculous postings can become – it can be entertaining, though I would not say its anything near a debate.

WP does not even cover a single point on the very angry responses coming from parents on MOE’s rather careless reply. Well, this smacks of complacency. Don’t be surprised if things start to happen – like how the old Aware was caught off guard.

jennifer on Sat, 2nd May 2009 2:24 am 

Please don’t bluff people with this fake letter …

It’s already been published in ST that Dr Alan Chin has 2 daughters …

This email must be sourced from the old Aware team … disgusting way to slander a person!

LongXiFuZi on Sat, 2nd May 2009 11:47 pm 

Wolverine and Glass, why should WP not cover this saga ? Your mentality is exactly the teaching of GP is all about – break out of your box. WP should cover every topic that concerns us. Why should WP or anyone squeeze into a box of your making ? Blockheads!

And glass, if you think people of your and COOS’ ilk can pull off another AWARE coup… there are more Sporeans who still believe in a secular society and from now on, all your actions will be srutinised. It will probably be you who will be caught with your pants (or ???) down.

ChristianNnotantigay. on Sun, 3rd May 2009 3:14 am 

In the same way that we could accept a drug addict but we cannot accept the act of taking drugs, we also could accept a homosexual but we should not allow our children to be taught that choosing homosexuality is acceptable. It’s not a civil right but a personal choice that should not be imposed on our society. Let’s protect all the children in S’pore.

<<I don’t see whats wrong with the email He says he accepts homosexuals but not allowing children to be taught that it is acceptable. If a christian cannot even decide and stand upon the fundamentals of his faith, what kind of christian is he? Plus just as homosexuals are allowed to verbalise what they feel, why isn’t Dr Chin accorded the same right?

Thomas Morus, if you cannot even suffer a little persecution because of your faith then i suggest you do some self-meditation on what being a christian is about. Especially when you are not specifically the one being persecuted here.

I am a christian and i am not anti-homosexual. These two are not contradictory beliefs because i believe that God loves all but all are sinful be it whichever way you want to put it, lying, homosexuality, stealing. Point is No’s perfect. The world chooses to see that stealing is sin, christians chooses to see stealing and homosexuality as sins. They are just different opinions. Plus i would like to add that at a point where i had other non-christian friends against what i was doing, i actually rented out one of my rooms to a gay person when i was overseas because his gay flatmate had thrown him out. There was a need and i choose to help someone out. I don’t think gay people are any different but i want my kids to be straight. It just a matter of personal preference. So in doing so, just as the homosexuals think that its all right to practise homosexuality, please don’t infringe on the christians’ belief on choosing how they want their kids to be brought up.

robert c.h. seah on Sun, 3rd May 2009 12:49 pm 

Listen Alan, its all about LOVE. Lets cut out all the pseudo-religious linguistics and focus on the basic issue. The eachings to which you obviously subscribe state that a man shall leave his parents and live with his wife, and they shall be united as one flesh – ultimate expression of human relationship bonded by love.

So your peeve really is when two consenting adults of same gender decide to share their lives together in a bond of love.

In such a union, there may be one “flesh” too few, or one “flesh” too many, but it does not detract frm the fact that theirs is a union of love.

Lets have a little tolerance for those who happen to be born different than us, and lets refrain from such aggressive campaigning to deny them equal oportunity for love and companionship purely on the basis of your personal beliefs that this contravenes some divine edict.

Bottom line is, what is the harm? Why be so nosy about the goings on in others’ bedroom or inner sanctum? Why do we want to act as vigilantes for others private activities ?

Will the world be one day consumed by fire and brimstone if such goings on continue unchecked by you self appointed vigilantes? (I suspect that the fire and brimstone spewing forth from some misguided mouths is the more fearsome variety.)
And will the human race perish for all eternity ?

Look we’re all still here, despite SODOM and GOMORRA.

Let’s LOVE and let LOVE!

ThinkingSoul on Sun, 3rd May 2009 1:52 pm 

Although this AWARE episode has ended well, we Singaporeans who Unite in Diversity against Authocracy & Bigotry should not be complacent. There may be more Episodes or Chapters to come.

Let me recap.

Chapter 1

The first salvo was fired by Thio Li-Ann in Parliament last year with the attempt to fan-fire the Singapore Society based on the gay agenda.

Chapter 2

The takeover of AWARE engineered by the Mother of (not just Thio Li-Ann) Christians Rights Agenda using the gay issue again.

This is quite similar to the situation in US. In the 2004 US Election, Bush and his Neo-Conservative Republicans stirred up the issues of gay-Marriage and Abortion in the US, using his influence with the American Evangelist Movement.

Bush won the 2004 US Election, but the US Population is deeply divided and polarised into the Conservatives Camp and Liberals Camp.

We in Singapore have to guard ourselves to be AWARE and CAREFUL
not to fall to the prey of the Ultra-Conservative Christian Rights Agenda, who may have been influenced or have affiliation with the American Evangelist Movement.

Above all, we should strive to be Moderate, Balanced and Free of Prejudices, regardless of whichever religion we have.

May God Bless Us All, regardless of Race, Religion, Sex, Sexual Preferences or any other superficial differences. Beneath our skin, we are all human.

Passacaglia on Sun, 3rd May 2009 8:27 pm 

The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a wilful choice made by people who deliberately chose to do so. Check it out. So for fundamentalists, they see gay or lesbian as people who made perverted choices, who needs to be reformed. Otherwise the Bible would be wrong right? Similarly, they believe that the earth was created in 6 days by Yahweh, and destroyed in a flood, in spite of the ocean of evidence contradicting this. And God fashioned all of us out of the earth, so all the DNA evidence linking us to chimps have to be wrong too. But science too somehow has to be wrong if it contradicts the Bible. Well…. that’s why I’m no longer a Christian.

Mosk on Sun, 3rd May 2009 11:04 pm 

Isn’t that what GP lessons are for? To question, discuss and debate on all issues that we do not talk about usually. And most of these are usually social issues. We talked about pre-martial sex, cohabiting, drugs, etc. Homosexuality is just one of these “taboo” issues in discussions. He should put it in prespectives. I am really surprised by this attempt.

As for the church thingy, I left the church more then 10 years ago. I would like to clarify for those who are reading this. The Bible talks about preaching the Word so that everyone knows Christ. The error most churches to is to play God; try to change people, smokers, drug addicts, gays and lesbians. They sang the song ” In His time” all the time but still failed to grasp the revelation of that. Leave it to God, in His time, he makes all things beautiful. Not the time and control of humans and the church. However, the bible says sent your house in order. The church should really just focus and put more efforts in building up their members’ life, family, etc, and not go change the world by their humanly efforts like what we are seeing in AWARE.

Christianlover on Mon, 4th May 2009 5:06 pm 

Hi christiannotantigay
Your point is Christian children should only be taught Christian values? This is an excellent way to promote religious bigotry. Why would christian parents not want them to be exposed to the values of non-christains too? Won’t parents want them to develop critical reasoning by letting them form their own opinions?

Don’t You Just Love Them Womenfolk? « My Ivory Throne on Mon, 4th May 2009 6:58 pm 

[...] the new ex-co’s coming together. Then happy happy the husband also kena as an “I’m so angry, I’m going to write a letter” homo-basher, then Dr Thio’s daughter NMP Thio Li-Ann also got involved, and there are [...]

rdnsk on Tue, 5th May 2009 1:57 pm 

“You are stirring up anti-christian feelings and you know that.”

Abhorrent bigotry is abhorrent bigotry, and if they were doing mass-forwarding, they obviously knew that they were forfeiting their right to whatever shred of privacy anybody can expect over the internets; if they didn’t then they’re morons. Oh wait.

And you know what. Religion, unfortunately, tends towards exclusivity and intolerance by definition. If you are preaching truth and certainty and absolutes how is it possible, exactly, to not have your beliefs harden into immovable, uncompromising dogma? How does one believe in a one true god and saviour and still have room to accept the beliefs of others? Tolerance and inclusivity and inter-faith dialogues are all very noble concepts, but what happens when your son or daughter marries outside of your faith and converts when your faith specifically preaches that all who are not saved are damned? Matters of spiritual belief are extremely subjective and difficult to reconcile, and that is precisely why they need to be kept locked out of secular fields.

All that can – and should – really be done is to ensure that the borders between subjective belief and objective law are properly defined and vigilantly maintained, and discussions like this are necessary to keep people aware and wary of religious agendas seeping into politics.

wayne on Wed, 6th May 2009 12:04 pm 

I’m sorry Dr Chin and COOS, GOD is not with you at the AGM.

wakeup on Wed, 6th May 2009 1:23 pm 

help help, can someone clarify this with MOE. this email from chin is harmful to start his spiritual warfare. it is impt MOE clarify this matter.
i also find it amusing that just because gay/lebsian topics are dicussed in GP, it would make one a gay/lesbian.
if sitting in front of the computer for hours can kill a person, then are we banning the use of the computer!
if sex can make one go abortion, then can we ban sex!

face the fact that this is reality, the world is evolving. the word gays/lesbians, homosexual are no longer taboo. chin, josie, TSM and COO are like ostriches..still hiding their heads in the ground. say what you like in your churches, stick to your beliefs-BUT NEVER IMPOSE yours to others! maybe he and his relations should migrate..

Anonymous on Wed, 13th May 2009 5:29 am 

Sex before marriage is sinful too. Why dun you wage a spiritual warfare against the thousands of Singaporeans out there, many of them christians as well, who have sex before marriage? And accuse the schools of teaching about sex before they even gotten married?

Anonymous on Fri, 3rd Jul 2009 2:45 am 

It is disconcerting to see Singapore lagging behind where India has won (on some level, at least) one step forward for gay rights. Any extremist point of view, attempted to be exerted on others, who might not subscribe to the same idea, or who has not made their mind up yet is not right. Hasn’t terrorism taught anyone anything? Tolerance is a virtue that some, albeit, religious, must learn. In fact, this should become the focus of the church, as prejudice of any sort, is considered an evil that Jesus himself faced.

More importantly, as a parent, the author of this letter should have been confident enough in his/her influence over their child by communicating in an open manner regarding all issues. They should trust that the environment they have built within their family is able to resolve any potential issues they might have had with external influences over the child. Perhaps, this is the lashing out of a parent who is insecure about the level of regard his/her child has for him/her as opposed to the level of respect they have for their teacher. In that case, it is the responsibility of the parent to correct any such insecurity in their own homes and not in the public eye.

In any case, attitudes to sex and sex education in Singapore must change! Children will find out about these things even if you don’t discuss it and the best people to break the news to them are parents! Spit it out and talk about it – it’s happening everywhere else in the world and its happening right under your noses in sunny Singapore, albeit a tiny bit more hush-hush.

Sara on Mon, 28th Sep 2009 12:32 pm 

I think the post above made some interesting points, on a related side note I found a used version of Perspectives on Tort Law, Fourth Edition which is directly related to this topic for less than the bookstores at http://www.belabooks.com/books/9780735518551.htm