Aftermath of Aware EGM: Time for some house-keeping
By Eugene Yeo
This has certainly been a most tumultuous week for Aware culminating in a marathon EGM which saw the removal of the previous exco led by Josie Lau in a rather unceremonious manner.
Now that the hustings are over and dust has settled, it is time for all parties concerned do some house-keeping.
Aware:
ex-treasurer Maureen Ong’s stunning revelation that Aware has spent an estimated sum of $90,000 during their short stint has triggered public furore and outrage.
The immediate past exco had blatantly flouted the rules under Article 9 of Aware’s Constitution that the exco has to seek the approval of members for expenditure more than $20,000.
The fact that Aware somehow managed to “claw back” the amount spent from the spike in membership doesn’t exonerate the exco from the blame of breaching the Constitution.
There is absolutely no need for Josie’s team to engage Rajah and Tann as their legal counsel given that they can always appeal to their “feminist mentor” Senior Counsel Thio Su Mien to provide her service pro bono (she was present at the EGM anyway, what a waste)
As a NGO, every single cent counts and the $90,000 can be better spent on the women and families which Aware set out to help.
Members said the new Exco has to be individually accountable for that money spent, so there is a high chance there could be a lawsuit coming up.
Should the case end up the courts, will the new Aware exco be using Aware’s funds to pay for its legal fees or will they be able to secure the services of a lawyer pro bono?
The new exco may like to consider mediation to recoup some of the money spent.
It will be unwise for Aware to be dragged through another legal tussle again after its reputation has taken a battling from the recent spate of negative publicity.
Both sides are comprised of highly educated, intelligent and capable women. They should be able to sit down at the negotiation table to reach an amicable solution acceptable to all parties.
MOE:
One of the contentious issues which prompted Dr Thio Su Mien to encourage her hecklers to join Aware in order to change its direction lies with the Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) programme.
During a press conference which was broadcast by the media, Dr Thio claimed that she had received complaints from parents about the CSE which were denied by MOE.
MOE had written to Dr Thio to seek clarifications and they should continue to press her for it.
We cannot allow any individual to cast the integrity of our national institutions into disrepute with impunity.
Interestingly, an online petition was started by a “concerned” parent thereafter to lobby MOE to probe into the CSE.
Certain segments of the CSE instruction manual, which was meant to be private and confidential were deliberately quoted out of context and posted inappropriately on the official Aware website itself.
MOE needs to dispel these baseless and damaging speculations once and for all that the CSE is promoting homosexuality by adopting a neutral stance on the issue.
It is impossible to adopt a “one size fit all” approach with regards to sexuality matters since Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-cultural society with varying degrees of acceptance and tolerance towards certain sexual practices and orientation.
There may be a need to fine-tweak the CSE to address the concerns of these parents including giving them the option to take their child out of the programme if they are uncomfortable with it.
Religion
In spite of Pastor Derek Hong’s last minute capitulation to reverse his earlier call to his congregation to support Josie Lau and team, the authorities should conduct a thorough investigation into whether his pulpit was used for purposes other than religion.
In a sermon, Pastor Hong urged the women in his flock to ‘be engaged’ and support new Aware president Josie Lau and ‘her sisters’ at the group.
He had said: ‘It’s not a crusade against the people but there’s a line that God has drawn for us, and we don’t want our nation crossing that line.’
Pastor Hong’s insensitve statement which was published by the Straits Times has caused unnecessary discomfort and distress to Singaporeans who do not share his beliefs.
There were rumors that the red-shirt supporters of Josie Lau arrived in busloads and further investigation is needed to determine if the buses are catered for by COOS.
COOS has absolutely no right or business to interferew with the internal affairs of Aware.
Pastor Derek Hong should not be allowed to remain as pastor of COOS to disseminate his narrow, intolerant and bigoted views to Singaporeans.
NCCS president and Archbishop Dr John Chew may like to consider ex-communicating Pastor Hong from the Anglican Church.
At the same time, NCCS or the Ministry of Home Affairs should consider looking into the role played by evangelical Christian websites such as The Christian Post whose inflammatory and sometimes baseless posts serve little purpose other than to create and stir tension between Christians and non-Christians in Singapore.
An editorial posted by The Christian Post on 1 May 2009 openly questioned and challenged the secular nature of the state:
“Much as anyone would like to believe that secularism is the ideal state of affairs in a multi-religious context, it is not. Christianity among all world religions demands that God and only God be worshipped and obeyed. A secular state that has displaced the God of Christianity cannot help but be essentially hostile to the Christian faith.
This is why it is impossible for the believers of Christ to live out their witness without being persecuted. A state that runs on the basis of preventing offense from being caused to individuals and groups cannot help but persecute Christ and His followers, since not everyone will take too kindly to His message.”
[Source: The Christian Post]
The author did not substantiate his/her allegations that Christians are being “persecuted” in Singapore.
In another article published after the Aware EGM, it blamed the fallout from the saga on Singapore society “not undertanding Christians”:
“The real issue at hand is not whether or not churches should be involved in the NGO – the crisis is that society cannot understand Christians and what it doesn’t understand it is apt to misunderstand and fear.”
[Source: The Christian Post]
The Christian Post is playing a dangerous game here. As Braema Mathia pointed out during her interview on CNA’s “Talking Point”, the Aware episodes shows that Singaporeans want secular space to be protected space and must remain as the public space for all people in Singapore.
There is a platform for religious groups to use to advocate their own beliefs and values. The Christian Post should try instead to understand what this secular space mean to Singaporeans and stop imposing its own yardstick of morality to everybody.
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Andrew Chan on Mon, 4th May 2009 9:48 am
Eugene,
> Now that the hustlings are over and dust has settled, it is
> time for all parties concerned do some house-keeping.
I think you meant “hustings” (without the “l”)…
Darth Vader on Mon, 4th May 2009 9:48 am
FINALLY!!!! This bullshit is over! Can we all go back to focusing on genuine issues of concern such as legal double standards and the taxpayers’ monies lost by Temasek Holdings and GLC instead of this pointless catfight between a group of rightwing crackpots on one side and a group of leftwing loonies on the other?
Singman08 on Mon, 4th May 2009 10:00 am
More like the DBS needs to do some housekeeping. I loathe to think how Josie Lau conducts herself and manages her team when it is so clear that she has been manipulated like a puppet in this episode.
Alwin Loi on Mon, 4th May 2009 10:11 am
“Much as anyone would like to believe that secularism is the ideal state of affairs in a multi-religious context, it is not. Christianity among all world religions demands that God and only God be worshipped and obeyed. A secular state that has displaced the God of Christianity cannot help but be essentially hostile to the Christian faith.
This is why it is impossible for the believers of Christ to live out their witness without being persecuted. A state that runs on the basis of preventing offense from being caused to individuals and groups cannot help but persecute Christ and His followers, since not everyone will take too kindly to His message.”
If we try to replace all the ‘Christian’ words to ‘Islam’ and ‘God’ words to ‘Allah’, then you suddenly realize The Christian Post message is similar to Taleban and Al-Qaeda’s message
Watershed on Mon, 4th May 2009 10:17 am
The problem with Christian Fundamentalism – they never respect any other viewpoints.
There are two responses I think that Josie’s team can take –
1. Hunker down in their beliefs that they have been unjustly removed.
2. Reflect on their actions and understand the real issues at hand – not the homosexual issues, but the coup and the way in which they attempted to lead.
I hope that they choose the latter, because while others might share similar opinions about homosexuality, surely most do not share the manner in which they were done. Clandestine, secretive and unresponsive to their own organisation. This is not the Christian way.
AWARE does have to do some reflections of its own too – surely they must admit that their homosexual content caused sufficient concerns for longtime observers/armchair supporters, even if they have not mentioned it. Perhaps more communication, explanation and research are in order regarding their material. And perhaps less of the gay/lesbian agenda and more of the more mainstream ones – transient workers, human trafficking, extreme poverty in singapore – all very pertinent issues in Singapore that everyone is desperately trying to hide under the carpet.
AWARE has gained a lot of credit from this as they are probably the first civil society group to have had such a public discourse about their issues civilly and democratically. Please expend your credit wisely.
The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Daily SG: 3 May 2009 on Mon, 4th May 2009 11:15 am
[...] EXIT… STAGE LEFT – still me.: Asian societies and the Chinese Gentry – The Wayang Party: Aftermath of Aware EGM: Time for some house-keeping – Youth.sg: AWARE: a case study in respect – Alice Cheong in Wonderland: Moving on from EOGM – [...]
Peter on Mon, 4th May 2009 11:16 am
Let’s see what the money was spent on first. Does the AWARE constitution say you must go back to the members for total expenditure exceeding $20K per month, or does it say that individual items above $20K must have members’ approval. I would have thought the latter is more likely. If so, maybe Josie was never in breach of the old constitution in the first place.
I agree that there was no need to have Rajah & Tann there – Singapore’s top litigation law firm. Assuming R&T was acting for AWARE (the organisation) the new team of Dana Lam will be entitled to all the correspondence between R&T and the old team (Josie Lau etc).
xtrocious on Mon, 4th May 2009 11:20 am
If what you say about The Christian Post is true, then how different are they from JI?
Sounds like they just issue a “call to arms”…
Chua Swee Tieu on Mon, 4th May 2009 11:35 am
I am very uncomfortable about Pastor Hong. As a preacher, his rallying cry to get all to conform to his belief is most disturbing particularly as he is a preacher. What would happen if the muslim preachers did the same that all must be muslim?
loupgarou on Mon, 4th May 2009 12:30 pm
i think mainstream society recognises the insidious nature of this xxx by now
William on Mon, 4th May 2009 12:49 pm
It is obvious the Pastor Derek Hong is UNFIT to lead. The next thing you know, he maybe brainwashing women into thinking they are undeserving of respect.
We must do all we can to remove him from this position where he can poison people’s mind with his unsound conviction.
He probably think the rest of Singapore are FOOLS and he can pull the wool over our eyes with this sneaky takeover. I doubt everyone in his flock agrees that what he has done is right, even in the eyes of their god.
Please, let us start a petition to remove Pastor Hong. He has brought distrust towards Christians from all walks of life with his extremistic views and action.
Samie on Mon, 4th May 2009 12:54 pm
Well put up!
Why don’t you set up an online petition to garner support?
anon on Mon, 4th May 2009 1:09 pm
Very dangerous. Very unsettling. Very worrying when you consider how Christians also make up a disproportionate number in our elite/ruling class…
But I think the young people of today are looking at this much more carefully. And I hope, instead of leaving their “evangelical charismatic Christian friends” alone to their own devices (you leave us alone, we leave you alone), hopefully they will engage with them so they don’t keep hanging out with the same people and develop a very limited viewpoint of the world.
Because it will be too late by the time they devolve into dominionist horrors, high up in society.
Threatened Non-Christian Family on Mon, 4th May 2009 1:27 pm
I strongly recommend that the Government, through our Internal Security Department and Interpol, take another step further from the lessons learnt in this Aware saga. Otherwise, this Aware saga cannot be considered over.
Until and unless the following investigations have been carried out and the real truths ascertained:
1. The true character and intentions of Pastor Derek Hong, who should from now on rightly not be allowed to preach in any church or spiritual organisation, as he has proven himself to be a liar and untrustworthy spiritual leader with subversive tendency. His public regret is equivalent to shedding crocodile tears, as it has not shown his sincerity of repentance.
2. Who are the people in the Executive Management Committee of COOS? What are their backgrounds and characters? Is there any ulterior motive (political or otherwise) in their agenda (known or hidden)? Why did they allowed Pastor Derek Hong the freedom to do anything he wants with the pulpit and the congregation, other than providing exemplary spiritual leadership?
3. What connections does the Church of Our Saviour has? Are there foreign elements involved in and/or linked to this church? Are foreigners actively and directly involved in this church’s activities? What hidden motives, if any, do they have under the guise of preaching Christianity?
For the good of our country, ISD should take upon itself to carry out further investigations. Subversive elements, if any, can always go underground and then resurface when the time is ripe for their taking. It is better to be safe than to regret too late. The stability and security of our country is worthwhile to be safe-guarded.
Sherry li on Mon, 4th May 2009 1:28 pm
The EGM has ended. AWARE has been restored. Let’s move on,everyone has learnt some things out of this.The very main issue for everyone to learn and remember from this experiene is NEVER to MIX RELIGION for any cause.
I believe Singaporeans are a peaceful lot and we all respect our multi-racial, multi-religion society. We always remember our pledge-regardless of race, language or religion…However, if someone, some group of people were to cause distress to others and impose their religious belief, we know that we can’t just sit back, we’ll need to ‘fight’ back and restore the peaceful society that we’ve enjoyed. Don’t stir the calm seas..
However, lets not just forgot that there’s still a few issues that we’re concerned with now and hope that the relevant authorities can look into.
1. that the $90,000 spending must be accounted for and recovered. It is not acceptable that just because there a $120,000 revenue recd from the membership, it could simply be offset by this expenses. As a NGO, every cent counts. Not forgetting that Josie and her team had breached the constitution.
2 that derek hong, josie and her team must be checked-the relevant authorities should investigate thoroughly on the activities by the church that they are attending. derek hong should not remain as a pastor as we would be concerned of his sermons. I think we would want to be sure of the roles of their church; we dont want to feel challenged and discomfort
3.that MOE should pursue further on the issues addressed by thio su mien on the CSE program. Like she said there are complaints, then they must be substained and not groundless claims. As a lawyer, she must abide by the conduct and if i may know- it’s about evidence. where are her findings… we certainly cannot accept groundless and fictitious data.
These are the 3 main issues that is still unresolved and everybody’s mind. We hope we’ll hear it soon.
Anonymous on Mon, 4th May 2009 1:34 pm
My observations:
1. Old guards win the battle, but lost the war – its gays/lesbian agenda stick out like a sore thumb.
2. Jackie Chan was right after all – Asians need to be controlled, otherwise they will go haywire. Look at the meeting that took place. If we extend this to S’pore politics, our parliament proceeding will be worse than Taiwan’s.
xiao-J on Mon, 4th May 2009 1:34 pm
“Christianity among all world religions demands that God and only God be worshipped and obeyed.”
spits! this is why ordinary pple in the streets hate christian fundies. they are pple who threaten the stability of our multiracial and religion social fabric! why gahmen din ban them? because they infiltrate our brotherhood already?
april hong on Mon, 4th May 2009 1:41 pm
I agree with singman08 tht DBS needs to review Josie’s conduct and so do the other employers of her team members- like the one who sack a centre manager discriminately. I read in ST 4 May that josie has even used her company resources to market and raise funds for a program that has links to her belief- against homosexuality. I wonder how DBS could have approved such program.
april hong on Mon, 4th May 2009 1:47 pm
if someone is to say that josie is a puppet, then i guess everyone know who’s the puppet master. but i cant believe that josie and her team can be so easily ‘puppeted’ for they are professionals in their own fields.
someone holds the puppet master responsible for this whole issue! to think she thought that she claimed credit for overthrowing the old guard.
i am a female and i am straight, but i am not a feminist female!
Nicholas on Mon, 4th May 2009 1:54 pm
ehhh WP why you dun wanna “top story” the parents’ appeal to MOE against aware’s sch sexuality program har?
4000 signatures is like 3 times how many ppl voted for aware u know
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/parents_sex_ed_appeal/signatures.html
confused on whether to be anti-govt or anti-aware izzit?
kancheong_spider on Mon, 4th May 2009 2:08 pm
acording to the record, sally “SDASU” ang is also a lawyer, no?
Anonymous on Mon, 4th May 2009 2:09 pm
From the many comments left on this site, i almost got the feeling that somehow or another there has been an armed mutiny in AWARE and the old ex-co were forced out on gun point.
maybe i am wrong.
but if the josie lau-led exco managed to mobilize enough votes and support to overthrow the old exco who are naive or complacent enough to let that happened. Then bad luck!
Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and conviction. Pastor Hong is entitled to his, be it personal or official. I don’t think anyone can claim that he commited a crime and yet there are calls for
to quote an above comment
“I strongly recommend that the Government, through our Internal Security Department and Interpol, take another step further from the lessons learnt in this Aware saga. Otherwise, this Aware saga cannot be considered over.”
and even from the authors of this site
” to consider excommunicating Pastor Hong..”
Seriously… to excommunicate someone is to effectively in Catholic or anglican terms to outcast someone.
I think talking about having a all embracing society where no one is discriminated because of their orientation and thoughts and political and religious beliefs is a really cool thing to say and preach about.
However please remember that will include embracing people who have divergent views from yours.
Heart To Forgive on Mon, 4th May 2009 2:30 pm
My teacher says Aware should consider starting new counseling programs for
1. Women who are misguided and exploited by charlatans holding high position
2. Women who suffer from pathological or compulsive lying disorder
3. Women who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder
4. Women who suffer from hunger for power
Double Standards on Mon, 4th May 2009 2:33 pm
“COOS has absolutely no right or business to interfere with the internal affairs of Aware.
Pastor Derek Hong should not be allowed to remain as pastor of COOS to disseminate his narrow, intolerant and bigoted views to Singaporeans.
NCCS president and Archbishop Dr John Chew may like to consider ex-communicating Pastor Hong from the Anglican Church.”
Similarly, by the same argument, wayangparty has absolutely no right or business to interfere with the internal affairs of COOS e.g who should be pastor and who should be excommunicated
Nicholas on Mon, 4th May 2009 2:52 pm
if 4000 ppl are voting against aware’s sch sexuality program, can aware and their programs really claim to represent women in singapore?
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/parents_sex_ed_appeal/signatures.html
just a question
increased participation on Mon, 4th May 2009 3:12 pm
81 versus 2 in parliament is so damn boring. I rather have gays/lesbians speaking out than those PAP eunuchs !
Sure there was a lot of noise in AWARE but it did not degenerate into anything physical like Taiwan.
The $90K was worth it if you look at the mileage gained from the advertisement point of view. Hopefully the losers stay on for the long term to provide the “checks and balance” to whatever gay/lesbian agenda, which is sorely missing in our lopsided parliament.
Consider the proceedings a victory for all women, now that many are AWARE. lol
Anonymous on Mon, 4th May 2009 4:03 pm
Which brings us back to this question, is this democracy? The new guards might have used underhanded tactics to get voted in, is it democracy to then remove them in this manner?
Gemini on Mon, 4th May 2009 4:29 pm
Eugene, thanks for a good article.
The problem with certain Christian sects is their need to proselytize. They have no respect for other peoples’ beliefs, and their claim to exclusivity and moral superiority is truly offensive. Bertrand Russell once said that “religion is a disease born of fear, and a source of untold suffering to the human race.” How true, when applied to these Christians.
The worst are the pious hypocrites. They use religion for self glorification, or to justify their existence. They would be nobody if there were no sinners.
Theocracy on Mon, 4th May 2009 4:51 pm
From the Christian Post:
“The concept that religion should be separated from other aspects of social life is known as secularism. A theocracy is opposed to this. The Bible supports the latter and not the former. Indeed, when Israel had suggested creating a political sphere independent of God’s rule when they asked Him for a king, He expressed that His people had rejected Him. It is clear that Christians are commissioned to restore God’s rule in every sector of society.”
http://sg.christianpost.com/dbase/editorial/454//1.htm
This website is spreading seditious messages and saying that Singapore should become a Christian theocracy!
REMF on Mon, 4th May 2009 4:51 pm
Admin,
Is Wayang Party dominated by GLBT?
Is Wayang Party a cover for Rainbow Coalition in the political field?
I foudn your coverage over AWARE is extremely biased with your own private agenda.
It is within your rights..like those redtops in UK with ite own baised towards its political leaning.
At elast they are all out front and transparent as to to whom they support.
How about Wayang Party?
anakin on Mon, 4th May 2009 5:02 pm
My God….what a terrible website….http://sg.christianpost.com. Claims that Christians are proscuted in Singapore and around the world! It should be banned!!! There are laws against hate mongering and it should be applied in this case
Anonymous on Mon, 4th May 2009 5:27 pm
TSM is NOT a Senior Counsel. She was only the former dean of the law school.
talkmore on Mon, 4th May 2009 6:51 pm
Noticed that some of you have fallen for Thio Su Mien & COOS tricks, that is, to lead you to believe that Aware CSE program is about homosexuals. The straight answer is it is not. It was a broad based program & those gay agenda was taken out of context by Thio’s alarmist scaremongering. MOE caught her out & called her a liar in public & asked her to provide justification. To date, Thio has not otherwise for sure MOE will disseminate this info to the public as it does not want to have fingers pointing back at them.
Another thing about CSE program in schools is that it is an opt out program should the parent choose not to do it. Come on, if you have daughters in schools you do not want her to know about how babies are made, you want her to be experimented later on by a boy when she ignorant of it? Stop being naive.
Lastly, Wayang Party should take the initiative and forward a letter to NCCS president and Archbishop Dr John Chew the concerns addressed above & let him know your readers will be awaiting a reply. That will swing them into action.
Rowie on Mon, 4th May 2009 7:12 pm
Let’s start a petition to close down christian post.
Alwin Loi on Mon, 4th May 2009 7:12 pm
Nicholas, i won’t be surprised if the website is another wayang by COOS. my question here: why does the petition start only after the AWARE saga? why didn’t it begin long before. it only makes public feels it’s just another wayang and defensive act by god-knows-who
by the way, if you don’t like the education system here, then f*** off to afganisthan or iran where homos there are stoned to death. i’m sure you will live blissfully and happily ever after there
Alwin Loi on Mon, 4th May 2009 7:25 pm
REMF,
why not direct the same questions to mainstream media?
you know that this is NOT about defending homos but about white collar xxx spreading out its tentacles in singapore
George on Mon, 4th May 2009 7:27 pm
Will AWARE consider suing TSM for defamation?
I think it should at least consider this option if free legal service is available.
Alwin Loi on Mon, 4th May 2009 7:33 pm
Anpnymous said: “Which brings us back to this question, is this democracy? The new guards might have used underhanded tactics to get voted in, is it democracy to then remove them in this manner?”
Well, according to our top legal counsel Gregory , it is only ‘common sense, custom, and courtesy’ to quit after the vote of no confidence shows the members have no confidence to the new exco. since the 90k lawyer has said that, it means the voting must be damn democratic. somehow got big 4 auditor foresee the vote counting process
Alwin Loi on Mon, 4th May 2009 7:42 pm
“COOS has absolutely no right or business to interfere with the internal affairs of Aware.
Pastor Derek Hong should not be allowed to remain as pastor of COOS to disseminate his narrow, intolerant and bigoted views to Singaporeans.
NCCS president and Archbishop Dr John Chew may like to consider ex-communicating Pastor Hong from the Anglican Church.”
Double Standards said:
“Similarly, by the same argument, wayangparty has absolutely no right or business to interfere with the internal affairs of COOS e.g who should be pastor and who should be excommunicated”
of course, it should not be wayangparty’s job. it should be ISD, SPF and MHA’s job. seriously, i can’t see the difference between COOS and al-qaeda/taleban. both use forces to infiltrate society. while taleban use suicide bomb, COOS use stealthy mass movement.
Anonymous on Mon, 4th May 2009 8:15 pm
to Nicholas on Mon, 4th May 2009 2:52 pm, i won’t be surprised if there were 99999999999999999999999999999B signatures on that petition. and i wun be surprised if there were retards like u who’d sign it 99999999999999999999999999999B times, just like u would post the link up here more than once. a careful look at the petition will show that some signatures are repeated, same message, same nickname. 4000? not enough. carry on signing it.
kingsgrove on Mon, 4th May 2009 8:18 pm
“However please remember that will include embracing people who have divergent views from yours.”
“wayangparty has absolutely no right or business to interfere with the internal affairs of COOS”
Not when the individual or organization is spreading messages that will divide the society and distablise the nation.
thiocracy on Mon, 4th May 2009 8:37 pm
to REMF.
because WP is much more righteous than self-righteous religious ding-dongs. that’s a fact. not even the govt wants their hands to be stained by thiocracy.
so you think she is crazy? on Mon, 4th May 2009 8:38 pm
THIO SU MIEN acted CRAZY during the EOGM, here a just-for-fun non-serious look into what she might say to the press if she suffered from post-aware depression.
“I’M ON PAGE 73, PAGE 73… LISTEN TO ME. Read this book. Skip other parts and turn to page 73. Here I am. I am the nus law dean… FOREVER. NO ONE CAN REPLACE ME. THEY ARE NOT HOLY ENOUGH!”
“I am the mother of a nominated mp. MOTHER! MOTHER!”
“Call me feminist mentor. CALL ME, CALL ME! Show some humility and call me FEMINIST MENTOR! ME, ME, ME… NO ONE ELSE BUT ME! Refuse to acknowledge me as FEMINIST MENTOR!!!??? Fine. I SHALL TAKE OVER YOUR ORGANISATION! PAGE 73, PAGE 73… HAHAHAHAHAHA”
“Absolutely NO RELIGION is at play in our takeover of aware. The mass media focused excessively on religion. It’s not a crusade against the people but there’s a line that God has drawn for us, and we don’t want our nation crossing that line. IT’S A LINE. A LINE. WHY THE LESSER PEASANTS CANNOT GET IT? God forbade homosexuality and abortion. We must bring these wayward souls to our church for intensive counselling. A nation of righteous christians has to be nurtured according to dear Derek. A petition against MOE in the name of God is in the works. I have praised God for COOS’ stand in my email to my subordinates. And God, HELP ME! I WANT TO BECOME THE FEMINIST MENTOR. WHY DIDN’T YOU ANSWER MY CALL? MY PRAYERS! GOD, ARE YOU THERE? ARE YOU THERE! ANSWER ME… Let me reiterate, this is not about religion.”
john teo on Mon, 4th May 2009 8:38 pm
Hi, just spent 30 minutes reading http://www.christianpost.com.sg and I must say that certain views and reports there are really not “mainstream”. There is a serious “We against the world” and “nobody understands us” mentality in some of the reports.
I was quite surprise by the thoughts of the ex-aware committee, and this website just showed me that there are really a lot of people who think that way. Very frightening!
so you think she is crazy? on Mon, 4th May 2009 8:39 pm
THIO SU MIEN acted CRAZY during the EOGM, here a just-for-fun non-serious look into what she might say to the press if she suffered from post-aware depression.
“Derek, why, WHY! WHY MUST IT BE YOU who abandon us at the moment of need? WHY! NO! Where’s our busloads of supporters? WHERE? Derek told me I can become anything I want, SPECIAL, DIFFERENT. Like SYLAR!”
“Josie, Sally, I love you, but I love myself more. I love myself more than Samantha Jones loved herself! Which is why I was off the stage staring at page 73… PAGE 73! IT’S ME ON PAGE 73. ME!”
“You think if you put FEMINIST MENTOR and MINISTER MENTOR side by side. Who looks prettier? ME! ME! NO ONE ELSE BUT ME!”
The Dangers Aint Over on Mon, 4th May 2009 9:03 pm
We have to be careful. The placing of Thio Li An as NMP and the now revealed subversion of Aware..there seems to be a larger game at play with [b]one common denominator, COOS and Pastor Derek Hong…
We must not forget the real puppet master, who hides in the darkness..
From an online blog, seems he wasnt sorry at all, and was mentioned to have said.. well if the media wants an apology, I will give them an apology..
I am not sure if it is all a concerted scheme to influence the social-political sphere to achieve their misguided intended ends..
His modus operandi is clear. Work behind the scenes, stir up parents’ emotions through emails on appeals to do God’s work, provoke them into action via feedback or petition to the authorities.
All civil organisations, Action for Aids, Trevvy. Fridae etc.. be AWARE.
The Puppet Master runs free… Pastor Derek Hong.
AlexTheGreat on Mon, 4th May 2009 9:18 pm
Time to turn our focus slightly back to:
1) CDC 8mth bonus
2) Shin min editor’s lighter sentence.
3) NTU stabbing and investigation
4) Dr Ooi’s suicide investigation
5) Temasek & GIC’s loss
What else did I miss out?
George on Mon, 4th May 2009 10:11 pm
Is this christianpost belongs to COOS? i find it’s interesting to read though, at least to know what other side point of view abt the ex-aware committee, after all this time only getting stories frm media & heard very little from their side..
observ on Mon, 4th May 2009 10:14 pm
“William on Mon, 4th May 2009 12:49 pm
Please, let us start a petition to remove Pastor Hong. He has brought distrust towards Christians from all walks of life with his extremistic views and action.”
“Samie on Mon, 4th May 2009 12:54 pm
Well put up!
Why don’t you set up an online petition to garner support?”
Both of you sure have a sense of humour.
observ on Mon, 4th May 2009 10:23 pm
“talkmore on Mon, 4th May 2009 6:51 pm
Noticed that some of you have fallen for Thio Su Mien & COOS tricks, that is, to lead you to believe that Aware CSE program is about homosexuals. The straight answer is it is not.
Another thing about CSE program in schools is that it is an opt out program should the parent choose not to do it. Come on, if you have daughters in schools you do not want her to know about how babies are made, you want her to be experimented later on by a boy when she ignorant of it? Stop being naive.”
Point (1). More than 4000 concerned parents have fallen for the tricks. And they are demanding that MOE answer for allowing AWARE to teach garbage in schools.
Point (2) A rather theoretical analysis. Guess you are not a parent; correct me if my guess is wrong.
Nicholas on Mon, 4th May 2009 10:35 pm
actually i am not from COOS…you don’t need to be a Christian to be concerned about the sexuality program in schools – most secular parents are concerned too.
I think if you were a parent you would understand.
i noticed Alwin Loi asked me to “f*** off” and Anonymous at 8:15 pm called me a “retard”
i’d love to ask how old you are, but unfortunately I know you can’t count that high.
ThinkingSoul on Mon, 4th May 2009 11:00 pm
To All Segments of Society : Govt, Political Leaders, Social Group Leaders, Charitable Organisation Leaders.
This a CALL to be AWARE and take NOTICE.
There is a potential growth of Ultra-Conservative Christians Rights Movement here in Singapore, which could be influenced by the American Evangelist Movement in recent years.
Although the current 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.
Mdm Thio has already mastermind 2 Chapters of attempting to sow discord and division within the Singapore society.
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 their brand of 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.
Chapter 3 ??????
(Could have already taken place in the concerned parents who grouped together to protest against CSE curriculum approved by the MOE, the education arm of the Singapore Government)
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, many years after Election.
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.
Anonymous on Mon, 4th May 2009 11:24 pm
From the way the so call old guards and their last minute supporters of AWARE behave at the AGM, i think i know why some people think it is time to change AWARE liao..
maxonlife on Tue, 5th May 2009 12:21 am
If there is a cooking class conducted by AWARE, I will sign up for it.
I wonder if the AWARE women knows how to fry an egg…
Hey, while the soup is still warm, why not grab of this accidental media limelight to more fruitful use?
Get a fund raising walkaton or talkaton for women to cover that $90k funds…
Wow… $90k… that is 45,000 plates of nasi lemak…
loupgarou on Tue, 5th May 2009 1:47 am
those offending articles mentioned explicitly has been removed, probably because they know themselves that they have crossed the line into sedition,hello christianpost, I tihnk you are very much deluded if you think you are persecuted, just stick in your churches and ignore the secular world, no one will care to bother you. just don’t push your stupid values on the majority.
if you don’t care what your children are learning in MOE, then homeschool them.
—quoting scott adams here—
If people believed in God they would live every minute of their lives in support of that belief. Rich people would give their wealth to the needy. Everyone would be frantic to determine which religion was the true one. No one could be comfortable in the thought that they might have picked the wrong religion and blundered into eternal damnation, or bad reincarnation, or some other unthinkable consequence. People would dedicate their lives to converting others to their religions… If you believe a truck is coming toward you, you will jump out of the way. That is belief in the reality of the truck. If you tell people you fear the truck but do nothing to get out of the way, that is not belief in the truck
——-
Outsider on Tue, 5th May 2009 7:23 am
>>>
Maxonlife:
If there is a cooking class conducted by AWARE, I will sign up for it. I wonder if the AWARE women knows how to fry an egg…
>>>
Hey, there are more serious things in life than frying eggs and cooking. Like re-incarnation…
Outsider on Tue, 5th May 2009 7:39 am
Nicholas on Mon, 4th May 2009 10:35 pm
>
>actually i am not from COOS…you don’t need to be a Christian to be concerned about the sexuality program in schools – most secular parents are concerned too.
>
I think if you were a parent you would understand.
>
i noticed Alwin Loi asked me to “f*** off” and Anonymous at 8:15 pm called me a “retard”
>
i’d love to ask how old you are, but unfortunately I know you can’t count that high.
>
>
This is the point I tried to make earlier too, namely that many regardless of religion, etc, are concerned about the negative effects of the manner in which the ‘education campaign’ for want of a better word, was tailored.
But as things turned out, it appears to be true that no one complained, except those people in COOS!.
And to add insult to injury, to be told to ‘f’ off and called ‘retarded’, etc for voicing such reservations. That’s not much different from being told to “sit down and shut up”.
What a shame!
talkmore on Tue, 5th May 2009 9:12 am
Yes I agree with what loupgarou on Tue, 5th May 2009 1:47 am, homeschool your kids if these parents have so much problem with the optional CSE program, after all, they can always opt out of this program as its not compulsory, so why the fuss? Instigation by their church leaders. Now these sensational parents have written in to REACH, the gahment’s feedback line, and MP Amy Khor has stated in the papers today that they will look into it. It is the lifelong campaign of these crazed fundamentalists that is never ending, they foolish believe they will earn many stars from their creator. What rubbish lah!
So did anyone do a screenshot of Christian Post to send to the MHA for scrutiny. Hope someone did cos these fundamentalists read these posts too. So even if it was erased, hope someone captured it on screen cos these fundamentalists have no right to enroach into wider society with their internet articles that is publicly accessed.
Dana Lau is Best for AWARE!!! on Tue, 5th May 2009 10:09 am
Was really impressed by Dana Lam’s cogent, coherent manners and cool non-gungho ways, responding to journalists fielding wide and deep questions to her right after her election and ascend to be AWARE’s President a 2nd time!
This IS closure for a non-palatable episode and blip in AWARE’s long and respectable history and best be forgotten. Like all other ups and downs of life’s trouble, I shall pray that ALL winners, losers and every other sould with interest in the AWARE glitch. WILL come out the WISER and so better and STRONGER for thinking, behaving and understanding of our complex society and of human kind.
In short, I mean we all come out more educated and wise of what means more in life. Much more then just our personl passions whcih may lead us into some form of fundamentalism that can polarise which it should not. We all learn from mistakes and so we all MUST ever learn to instil, even infuse into ourselves, the tenets of HUMILITY, COMMON SENSE and MUTUAL RESPECT to NEVER condemn nor even judge others before we’ve known enough to pass a QUALIFIED opinion at-large.
Cyberspace, indcidentally should never become a ‘Space for Cyborgs’ Yah!
richard on Tue, 5th May 2009 10:42 am
seems like AWARE’s current stand on homosexuality is this. If you are not pro gay, you are not fit to be voted into AWARE’s EXCO.
Tell me this is not a form of discrimination. all this talk about the all inclusiveness of women is just a facade afterall.
maxonlife on Tue, 5th May 2009 10:45 am
Yeah. Humble minds think alike.
I have learned great humility from Ms Dana Lau too.
2 thumbs up for her.
I am sure that she can cook eggs in differently presentation… scramble… runny… bull’s eye and sunny side up!
If she is conducting a cooking lesson. I WILL sign up for it.
Cheers
Alwin Loi on Tue, 5th May 2009 11:58 am
richard, you don’t have to be pro gay to be elected. claire nazar is anti gay yet she was supported by old guard constance singham and elected to become aware president. gay issues must be treated as neutral, not positive or negative. some ultra right wing christians want gay issues to be treated in negative light, while most moderates singaporeans want it to be neutral. we are not in the position to put them in positive light, but we should not put them in negative light either
Alwin Loi on Tue, 5th May 2009 12:02 pm
outsider, of course mah. you should in fact thank our feminist mentor dr. thio and her mentees sally ang that succesfully inspire us how to bark people like dogs. send my regards to them when you meet them next sunday
Jules on Tue, 5th May 2009 3:16 pm
I do actually believe that the comments highlighted in red in the article carry seditious content. The article has since been removed, but it is proof that sentiments like these exist and are active in the undercurents of religiousity in Singapore.
It reared its ugly head in the Aware saga but like Medusa, you cut off one head and another grows in its place. Let’s be on the alert and watch for its appearance.
Another note, this article in addition to being quoted should have been sent to the police as well. I believe the comments have the ability to create dissension.
seaquest1 on Tue, 5th May 2009 5:13 pm
These people are sectarian fundamentalists in manner, behavior, belief, character and even in personality for that matter. Their approach in the AWARE saga was very technical and planned, to begin with the takeover of AWARE exco. Their main intention was to drive and maintain the divide on homosexuality issues in Singapore.
Quote:
Josie Lau ‘Very Glad’ About Aware Incident
Monday, May. 4, 2009 Posted: 6:41:09PM HKT
“If this episode has caused parents to learn more about what our children are learning in schools about homosexual lifestyles, to start thinking about what they want their kids to learn, to start a dialogue with their kids and not only learn from the media, then I am very glad that it has become a national debating point,” she said.
http://sg.christianpost.com/dbase/society/1556//1.htm
They were not into pro-women, pro-choice or pro-singapore…but to come out and make a stand on issues homosexuality being taught in schools as claimed. We cannot deny the existence of homosexual or lesbians. They do exist in all societies and countries.
The EOGM was evident how Josie & fundies behaved and approached towards other secular members who had concerns, views and understandings. Literally speaking down to their own members in AWARE. In their coup of about a month in AWARE center shows they came in not as new blood of change but a very militant exercise of tear up, tear down, remove anything or anyone that is not for them or “born again” will be “bible bashed” when they start speaking in tongues or “tongue wagging”.
They are a bunch of fundies without shame or remorse because their goal was highlight to society at large through fear mongering about issues of homosexuality. To think they had many opportunities to back down and stand down their believes and conviction on a secular platform showed how determined they were to steeplejack an established organization.
Quote: A Steeplejacking of a Women’s NGO In Singapore: A rare glimpse at how Joel’s Army groups work in practice.
http://dogemperor.newsvine.com/_news/2009/04/24/2729992-a-steeplejacking-of-a-womens-ngo-in-singapore-a-rare-glimpse-at-how-joels-army-groups-work-in-practice
These are highly educated and intellectual people who are trained in exercising selective religious fundamentalism. Should we be more afraid of the homosexuals and lesbians or the sectarian fundamentalists?
Another past issue was related against the homosexuals that is still open issue…
Quote:
Dec 5, 2008
DBS’ charity tie-up draws flak
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_310705.html
If you read and research about Focus of the Family main website you can see their stand and opinions with regards to Religion and State, Judicary, Homosexuality and other issues. You can draw your conclusions from there.
The FotF in Singapore in year 2007 was running into a deficit. But highly paid senior management spent even more in 2008 because of their tax free status. Should MOE investigate what their Sexuality Programs that they employ that infringes on the religion and state in singapore? Its pretty obvious if one was to join and infiltrate their organization for the purpose of disclosure their true intentions.
We should guard against sectarian fundamentalists from any religious believe being in a compact multi racial and religious society. All amounts of respect must be given to everyone. Josie & gang were there to “hijack and steal” the “trust” of many singaporeans without their knowledge for sexuality and gender issue. There is no denial that Josie & gang are sectarian fundamentalists who have emerged to cast divide on christian and civil society with their outspoken beliefs.
Andy on Tue, 5th May 2009 10:08 pm
thio, josie & co were uterly irresponsible and should do the honorable thing and pay back 70k or whatever amount above 20k as provided in AWARE constitution as the money “can be better spent on the women and families which Aware set out to help”. in my opinion, if they do not AWARE should proceed with the lawsuit if AWARE can get a lawyer to do probono which surely they can..this is not about being vinditive but the women who need help deserve to get these monies back..also while Rajah & Tan has no reason not to charge AWARE since the EGM is not an issue about social servie and it is not their fault that Josie & co that make the bad decision to pay for exorbitant legal counsel or any at all..nevertheless R&T should not be insensitive to society so perhaps WP should start a petition to ask Rajah & Tan to give back whatever monies they have charged AWARE as probono legal service for battered women, discriminated minorities etc…
I disagree with Eugene’s views on MOE and Religion…just as many of us are signatories in support Vivien Wee’s online petition against Jocie & co, WP should not be partial to the sentiments of >1000 parents whether or not they are christians and whether or not they were instigated by thio belatedly to counter MOE’s questioning of Thio…there are many including myself who disagree that anal sex is healthy..and though in my opinion one should be neutral and not discriminate gay or non gay, that is quite a different proposition from encouraging or promoting teen experimentation with gay and anal sex etc (I see no evidence and do not believe AWARE is doing that, and in my opinion it is thio & co demonising AWARE)..still it is no harm and only responsible for both MOE and AWARE to review and revisit and after proper research and consultation offer a considered response on whether or not it is right to say anal sex is healthy…
I also disagree that WP should castigate christian post or other online community though eugene like everyone else is entitled to his personal opinions on this matter…christians are entitled to their convictions and opinions as much as any majority or minority groups, secular or faith community…there are also many unreasonable posts and unsubstantiated views in WP as in MSM etc..so in my opinion we should all give each other space and not push one’s opinion too hard especially in another’s space…just like thio & co ought not to do..
Lalat on Wed, 6th May 2009 12:04 am
I dreamt Thio Su Mien and Derek Hong turning in angels with rotten mouths and eyes, and decaying flesh. Horrible dream.
Tongues of sparks and of fire? on Wed, 6th May 2009 3:03 pm
Thanks Andy. Let me expand on your thoughts. As indeed there has been so many pros & cons about Christianity, Christians and some who are “Fundamentalist” or even Extremist in tendencies.
Many of us know that it been written, “The pen is mightier than the sword”. Then one day I added with friends, “Is the tongue mightier than the pen”? One fired back, “Of course it is”! But why anothe asked. To inspire imagination I responded in question, “If voice not recorded, can it be?”. One significant other said, “That one recording can be distroyed. Ture or not?”.
An so what the crux of it all. Print is evidence if source and authencity can be proven. But sounds are harder by technology as more subjective. But the point is print can also be destroy.
Yet, we then all agreed and concluded that the “tongue” of voices heard can be so ever private, instructive, even authoritarian/dictatorial, yet o smartly smudged till only the receiver of orders knows what it is all about. And thus by that,a whole nation can be literally “wiped-out” with no evidence of the source and wrong-doer! Such is the evil side of man’s intellect!!!
From my introduction, I thus hope then that relevant quotes from the Holy Bible TO PUT God’s TEACHINGS IN THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE, WILL NOT BE OUT OF PLACE HERE ON WP. Words in parenthesis are thus mine for clarity.
The NIV says in the NT:-
1. “Taming the Tongue” – Note that Tongue is with upper-case.
James Chapter 3:
Verse 1 – “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
Verse 2 – “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep to keep his whole body in check.”
Verse 4 – “Or take ships as an example. Althugh they so large and are driven by strong winds ( in those days), they are steer by a small rudder, wherever the pilot wants to go.
Verse 5 – Likewisethe tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
Verse 6 – “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” AND …
2. “Two Kinds of Wisdom”
Verse 13 – “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by his deeds done in the humilty that comes from wisdom.”
Verse 14 – “But if you harnour bitter envy and selfish ambitions in your hearts, do not deny it or deny the truth.”
Verse 15 – “Such wisdom does not come down from heaven and is earhly. unspiritualof the devil (Satan/Lucifer).”
Verse 16 – “For where you have envy ans selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Verse 17 – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Verse 18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace sow a harvest of righteoueness.”
Amen. And so may Dana Lam be blessed by heaven for a new AWARE befitting of it’s old and added missions for the betterment of our society and individual’s wisdom. To be not “Forever learning, but never knowing and understanding”. Let’s in wisdom move on with true Heaven’s Councel. God bless one & all!