Opposition to Siew Kum Hong’s re-nomination as NMP: Another “astroturfing” in process?
From The Informant Network Team
“Astroturfing” refers to the creation of a fake grassroots or “people power” movement. The term for fake “grassroots” organising originates from a product called Astroturf, which is a plastic fake grass carpet-like product commonly used in baseball and football.
The capitulation of MOE to demands of the Christian right to suspend AWARE’s CSE is an example of “astroturfing” where numerous feedback from a well-organized lobby group with a hidden agenda was misconstrued by the authorities as a representative of a larger public sentiment.
This tactic was used successfully in the past by certain church groups, notably COOS led by Senior Pastor Derek Hong, which managed to prevent section 377A from being repealed.
It now appears that their next target is NMP Siew Kum Hong who had foiled the attempts of the ex-Aware EXCO to cling on to power during the Aware EGM held on 2 May 2009.
Mr Siew had submitted his papers on 12 May 2009 to bid for a re-nomination as NMP. A corporate counsel, his focus includes needy Singaporeans, civil liberties and economic issues.
While Mr Siew was highly regarded by many Singaporeans, including the blogging community, his application for a second term of NMP was met stiff opposition from some religious groups uncomfortable with his liberal stance towards homosexuality.
We received notice that a campaign is underway to “swarm” REACH with feedback in order to exert pressure on the Parliamentary Select Committee to reject Mr Siew’s application.
Below are some comments posted on REACH:
isay 08 May 09 , 11:05 AM
The AWARE saga has uncovered questionable (public) behaviour of prominent figures of society, for example ex and current NMPs (eg Mr Siew who had contributed actively to the whole fiasco rather than encourage reconciliation & peaceful resolutions) and CNA newscasters & ST reporters who showed their true colours in bias reporting.
NMP should be one with respect and integrity. How can one to be NMP when he does not even respect Singapore law and continue pushing homosexual lifestyle against Penal code 377A and against the wish of majority Singaporean. This pro-gays activity is destroying Asian values, family values and creates tension and crack in harmony of the multi-racial and multi-religious Singapore. I urge Parliamentary Select Committee to consider the view of majority Singaporean in appointing the NMP.
After seeing how a Nominated MP behaved in the recent AWARE EOGM, I think the Parliamentary Select Committee needs to consider if certain Nominated MP really can represent the community well or is he going to represent certain groups to push for a certain hidden agenda in the Parliament.
As a Nominated MP rather than being there to reconcile the situation over at AWARE, rather being on a neutral ground, which he should be, took side and openly challenged the new team and even the legal advise. Instead of giving a more rational advise on the situation, he was with the whole group of people who uses tactics like, shouting down your opponents, snatching mikes, booing. You mean these are acceptable behavior of well educated Singaporean? Why did the Nominated MP not stopping that kind of behavior? Does that indicate he agrees with that kind of behavior? Will Singapore end up like our neighbouring country where people shout, boo and even protested in the airport??
Rob 10 May 09 , 21:15 PM
I say NO to Siew Kum Hong as well who was flouting the law and promoting non-mainstream values.
Thots 10 May 09 , 21:33 PM
I wish to register my disapproval of the NMP, Mr Siew Kum Hong. I do not know him personally. But, his recent and past activities (ie. as an official NMP) are clearly unacceptable to many Singaporeans.
If you notice carefully, all these posters are against Mr Siew’s reappointment as NMP on very shallow grounds in order to obsfuscate the crux of the matter:
1. Mr Siew supports and promotes homosexuality.
2. Mr Siew took side in the Aware EGM.
3. The majority of Singaporeans do not accept Mr Siew.
As a NMP, Mr Siew is free to express his frank views on any matter in Parliament. Just because Thio Li Ann wants homosexuality to remain criminalized doesn’t mean that everybody has to concur with her.
Being the legal advisor of the Old guards, it is only right for Mr Siew to take sides in the fiasco to protect the interests of his clients (though he served as pro bono).
These few posters also claim they represent the “majority” without substantiating their claims.
The Parliamentary Select Committee should not follow the example of MOE and allow itself to be held hostage to these astroturfers again.
Once a precedent is set, they will be emboldened to adopt similiar tactics to exert pressure on the government to give in to their demands by claiming to represent the values of mainstream society.
Sooner or later, after being done with the sexual minorities, they will switch to other areas such as abortion, stem cell research etc.
wayangparty.com supports Mr Siew Kum Hong’s application for a second term of NMP. We implore all our readers to register their support for Mr Siew on REACH portal to counter the “astroturfing” tactics of these lobby groups.
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joseph on Wed, 13th May 2009 9:42 am
Was it legal for Mr Siew to be a “legal advisor” of the old guards? Every person in Singapore who wishes to practise Singapore law as a lawyer has to hold a Practising Certificate issued by the Registrar of the Supreme Court. Mr Siew did not have a Practising Certificate.
ed on Wed, 13th May 2009 9:49 am
Good on you wayangparty!
Looks like the AWARE issue has woken up everyone about lobby groups and voicing their concerns. That i think is a good thing for all.
I think others will view my stand as a christian right wing idealist which i will most probably agree to.
i do think that Siew Kum Hong should not be re-appointed for his actions but i am not sure if there is a single well-organized lobby group behind all the lobbying.
If there is, i will definitely support it to continue doing what it is doing now.
At the same time, i will encourage all who are for Siew to gather together and support him.
That way all views are heard and given considerations for.
I am definitely against the idea of sitting back and telling everyone to shut up and maintain status quo.
the famous phrase
” All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke
I think that phrase works both way and applicable for both sides
Anon on Wed, 13th May 2009 10:49 am
joseph,
I don’t know if Mr Siew holds a practising cert or not. However, that point is irrelevant in the context of providing legal advice to the AWARE old guard because he was not representing them in legal proceedings.
It is similar to how companies have legal departments with legally-trained folks without practising certs who advise the company on legal issues. Should the need for legal representation arise, these corporate counsel will refer to external law firms.
Nicholas on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:07 am
well done @WP!
i also agree that Siew Kum Hong should not be re-appointed because of his actions which have polarised and incited singapore society instead of promoting tolerance
Vote of Opposition on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:09 am
Must be fair to Mr Siew as he spoke against the Public Order Act to a almost empty parliament. I think the MPs knew he will not get second term and regretted nominating him with his outspoken mouth. Next time the NMP application form will have “Wat is your sexual orientation?” or “Are you pro gay?” or lagi best “You pro PAP?”
The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Daily SG: 13 May 2009 on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:10 am
[...] Daily Discourse – The Wayang Party: Opposition to Siew Kum Hong’s re-nomination as NMP: Another “astroturfing” in process? [...]
JohnnyKid on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:17 am
Although Mr Siew did support homosexuality, he did so from a human rights perspective. It is disgusting how the Christian Taliban is attempting to bring him down based on this, while ignoring his good work in other areas. How does it help Singaporeans if a good NMP is forced out to satisfy a small group of extremists? Christian Taliban is no different from Al Qaeda, one attempts to disrupt society from within while the latter from outside.
Oh no on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:29 am
They are using one of your articles to prove that SKH overstepped his boundaries.
————————————
Nicholas
13 May 09 , 11:11 AM
btw, the alternative media has also attacked mr siew’s actions for polarising and inciting singapore society instead of promoting tolerance:
http://wayangparty.com/?p=9218
Alwin Loi on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:40 am
the same tactic can be used to oppose the renomination of Thio Li Ann, the ultra right wing christian NMP who acts more on behalf of her God than on her fellow Singaporeans
Nicholas on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:46 am
wad christian taliban? now i am christian taliban? hahaha
Fyi, WP is the one who started the debate with the article below…dun be confused
Should Botak Siew have been “neutral” instead of taking sides in AWARE? – http://wayangparty.com/?p=9218
Siew on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:57 am
Let’s have homos and lesbians in parliament, spice up those dull sittings. Cross dressing may be allowed and pls do not do funny things with the mace.
PoThePanda on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:59 am
The only reason why Botak Siew will not be renominated is because he challenge the PAP in Parliament too much.
:p
Puke on Wed, 13th May 2009 12:02 pm
To Nicholas
13 May 09 , 11:11 AM
What talk you? This article is to support Mr Siew’s application for another term of NMP… not against it!
And by the way, who is promoting intolerance in society here?
The Christian fundamentalist who perform a hostile takeover, or Mr Siew who just show up to support those who have been just chased out of their house?
Just put urself in their shoes and u will see ur own irrationality.
loupgarou on Wed, 13th May 2009 12:29 pm
as an atheist, i find this christian fear mongering and astroturfing to be extremely distasteful and intrusive. I hope concerned members of other religions also speak up as well
ed on Wed, 13th May 2009 12:32 pm
Promoting tolerance is a great thing to say nowadays.really cool and hip too.
but tolerance is not really the issue here i think.
Socialism is tolerated but commuinists are not.
homosexuals are tolerated but promoting homosexuality is not.
that is the stand from the Christians rightwing and if i might postulate the majority of the uncles and aunties sitting at the coffee shop think so too
besides i dun think homosexuals want tolerance as their ultimate aim. they dun want to be tolerated, they want people to know their sexuality and accept them with no ifs or buts involved. they want acceptance to a point that when they say
” I am gay!” it will be the same as “i have a sixth toe on my left foot!” nothing to worry about at all.
That is something which i personally disagree with and therefore i am doing my part to say “no” to Mr Siew because his actions, i believe, does not reflect my stand as a Singaporean citizen. If other citizens disagree, please do something about it. politely if you may.
Tim on Wed, 13th May 2009 12:56 pm
Instead of debating here, why don’t we write in to the relevant authority to show our support to Mr Siew’s reappointment as NMP? I believe the other party had already did so.
Lau Min-tsek on Wed, 13th May 2009 1:12 pm
The whole point of NMP is to provide an alternative voice. In other words, a selected opposition in parliment.
An NMP is not voted in. He does not seek the mandate of the majority. Nor does he need to. That is the basic principle of the NMP system — a non-elected person to provide more views during parlimentary debates. He accounts not to the electorate or the ruling party. He is independent. He does not need to represent anyone or any group or any majority views.
All these people who says that this or that NMP is not good because you disagree with some of his views or that you think that he does not represent the majority view misses the point completely. An NMP is not there to lobby other people’s or group’s politcal causes, majority or minority. He is there to provide an alternative view to parlimentary debates.
On the other hand, recent newspapers reports suggest that certain groups sees NMP as potential lobbyists. Eg, people in the arts circle wants one of their own to be an NMP. Certain Christians wants Thio Li Ann to be NMP so that their Christian views will be heard. I find this intellectually limiting as it suggest that NMPs are actually sanctioned lobbyists with narrow focuses and interests.
If you agree with everything an NMP believes in, or if the NMP agrees with everything the PAP believes in……. then why bother having him as an NMP if he is going to agree to everything? *scratch head*
stronghold on Wed, 13th May 2009 1:14 pm
Shame on all these so called Christians!
kingsgrove on Wed, 13th May 2009 1:31 pm
I do not support the promotion of homosexuality, but I support the right of homosexuals in the society.
Mr Siew has spoken on many topics, but it appears that some have chosen to remember only one. Life is more than homosexuality!
It is safer to conform to the norm and be in the mainstream. But those with more courage have opted out of the mainstream and some of them have won international fame as artists, musicians, sportsmen, etc.
I applaud Mr. Siew for his courage to do what he thought is right, and not because a supernatural being has asked him to.
看破紅塵 on Wed, 13th May 2009 1:37 pm
看來他飯碗不保咯！
ed on Wed, 13th May 2009 1:42 pm
@ Lau
Good point
@ stronghold
would like to ask why should the people who sent in the emails or people who posted comments be ashamed?
MayAllRulersBeRighteous on Wed, 13th May 2009 1:51 pm
Siew Kum Hong has prcisely the calibre of the type of courageous Singaporean we need for nation building. He spoke up without fear nor favour and with no other ulterior motive except to uphold the rule of law, equality, democracy, justice, the values enshrined in the citizen’s pledge we took every morning in all Singapore schools.
If he is not re-nominated, I suggest he should stand for election in the next GE, even as an Independent candidate.
isay on Wed, 13th May 2009 1:54 pm
Thank your for publicising the Reach Singapore site! I, for one, am not from COOS nor any organised group, nor am I from the government! I am free to express my own opinion, just like anyone else. Why must all conservative views be seen as from christians? You have no idea what’s my race or religion nor everyone else’s who had posted in your site or reach… Don’t keep assuming nor put words in people’s mouths…
- No to pro gay NMPs does not mean don’t want gays views to be heard, just not those who seek to divide society.
- Not all christians are fundamentalists just as not all gays are anti-christians
- No to CSE does not mean not accepting gays or don’t want sex education, just that there is a need to review and decide how to implement it. (Parents should have a greater say because they are the ones who carried their children for 9 months, went through child birth & sleepless nights, etc etc etc to bring them up…)
Alwin Loi on Wed, 13th May 2009 1:57 pm
can we invite a JI Singapore representative to be NMP to represent the view of ultra right wing muslim then since Thio Li Ann is allowed to represent COOS and its disguised cousins, the REACH and Focus on Family? it’s not fair if we don’t have ultra right wing muslim representative as well, right?
JK on Wed, 13th May 2009 2:21 pm
1. How is astroturfing possible on the Reach portal when the login is only by NRIC number?
2. Homosexuality is considered NOT normal by most Singaporeans. Please stop throwing red herrings around, and stop your discrimination and intimidation of Christians.
ed on Wed, 13th May 2009 2:30 pm
@ Alwin Loi
Please don’t label COOS as a ultra right wing group.
that is usually used to describe neo-facists or neo-nazis group whose views embraced militancy to accomplish its goals.
Don’t even go there! to put up someone’s name alongside the phrase “ultra right wing” is a potential libel case.
Senior Citizen on Wed, 13th May 2009 2:32 pm
Mr Siew Kum Hong has the courage of many of the run-of-the-mill PAP MPs add together!
Applauase for Mr Siew!
Well done!
admin on Wed, 13th May 2009 2:34 pm
Hi JK,
1. Forwarding emails asking one’s church members and friends to provide feedback at REACH, MHA, police or other government agencies is astroturfing.
This tactic was used successfully in the past by church groups. Read about it here:
http://ovidiayu.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/okay-calming-down/
2. Show us proof that homosexuality is considered “abnormal” by most Singaporeans. 42% of Singaporeans are Buddhists and Buddhism does not consider homosexuality as a sin or deviation.
Observer on Wed, 13th May 2009 2:36 pm
It would be a pity if the government succumbs to the pressure of these lobbyists, and does not re-appoint Mr Siew as an NMP. Mr Siew’s record speaks for itself. He has contributed more to Parliamentary debates than many of the PAP MPs.
Thio on Wed, 13th May 2009 3:02 pm
Everyone should support someone who has bravely gone where no other had done before in the political sphere. This is my submission to Reach:
I understand that there has been opposition to NMP Sew Kum Hong re-nomination for his position in the coming year.
I would like to express my strongest possible support for him. He has bravely made a stand for the civil liberties and rights of marginalised minorities in the face of targeted and organised opposition by select groups with their own private agendas and motives.
He has been able to articulate his views rationally, logically and reasonably in the face of irrational and prejudicial statements.
For Singapore to progress and move forward into an always changing global arena, we need more people like NMP Siew Kum Hong in our political sphere.
JohnnyKid on Wed, 13th May 2009 3:31 pm
NMP Siew spoke up for many Singaporeans, a portion of which are homosexuals.
Unfortunately, in speaking up for homosexuals, he earned the wrath of a small group of people who are obsessed with anal sex between strangers. They not only want it banned, they also want the rest of us to think it is as evil as theft and murder without providing any rational reasons. The same goes for other issues like abortion, premarital sex and stem cell research.
They want NMP Siew out as revenge for him going against their agenda. The majority of Singaporeans do not benefit from having NMP Siew forced out.
JohnnyKid on Wed, 13th May 2009 3:32 pm
NMP Siew spoke up for many Singaporeans, a portion of which are homosexuals.
Unfortunately, in speaking up for homosexuals, he earned the wrath of a small group of people who are obsessed with anal sex between strangers. They not only want it banned, they also want the rest of us to think it is as evil as theft and murder without providing any rational reasons. The same goes for other issues like abortion, premarital sex and stem cell research.
They want NMP Siew out as revenge for him going against their agenda. The majority of Singaporeans do not benefit from NMP Siew being forced out.
Nobody on Wed, 13th May 2009 3:39 pm
Excellent clarification by Lau Min-tsek.
We must give Mr Siew Kum Hong the credit as he dare to stick his head out and stand with the old guard early on before the Aware EGM. How many prominent public figures have come out to make a clear stand on the controverial topic? Why didn’t Thio Li-An come out and support the ex-new exco openly?
If Mr Siew had stood up for the old guard only after the EGM, then he really doesn’t deserve to be an NMP. The fact is he didn’t. So, he has my support.
CT on Wed, 13th May 2009 3:44 pm
>42% of Singaporeans are Buddhists and Buddhism does not consider homosexuality as a sin or deviation.
Where u get yr facts from? I am a Buddhist, and many of my Buddhist friends consider homosexuality as abnormal, I had never seen in any of my Buddhist’s teaching that homosexuality is normal, although I have many LGBT friends.
This would be my last time to come to WP site, full of rubbish!
admin on Wed, 13th May 2009 3:52 pm
Hi CT,
You and your friends are obviously nominal Buddhists in name only who have never read the ancient Buddhist scriptures in the Pali Canon:
“There is nothing in the Buddha’s teachings to justify condemnation of homosexuality or homosexual acts. It seems to me that many gays and lesbians, particularly in Western countries, are drawn to Buddhism because of its tolerance and its reluctance to draw rigid moral lines”
http://www.enabling.org/ia/vipassana/Archive/T/Trembath/buddhismAndHomosexualityTrembath.html
Nowhere in the Theravada or Mahayana sutras are any there instances in which the Buddha condemns the practice of homosexuality as a sin.
The third precept of Buddhism refers to sexual misconduct as adultery which does not cover sexual orientation.
We suggest you read up more on Buddhism here:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org
Exposer on Wed, 13th May 2009 4:49 pm
All you narrow people down here who cite to bring down Siew, AWARE is just one aspect where Siew share his thought and support, there are other things more worrying that need people like Siew to speak up for people. Out of 82 MPs, how many are kangaroos and subversient to their own backside only ? You know the answer, majority don’t speak up for you neither do they want to share their view for fear of retaliation. Siew is at least fearless and stand by his view consistently and blatantly as a person and in parliament that so far none ever do so like him. The first step is stop been cowardice and Siew has shown that he is no a coward unlike most kangaroo MPs, and he has his own view. It is this aspect that we should give Siew a benefit of doubt and it is his strong conviction to do the right thing that we should dominate him. At this time, we need dedicated people not him not coward MP.
Because of AWARE you stop nominate Siew then next time stop coming here to complain about the MPs and kangaroos , not speaking up for you against government’s policy. Stop been brain-dead Singaporean.
JohnnyKid on Wed, 13th May 2009 4:56 pm
It is grossly inaccurate to claim that the majority of Singaporeans are against homosexuals.
42% of Singaporeans are Buddhists and Buddhism does not condemn homosexuality as a sin.
The stand by people of other religions is mixed but given the progressive nature of our society, it is far fetched to think that they bound by religious doctrine to condemn homosexuality outright. Our Muslim women don’t dress from head to toe in black, and are allowed to speak to men, aren’t they?
One point to note is that there is a huge difference between feeling uncomfortable with homosexual acts, and condemning homosexuals as evil abnormal subhumans. The majority of Singaporeans are uncomfortable with homosexual acts, just like how they are uncomfortable with public displays of affection, or young women dressing sexily but they do not think these should be made illegal nor treated as sinful as murder and theft. Nonetheless, the Christian Extremists like to blur this line so that they can claim to represent the majority when this is furthest from the truth.
kalama on Wed, 13th May 2009 4:58 pm
To CT,
The Buddha’s criteria of right and wrong is not based on ideas of ‘natural/normal’ or ‘unnatural/abnormal’ which are usually social constructions, but on the intention behind the act.
Most traditional Buddhist countries do not criminalized homosexuality per se, although of course there were penalties against homosexual rape and homosexual acts with minors just as there were for similar offences committed by heterosexuals.
Alwin Loi on Wed, 13th May 2009 5:17 pm
ed, are you blackmailing? that is also a potential law suit. to call a party as ultra right wing does not constitute as defamation unless the party feels offended. but then again why should the party feel offended and ashamend about that labelling considering their act is for everyone to see. no need to act blur if you do not know what ultra right wing is like or how it acts.
Outsider on Wed, 13th May 2009 5:37 pm
To me, in this busy world, many would simply neither have the luxury of time nor the inclination to ‘read up’ further on such matters.
In any case, I would have thought that a belief in the occcidental doctrine of reincarnation would have once and for all obviated the need for all arguments on this issue of ’same-gender’ relationships.
This is to me the most satisfactory, though far-fetched to many, explanation why men in apparently macho bodies think and behave like women, and why apparently dainty or utterly ‘chio’ (sexy) women can also think and behave like males of the species.
Acceptance of this doctrine also augurs well for the gender equality or feminist movement.
George on Wed, 13th May 2009 5:46 pm
If Mr Siew is not re-elected, it is to save the rest of the ruling party MPs from further embarrassment.
Siew has shown them up time and again, even as he is getting mere pittance compared to what the regualr MPs get for doing sweet fanny adams.
ThinkingSoul on Wed, 13th May 2009 6:08 pm
To Admin, brilliant post.
To CT, a truly practising buddhist will try to uphold the Buddhist Principles of Detachment, Non-Judgement, Unconditional Acceptance, Compassion and Magnonimity for all fellow Sentient Beings.
Buddhist are not supposed to preach and adopt a “Hollier Than Thou” attitude, instead they should instill in their own character trait that resembles The Buddha or The Bodhisatvas, to be truly compassion and to try to understand the suffering and struggles of fellow Sentient Beings.
There are many Singapore Buddhist Associations that locate their offices in the Geylang Area, simply because they do not “judge” the place or the people like the way common people do. They are there to be compassionate, to support and to educate the Sentient Beings to choose The Bodhisatvas’s Path.
Buddhism is Beautiful, truly a Class of Its Own.
JKOH2007 (YOUTUBE) on Wed, 13th May 2009 6:52 pm
minority singaporeans, such as GAYS Will have their voice heard…
Anonymous on Wed, 13th May 2009 8:17 pm
FOR THOSE WHO SUPPORT SIEW KUM HONG, PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS HERE TOO: http://app.reach.gov.sg/reach/TalkAbuzz/SnapshotsofHotIssues/tabid/233/ctl/Details/mid/917/ItemID/82/Default.aspx
Ah kow on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:49 pm
See what i mean, don’t offend these Taliban, they will go after you.
1 by 1 << Say it like trailer in the Harper’s Island.
Sorry, I support Botak Siew for standing up to those influential and powerful bullies.
Cappella on Wed, 13th May 2009 11:50 pm
To CT,
Buddhism does not advocate homosexuality as abnormal. The Buddha warns us all of hanging on to the nature of duality: normal/abnormal, good/bad, etc is what leads us to all these sufferings in the world. In both the Mahayana and Theravada beliefs, there is no single scripture that condemns homosexuality.
In Thailand, there are many guys (who are homosexual in character) and went through the ritual of becoming a monk when they are 18 years old. The temples did not condemn nor despise them and leave them out of the process.
As one of Buddhist among the 42%, and together with the other Buddhists I know around me, we all respect heterosexuals and homosexuals, for we all comes from very same Earth and Samsara.
To the rest:
The prejudice against the homosexuals reminds me of how the Western countries used to think that blacks are low class, even more beneath their own pets back in the 16th to 19th century. It took 300 years of humanity to change that perception, and I will say it may take longer for human beings to realise that prejudice against a certain group of people will only make the world more miserable.
Ah kow on Thu, 14th May 2009 12:49 am
I thought the case finish already. Learnt a few lessons and be wiser of what is going around us. But see this thread and worst see another NMP nomination, with the same group of “Concern parents” talking the same old thing again. Their minds are fully occupied by negative thoughts of gays and sex. I think they will go to bed thinking about 1) gays, 2) sex, 3) do covert operation, 90% sex related thoughts, that is why they talk nothing but sex related and homo. They should go and do some no-attachment charity work, that way, they spread more love than hatred.
anonymous on Thu, 14th May 2009 12:57 am
at leaast botak hong do something lar.. better than eunice olsen NMP only good for opening letters at wheel of fortune..
Alan Wong on Thu, 14th May 2009 1:09 am
NMP Siew Kum Hong has on many occasions shown to us that he is indeed capable of providing an alterview view on many issues affecting Singaporeans. Based on his own credentials alone, I am sure he can beat any of the current crop of mundane PAP Yes-men or women should he stand in for election.
I am sure the majority of we Singaporean peasants will definitely not hesitate to support him should he choose to stand election in any constituency and of course not forgetting those courageous women who have spoken up during the Aware saga.
It will indeed be a loss to PAP if he is not nominated as a NMP. Singapore is definitely short of such opposition talent.
In fact I will suggest that he should stand for election in the same constituency as our PM and then we can witness for ourselves as to who will be more popular. I’ll bet that he will have nothing to lose.
Exposer on Thu, 14th May 2009 3:15 am
Those who think Eunice Olsen is useless, think thrice. Joker Lee no longer can buy supporter’s vote blatantly but he can make use of Eunice Olsen to ATTRACT supporter’s vote instead. LOL… YWith oungster and Ah Peh that full of fantasy, Eunice Olsen might just be the secret weapons for PAP for submissive votes.
Tan on Thu, 14th May 2009 5:30 am
who says NMP must be neutral? If gays need representation they should be entitled
to. They have equal rights as citizens though I do not care for their lifestyle andas long
as they do not force their lifestyle on the general public. Similarly Christian fundamentalist are entitled to their moral codes and lifestyle but it’s their crusading
to impose their extremist views n morals on the public that must be vigorously
opposed. Extremists of religion is the most dangerous to society as religion is
ultimately based on blind faith n not logic. Extremist in religion must dominate
or be destroyed. Religion should be kept in private space or this society will
unravel very quickly.
ed on Thu, 14th May 2009 6:56 am
@ Alwin
Ok you win! please continue to do whatever you like.
that was not to blackmail you, it was just an advice.
not sure what i can use to blackmail you with too actually.
not as smart as you are. you obviously is the most impartial and intelligent person on earth that i am not able to argue with. good on you.
May you have a long and cheerful life and may your kids bear more kids and have a long and cheerful life too.
@all of the rest
Well done. All of you obviously feel very strongly about this issue. some from a religious point of view and others from a more pragmatic point of view. There is no absolute right or wrong in the argument just in difference of opinions. So lets agree to disagree. But please dun let this stop here only.
Go out there, convince others about your point and get their support. That is what activism is all about. So go out there, get it done! Maybe someday we might even meet somewhere on the streets and then we can try to convince each other then.
I will definitely be going out there and try to present my point of view to others.
Robox on Thu, 14th May 2009 7:21 am
Re: “If you notice carefully, all these posters are against Mr Siew’s reappointment as NMP on very shallow grounds in order to obsfuscate the crux of the matter:
1. Mr Siew supports and promotes homosexuality.
2. Mr Siew took side in the Aware EGM.
3. The majority of Singaporeans do not accept Mr Siew.”
The writers you speak of also accuse Siew Kum Hong of ‘flouting’the law; that would have to be the fourth point on your list.
Incidentally, he never did. Break the law, that is.
On the contrary, he was defending the Contitutional Article that S 377 and 377a contravened – the legal equality clause. It was the PAP governmnet who was – and still is – breaking the law in violation of the Constitution.
On related matter, read the latest by Alex Au:
http://www.yawningbread.org/arch_2009/yax-1023.htm
Funny on Thu, 14th May 2009 11:14 am
Huh….please dun blame christians only for anti gay thingy….u think islam or jews allow that? U tink all nominal buddhists like homosexuals? If this is the will of the majority of singaporeans, then fine but the lack is 27-28% of singaporeans being christians or muslim automatically would naturally be anti homosexual….then u say all the 72% would be pro homosexual?? From so many singaporean buddhists point of view (nominal or not), them coming from a buddhist club, they are mostly anti homosexual as well….
reachme2003 on Thu, 14th May 2009 12:15 pm
i support s k hong for another term. he has spoken on many issues fervently when compared to many others. as for homosexuality, he was speaking up against discrimination. I do not favour the promotion of homosexuality, but non-discriminatory approach gets my support.
xtrocious on Thu, 14th May 2009 12:56 pm
For those people operating on “faith”, logic is obviously not an important or needed factor…sigh
Anyway, I think Siew has done more to advance the civil engagement in our parliament than any other MP or NMP, except maybe the now legendary Tan Soo Koon…
a_voice on Thu, 14th May 2009 7:34 pm
NMP’s have a moral obligation.
Their actions in public do not go unnoticed.
So for an NMP to say that what he/she does is in a personal capacity is bogus.
Especially if it was obvious that the actions will be captured in the news.
Actions taken in the public domain have to be accounted for.
Else, in my opinion, it would be irresponsible and niave of the NMP to think otherwise.
Or perhaps there is more to hide than what he/she says?
If so, can the public trust and believe in him/her, then?
Should the NMP come clean?
If not, the NMP should not stand for nomination.
ick! on Fri, 15th May 2009 12:39 am
He says that he should not be judged on ‘his activities carried out in his personal capacity.’ Pleassssseee this is exactly what they did to Josie and Co, find out what they do on sundays, search out their church, record what their pastor said in church, stir up anti-christian sentiments, keep harping on the fact that Christianity is not pro-homosexuality.
Look at your own dirty fingers. You say there is no middle ground for existence. There was till you razed it to the ground. Look at how you treated other people at the AGM. The new guards felt threatened but so did their supporters. Giving hostile stares to people who don’t support your cause. Oh no I don’t dare not want someone who isn’t able to support one side and still be able to understand where the other party is coming from. I don’t dare not want him for my NMP, I might get death threats. What a step foward for civil society indeed. I quote the New Paper, ‘no right to reduce his re-nomination to just one issue (homosexuality)’. Well, you dig your grave and so you must lie in it. He pinpointed the new guards and so did the media, that it was all about homosexuality when the new guards kept saying they wanted to help women and mentor women into corporate positions. Oh but no, they didn’t take in that balanced view at all. Well now that he has drawn attention to his cause for homosexuality, he should be proud of it.
You want sensible and rational minds. Well i didn’t see any sensibility to how he rouse the swearing and jeering crowd at women whose only crime was to serve other women and ensure their children not receive an education that was contradictory to their beliefs. He judged other people by their personal preferences, so let’s see if his personal actions and behavior stand up to the test.
So what now? Everyone who doesn’t support Mr Siew’s re-nomination is anti-gay?
mataikan on Fri, 15th May 2009 8:42 am
Why are these people so afraid of gays? Seriously what’s wrong? What do you expect these people to do? Repression?
Who's afraid of the astroturf? on Sun, 17th May 2009 11:21 pm
And the blind ol astroturfers goes on and on.
Just like the Duracel rabbit.
What fuels them?
Is it divine spiritual power from above?
Wow! It MUST be something ‘good’ then?
Blind by their faith, they just can’t see.
Oh poor souls. Don’t worry, its not your fault.
Carry on dancing on your astroturf,
cos ya, the big bad wolf will come,
and eat you up before kingdom come.
Seriously folks. I just can’t ‘tahan’ these astroturfing nutcases who are hogging every available internet forums like locust swarms.
Well said Johnnykid. Haha, Christian Taliban?
Oh oh… I think I’m going to get cursed by the ’swarms’ for this. I’d better get my anti-locust spray ready.
"By reason of Common Sense" on Mon, 18th May 2009 10:20 pm
I vote for Siew Kum HOng! I am thankful for his courage to stand on his beliefs and on his values. Whether he spoke for AWARE or not, the war-cry of the outraged at the under-handedness of the COOS who hijacked AWARE was unstoppable.
cc on Tue, 19th May 2009 4:43 pm
The world is in crisis after crisis and all of you are debating on this? Really WAYANG.
Please move on……
garisan MERAH on Tue, 19th May 2009 5:13 pm
1st christian fundies call we “peasants”, “commoners” and “lesser mortals”. Then, they take away our social activists, then they take away MPs who stand up for we peasants (and replace with inapt, arogant ones). soon no one willing to stand up for the common ple.