Something to Tell and Share
No official reply to my open letter
I’ve been asked whether there was any official reply to my Open Letter to the Prime Minister which appeared many weeks ago on my website. No, there has been none. Reuters recently contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but they declined to comment.
Was I disappointed? Yes, very. In casting my latest political commentary in the rather provocative format of an open letter, I was hoping to elicit some response from the Prime Minister himself, especially on the very sensitive topic of the climate of fear and the absence of political liberties in Singapore. Whatever his response, it would have provided a useful starting point for discussion and debate among interested and concerned Singaporeans, on what I feel is a very important matter.
Why was there no official reaction? One can only surmise. But I think the main reason is this: the present PAP Government will allow open debate ONLY on those topics that have created a public hue and cry, such as the emotionally-charged issues of CPF, the casinos, homosexuality. (This concession is actually a step forward from the old dispensation under Mr Lee Kuan Yew, when public consultation was an unheard of thing, and policy decisions were strictly and purely top-down) The issue of political freedom, however, is too abstract, maybe even too elitist, and certainly too removed from the exigencies of day-to-day living in our down-to-earth, materialistic society, to ever fire up enough Singaporeans to force the government to pay attention and allow discussion ( all of which exactly suit the PAP leaders ) I expect this state of affairs to go on for many years to come.
So will I give up trying? At age 65, I can’t count on another 14 years of active political engagement through my lectures and commentaries. But obstinacy need not be a bad thing, and I suppose I’ll go on playing my role as ’self-appointed Government gadfly’ for as long as I can!
December 20th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Hi Catherine,
Firstly, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Just as what I have had expected. Why would they want to subject themselves to ‘liberties’ and ‘cross-examinations’ in another domain. Clearly, it is to their disadvantage and worse, lose reputation.
“Demagoguery means exploiting ours fears for political gain. Demagogues have always promised security in return for the surrender of freedom”. – al gore
December 20th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Hi Catherine,
Just want to tell u that u r a great novelist. However, I don’t believe you realize how much harm you are really doing when you keep on telling us all of us there is this mysterious thing called the climate of fear.
As a lecturer shouldn’t you be more specific and pointed in your claims?
Anyone can be a generalist, but I feel in this case, it really doesn’t add much value to the whole political discussion.
Have a nice day.
December 20th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Greetings Ma’am,
I applaud you for being that obstinate gadfly. Good of you! Best of luck to everyone who pushes against the odd silence, in which barely anybody’s voice can be heard. Let us all scream the house down, to shatter those giant white earmuffs.
-SS
December 20th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Dear Catherine,
We need more obstinate ‘gadflies’ like you to have the courage and honesty to wake up these sickening PAP politicians before Singapore goes down.
The PAP government do not own Singapore but Singaporeans do! And Singaporeans do have the right to a decent freedom of speech – the freedom to express their views openly without fear.
Creating an environment of fear is just a cowardice act and suing those who speak unfavourablly of a regime (which are basically true) has deeply entrenched an apathetic attitude among Singaporeans that it will gradually lead towards the downfall of country that has so much potential.
The only people to be blamed is Singaporeans themselves. What more can ‘gadflies’ say but to watch in sadness and frustration.
Regards AY
December 20th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Hello Catherine,
I don’t have much to say but I just want to thank you for speaking out against the undemocratic, totalitarian PAP.
-chetan
December 21st, 2007 at 1:36 am
>government do not own Singapore but Singaporeans do
ah..but with all the listed companies, the shareholders have little control over what the company does, the board of directors controls
in fact, the way singaporeans grumble about the government is awfully similar to how shareholders complain at AGMs
December 21st, 2007 at 1:44 am
>No official reply
but I assume you receive private feedback from some of the MPs and even ministers, and the longer articles (like the one that appeared in ST a couple of years ago) may even reflect some of their views
in any case, the failure of the local media to report the content is a kind of reply; after all, they alreay know the ideas you expressed
December 21st, 2007 at 9:41 am
HI Caterine, Merry Christmas !
I didn’t expect them to. Replying would be a somewhat admission of creating the current stifling (choking more like) political climate. Have they not told us to stand amongst the ranks of the Oppposition if we want to criticize so that we can be in the line of fire? My Christmas Wish is for Singaporeans to think more critically and not believe all that is claimed by the press. Let’s hope a few mroe Christmases will bring more Wisdom to the Electorate to give Ourselves Voices to be heard!
December 21st, 2007 at 5:57 pm
I don’t know which is worse…..the climate of fear in Singapore OR Singaporeans who say the climate of fear is a “mysterious thing”??!!!
Sheesh……….
December 21st, 2007 at 7:07 pm
mysterious, no, but not a simple story either; people willing to spend the time could try reading this
http://sinazen.com/neoconfucianism
December 21st, 2007 at 7:08 pm
If you believe there is a climate of fear, then there is a climate of fear. If you try to understand it, then I believe the fear can be effectively conquered, but I don’t see the point of making it a mysterious thing, that’s as good as fearing fear it’self. How far is that going to get you?
I used to be just an admin clerk earning less than 2K and I had to support my parents with that package. I remember fearing everything, but one day I said myself, I am going to work on identifying and eliminating all my fears. I went to night classes got myself a degree and after 3 years I even managed to get better job. I still fear, but now I know how to respond to it, but what is the point of just fearing fear?
Esther (Bedok South)
December 22nd, 2007 at 1:27 am
Dear Catherine,
There is a conspiracy of silence being enforced to silence critics. Critics are relegated to the status of ‘non-persons’ and ignored unless they cross an invisible line at which they know they have the upper hand to knock you down, using the law, no less.
They don’t hear you, at least not until the next election draws near. When that happens be prepared to defend yourself as I foresee a near vicious clamping down and smearing of all foes if they even suspect that what you say amounts to a political/electioneering attack. That is the strategy being adopted. They know you can in reality do very little in the meanwhile.
Take care. You have the admiration of many Singaporeans for the valiant tasks you have set yourself. But they (govt) will you into silence – that’s what they are up to. And I think this partly because HL has to be really careful on the personal health front. That he has aged since taking over is unmistakable. The reluctant politician that he is.
December 22nd, 2007 at 5:48 pm
At one time when it was politically expedient, they rolled out the green carpet and provided you an audience. But when you rehash old issues again and these issues have since become ‘less thorny’ , they no longer feel the need to oblige. After all, you are not politically affiliated nor post sufficient threat to their stronghold. Yes, it is still a slap in the face considering your celebrity status. The insignificant people suffer no less of their arrogance except unknown to many.
But that’s their breed, that’s their kind. Their success, wealth and power earn them the right to ignore you or the people.
December 23rd, 2007 at 2:11 am
[...] there’s always the excuse which Catherine Lim summarizes succintly as follows: [T]he present PAP Government will allow open debate ONLY on those [...]
December 23rd, 2007 at 8:47 pm
The Great Devil has spoken. He has asked everyone to ignore you. And it shall be so.
That means every door will be closed to you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eIKwHJPnHo
We have all tried to fight against him, on every occasion he has proven to be almost impossible to corner. He must have done a deal, the devil only knows how to betray.
December 26th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Season’s Greetings!
You are a gadfly. Can I be a pesky mossie?
I fully agree with you that our Gahmen aspires towards high ideals. As I put in my Christmas blog update at: http://www.singaporeenbloc.blogspot.com … there is a huge distinction between: “Being Right” versus “Doing Right”.
As I quoted Shakespeare in my blog: “Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful”.
So, my dear fellow Singaporeans, fear not.
If you mean well for Singapore, if you want what is good for Singapore, if you want Singapore to be in a virtuous cycle, then … keep squawking (reply or no reply)!
December 28th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
dear catherine,
good thought and keep moving for better s’pore. Lee’s family era is over. The legacy was tarnish.
December 29th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
The political climate in Singapore is polemic. The abstruse reaction put more thought about the motives. Could it be your reputation that fits you in the category of elite as your letter presented an orderly discourse of words that precedes your knowledge of the political weather in the country?
December 31st, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Hi Catherine,
Met you a couple of years back when you gave a talk at NUSS.You entertained us with amusing stories but you actually refrained from making political comments and clevely deflected some political questions. By sending an open letter to PM,you actually signify you entry to the political arena! What makes you change your position?
January 9th, 2008 at 1:39 am
Dear Catherine, As a student of sociology of NUS, i am disappointed that talks and lectures on public policy or civil liberties often lack publicity among the student body. Often, such events are only heard of after it has occurred,(Such as the Vigil for Burma) thereby resulting in poor attendance among a growing liberal minded student body. I hope that you will still find time to conduct talks and lectures on the issue of civil relations in Singapore and that this website can be a way by which interested students like myself can finally get access to those events. We should continue to engage the minds of those who are still fresh with idealism within the University. Students like myself are not apolitical or apathetic towards issues concerning Singapore and as aspiring academics, we wish that more debate will spark off fresh ideas for a better more competitive singapore.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 am
Have been away from Singapore a lot, but when I am back for any length of time I feel claustrophobic and find the mindset stifling. Is it my imagination or have we become smug and complacent? And selfish.
And yet to go by the letters in the ST Forum, there is much we still need to do about basic things such as transport, access, civility and community.
Thank goodness for people like you, other bloggers and those who contribute in a positive way to online forums.
The government probably realises that this is a safe way for its citizens to let off steam, but I hope they also take into account that there are usually good reasons why there are grouses.
February 26th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Dear Catherine, This might not be the right RSS feed/category to write to but I thought I just write anyway. I’ve read the synopsis for The Leap Years (I remembered it as “Leap of Love” instead)and it brought back many a fond memory for me. This is so because, I do recall attending an english language workshop conducted by you in my ex-secondary school hall (during a hot and humid afternoon)where you shared with my peers a love story that was still in ‘the making’ then. The title of the story was “Leap of Love”. Yes, your workshop and “Leap of Love” did form a lasting impression on me. It has been about 10 years and it is indeed great to see a story from my girly school days be made into a film now…
Best Regards, Sue Chia
April 4th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Caherine,
Can you show the proof that the Government of Singapore using fear to govern ! This is a very very serious allegation.
If you can not show the proof then it seems that you are just another popularity seeker and in fact you truly do not have the interest of the people of singapore a your heart other than just eloquent writing…much ado about nothing.
in the name “freedom” and “democracy” based on your personal view..you just tried to accused the government and PM without a fact that they ruled by fears.
You are getting older and older and still do not get it. Be like wine..taste better as it became older.. not sour. Face it..you are a novelist but not political analyst or political commentator
If you seriously think so and get your fact right then by all means challenge the government in court or on debate on TV instead of just trying to be a popularity seeker. Perhaps, this is why the government or PM dismissed you just another problem child..not worthy of attention. It seems that they are very correct to do so.
In addition, since you are very bitter with Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, challenge him now..he is no longer PM though now MM. You did not dare to challenge him when he was in PM office instead you made critical commentary to Mr. Goh Chok Tong when he was PM in 1994..
Just to remind you and others, this is what Mr. Lee Kuan Yew said about you
” Let me put this. Supposing CATHERINE LIM was writing about me and not the prime minister (Mr. Goh Chock Tong) …SHE WOULD NOT DARE, RIGHT ? because my posture, my response has been such that nobody doubts that if you take me on, I will put on knuckle-dusters and catch you in a cul-de-sac…anybody who decides to take me on needs to put on knuckle-dusters. If you think you can hurt me more than I can hurt you,try.” Lee Kuan Yew, the man and his ideas, page 126.
What do you say to view of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew ??? So if you dare go after the man.
This is what the great statesman said about the business of government and his view on the press/media.
“My colleques and I have the responsibility to neutralise their intentions (if the press/newspaper stir up sentiments over issues of culture,language, and idealogy). in such a situation, freedom of press, freedom of news media, must be subordinated to the overriding needs of the integrity of Singapore, and to the primary purposes of an elected government.” Lee Kuan Yew,speech on international press institute, june 9, 1971.
“Singapore domestic debate is a matter of Singaporeans. We allow American journalists in Singapore in order to report Singapore to their fellow countryment. We allow their papers to sell in Singapore so that we can know what foreigners are reading about us. But we can not allow them to assume a role in Singapore that the American media play in America, that of invigilator,adversary, and inquisitor of the administration. If we allow to do so, they will radically change the nature of Singapore society, and I doubt if our social glue is strong enough to withstand such treatment” Lee Kuan yew, speech to the American Society of newspaper editors, April 4, 1998.
Further lesson on freedom and democracy…please read Mr.Lee books to see the rationale of the great statesman.
Take care.
April 20th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Oh you mean LKY said these words: If you think you can hurt me more than I hurt you, try…”? He is indeed a tough man, but only towards Singaporeans where he has absolute power. Protesters in Malaysia once held banners calling him “Anak Haram” (Bastard)and how did he respond? Sue them for defaming? No! He offered TWO UNRESERVED APOLOGIES!!!
You call this “Great Leader”? Very great indeed……
April 25th, 2008 at 2:50 am
To Fear The strong , bully the weak.
obviously you did not know him. Too bad. Don’t you know that he took on the western media ? He dare to speak his minds to any leader of the world and they respect and sought after his advice.
I do not think what you say is true. The great leader need not respond to petty and unworthy fart..he has better things to do.
And also I do not believe that he apology because he was called anak haram as you alleged..show us the proof !! just a reminder…do not accused people out of the wind..
April 27th, 2008 at 11:36 am
How much do I know him?
Taking on the western media is something all leaders dare to do. Former Malaysia PM Mathathir did that, and he was more stinging in his comments. LKY dares to take on the western media only by suing them…in Singapore! And because the western media advocated freedom of speech, they also had to respect everybody’s right to respond, including LKY!
You said the “great leader need not respond to petty and unworthy farts”, then he should not have offered any apologies! Correct? Furthermore, to be called “anak haram”(bastard) is worse than being called “liar” or “corrupted”, and he responded by suing, mostly Singaporean oppositions,but it is absolute cowardice for you to respond by offering “TWO UNRESERVED APOLOGIES”!
You want proof? Obviously you did not follow the news in 1998 when he labelled JB ” a place notorious for shooting, mugging and car-jacking” and incurred the wrath of our neighbour. Yes, he did not apologise for being called “anak haram” but that is not the response we expect from our “great Leader”!
It is just like you accidentally dirtied your neighbour’s house and before you can say “sorry”, your neighbour came and break your door and yet you still apologise! What does that show? COWRDICE OF COURSE!
I have many friends who get defensive when LKY get criticised, but many of these friends who try to potray themselves as patriots who are grateful to what LKY has done do not even know who designed the Singapore Flag, what do the red and white colurs represent and what do the moon and five stars represent! They don’t even know who wrote the Singapore Pledge! A true patriot should not be so ignorant and only a true patriot should stand up when his leader responded cowardly to absolute abuse!
May 3rd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Further to my comments regarding your sneer “obviously you do not know him”. I do not claim that I know the real LKY very well, but if you think that I do not appreciate his contributions to SG, let me tell you what I know….that LKY was a Cambridge graduate who excelled academically and was offered a f7,000 a-month-job in a law firm in London but instead he chose to return to Singapore for a $3,000 a-month-job. I don’t have to say about the rest as to how he formed the PAP and won the 1959 elections. You do not need me to lecture you on that.
Just a reminder…do not assume that all who spoke against LKY are ungrateful idiots that need some self-proclaimed patriots to remind them about what LKY had done! It is those self-proclaimed patriots that need to know how to analyse all criticisms objectively and critically instead of just idolising LKY blindly!!!
May 5th, 2008 at 4:35 am
Why waste time engaging with a robot?
May 8th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Hi Catherine, Our GP teacher once told our class- FEAR can often be equated to mean: False Education Appearing Real.
In Today’s news report, it seems that an “angry” Mr Zuo went to ask for monetary assistance from his MP; after being dismissed, he soon realised that the Police wanted him at the Station to investigate a report made. Mr Zuo went to Today instead. Was anybody a victim of False Education Appearing Real ? Students of psychology will have a field day here; – two reports one to the police, and the other to a newspaper. Such is exhibited human behaviour whether there is Fear or no Fear. Our teacher also recommended us to read the political classic, “The Prince”, and I am sure you have read it too. Thank you for your refreshing forums as always.
August 11th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Dear Catherine, There is no point for a challenge to the goverment to answer your question. Result will be controversed, no win nor lost, right nor wrong…. We’ve progress to this stage where you could see and feel the dominant-attitudes of the upper-class whether in shopping malls or driving on the road. Therefore, whatever new rules or laws and the more the better because it will tighten would-be movements.New rules or laws resulted from the mass own-faults and that’s always the case, Freedom of speech is not the mass’ needs or wants.
January 4th, 2009 at 1:28 am
很好ï¼
February 21st, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Dear Catharine, What do you expect. Do you think that you are speaking to your equals and demand a response?