Interview,Newspaper Feature
‘Give new exco time’
With regard to the ongoing—and very sensational!—controversy between the old and the new leaderships of Aware, Singapore’s best known women’s organisation, the Sunday Times asked for my views to be included in their feature, which appeared in their 26 April 2009 issue
Dr Catherine Lim, 67
Author and political commentator
‘On the personal level, I am a liberal, and hence emotionally take my stand with those who will support gays, lesbians, pro-lifers, etc. if I believe they – and indeed fellow human beings in general – are being unfairly treated.
But on the level of public opinion and judgment, I believe that personal emotions should be assiduously got out of the way, to leave room for only facts and considerations based on democratic processes and the due operations of law.
In this particular case of the Aware debacle, it is clear that the change of leadership was legitimate and democratic, although unusual, unexpected and even shocking.
My stand therefore is to let the new leadership prove itself. They have already stated that they are committed to the principles upon which Aware was founded. Give them time to prove this commitment.
If it turns out to be otherwise, that’s an issue that can be dealt with in its own time and place. But to judge the new leadership on suspicions and speculations is, to me, not quite right.
Singapore as a nation prides itself on being a pluralistic, inclusive and open society that readily adapts to changing conditions, which is why, for instance, a traditionally conservative government has recently taken a more relaxed stance towards homosexuals, since they contribute well to the economic and artistic life of society.
But it is still an ambivalent stand: The laws against homosexual behaviour, paradoxically, remain. This sending out of mixed signals has encouraged two opposing groups, the liberals and the conservatives, to see this period as the best and most opportune time to push their own agenda.
Currently, we are seeing the moral issue of homosexuality as the centre of the conflict between the old and the new leaderships of Aware.
In the future, other related moral issues such as abortion, stem cell therapy, euthanasia and so on are likely to emerge.
Again and again, I would like to reiterate the importance, when adjudicating on sensitive moral issues at the public level, to take into account all views (no matter how repellent) and, ultimately, to consider the good of the society as a whole.
This is never easy, and compromises will have to be made, but it is the whole nature of the democratic processes that as a society we have embraced.
I expect that after all the emotional venting, the old and new guard of Aware will simply calm down, take sensible stock of the situation and see what they should do next.
I certainly hope that the saga will not reach a stage when the Government will have to intervene. Oh dear no, that will be about the worst that can happen in a state where the people already depend too much on the Government to make decisions for them.
The worst possible scenario: Organisations cry help whenever they can’t resolve their problems, the Government comes in, solves the problem quickly in accordance with its policies, there follows a steady politicisation of all social, moral and cultural issues, and eventually civic society is permanently enfeebled.’
Reports by Jamie Ee Wen Wei, Nur Dianah Suhaimi and Debbie Yong
May 1st, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Hi Ms Catherine, =)
While I agree with most of what you have mentioned, I wonder if it is right to consider the change of leadership democratic.
My understanding of democracy is one whereby there is an open flow of information for civil discourses to take place, and for people to make informed decision.
In the case of the AGM, it is obvious that the new ex-co deliberately withheld information and planned the takeover with stealth. In that sense, even though it was conducted in accordance to the rules and regulations i.e. it was legitimate, it was nevertheless undemocratic. It would be a logical fallacy to equate democracy with legitimacy.
Hence, it is my personal belief that the change of leadership is legitimate, but not democratic. To say otherwise would have tarnished the name of democracy lest people might think that democratic processes are about treachery and how to game the system. =)
Warmest Regard.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:28 pm
It is typical of these liberals who are usually highly educated, English-speaking and holding high positions/ positions of power (especially in the media) where they are able to influence events. They are always so vocal and noisy and ever ready to fight their cause. But, does it mean that the silent majority agrees and/or identifies with them. My understanding of AWARE’s position from the beginning of it’s creation was that they are a group created in support of women’s rights. I belief I speak for the silent majority that what has transpired recently showed that their constitution are more inclusive than simply looking after the welfare of women in general. Also, by opening up to the male gender into the fold is also a strategy and avenue to provide the third gender a platform to support the old guard’s liberal ideas and to push for change in society to allow for gay rights. I was given to think that AWARE was always involved in women’s problems but now we all know that they have other agendas as well. It is clear that this is subtlety and misleading the silent majority who are still conservative and traditional minded. Asians in general are not against the third gender but there is a line drawn where they are concerned. We embrace the western concept of tolerance but not to such an extend where it is so open and even allowing for gay marriages. Take what is good and discard what is bad.
I’m sorry, but, AWARE, stick to women’s welfare. If the gay movement wants to be heard, let them start their own society and not hide behind the folds of AWARE’s skirt. Then, we’ll see how supportive are the silent majority towards them. FYI, in both my daughters’ school there are so many lesbians, butch, bitch, etc. God knows what else they call themselves, and I dont see the school authorities doing something about it. This has been going on for years, from primary up to secondary school. What counseling is there? This is just the tip of the iceberg and if the school authorities dont do something, our future generation will be faced with more of such problems. Of course the liberals will fire on all cylinders if they see my comment. They always like a good fight and. I couldnt care less. There’s more to comment but not enough space but, what to do?
May 4th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Hi, Catherine,
I have homosexual friends and I respect them for what they are. However, with this AWARE saga, it has brought to light the content of the CSE programs conducted by the current AWARE team. As a parent myself, I am very concern.
What’s your view on this? Thank you.
Cheers
June 22nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
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