Finally finished the book by Mr JB Jeyaretnam. Took me couple of months. Cos each time after reading, I need to soothe away the anger and injustice I felt before picking up the book again. The contents are heavy and dry (for someone like me who know nuts about law). However if one do continue on reading it, one will be able to gain an insight to the workings of the Government and what goes on in the Parliament. An insight that probably is untwisted and has never been published by the media.
I must say I feel ashamed of myself. Ashamed that when I saw Mr Jeyaretnam in Shenton Way some years back promoting his book, I simply walked past him just like the many office workers in the area, without even passing a glance in his direction, when in actual fact I already saw him from a distance. I just ignored him. To think that this very man, at that very moment, was helping us (people who didn't care a damn to the man standing there holding out his book to us) fight for our rights. The man who despite facing laughter and snigger each time he speaks in the Parliament, who despite lawsuits and all obstacles, continued to speak up for us Singaporeans, when it would have been safer and easier to keep silent.
Perhaps I am not in the position to say much, as myself, a true blue Singaporean has too much fear instilled in me since I came to know of my voting rights. Nevertheless, I'm glad I picked up this book after 4 years since its publication. I don't totally agree on everything in the book, however, am still happy that I have a chance to read it. And I'm glad to have this avenue for voicing my thoughts.
I love Singapore. And I'm always proud to tell people I'm from Singapore when I travel. A safe, clean and green country, ranking top in our airline, port, infrastructure etc. Watching the National Day Parade each year, listening to the National Anthem and songs of Singapore always make me tear. I know its silly, but I'm touched by those who put in so much effort to make the parade a success and those who took the time off to queue way in advance for the sake of celebrating the nation's birthday. I thank my god that I'm being reincarnated in this country.
However now I have to say, I'm disillusioned. I realised that I've been living in "suppression and injustice" (in my own context) for the nearly 30 years of my life, along with my fellow friends and family. The democracy which we since kids in school have learned does not seem what it is supposed to be afterall. I begin to wonder, is this how I deserved to be treated for all the love I have for the country? Is this what the people out there who love and contributed in their own parts to the country deserve? How come nobody speaks up?? Oh yes, I've forgotten, there isn't really such thing as "Freedom of Speech". Isn't that ironic for a country who boasts of being world-class and democratic? But the worse part is most of us, avoided those who stood firm for us, those who dared to speak up for us, like plague. And I am ashamed of that. I am ashamed that I was one of these people.
It is scary that everyone just seemed to accept things as they are, and as time goes by, this fake democracy has slowly and very subtly crept into our lives. Truth has been twisted. We have been blinded by all the praises of how world-class our country is that we failed to look inner and question "what about the people?" "are we truly happy?" "do we have a voice?" "do we have a say in our country's future?" Have we forgotten how to question? Or is it just fear?
My heart goes out to those who are still ignorant of this, for much has been done to mask the truth. And for those who know, I share your thoughts that in this current situation, there isn't much we can do. One thing, however I think I can do, the next time if I do see Mr JB Jeyaretnam on the street, I will go up to him, shake his hands and thank him for all he has done for us.
It is a beautiful day today. So I'm not going to harp on this subject in case it fouls my mood. Will be going for a swim and sauna to celebrate the good weather.
And SY, I don't have Chinese MTV here. I chanced upon this MTV website. It is where I found the SHE MTV. I posted the link of the MTV in the blog. Do go watch the MTV if you have time. It always manage to wet my eyes each time and sets me thinking how great love can be.
Gandhi said :
"When I despair, I remember that all through history, the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall — think of it, always."
I must say I feel ashamed of myself. Ashamed that when I saw Mr Jeyaretnam in Shenton Way some years back promoting his book, I simply walked past him just like the many office workers in the area, without even passing a glance in his direction, when in actual fact I already saw him from a distance. I just ignored him. To think that this very man, at that very moment, was helping us (people who didn't care a damn to the man standing there holding out his book to us) fight for our rights. The man who despite facing laughter and snigger each time he speaks in the Parliament, who despite lawsuits and all obstacles, continued to speak up for us Singaporeans, when it would have been safer and easier to keep silent.
Perhaps I am not in the position to say much, as myself, a true blue Singaporean has too much fear instilled in me since I came to know of my voting rights. Nevertheless, I'm glad I picked up this book after 4 years since its publication. I don't totally agree on everything in the book, however, am still happy that I have a chance to read it. And I'm glad to have this avenue for voicing my thoughts.
I love Singapore. And I'm always proud to tell people I'm from Singapore when I travel. A safe, clean and green country, ranking top in our airline, port, infrastructure etc. Watching the National Day Parade each year, listening to the National Anthem and songs of Singapore always make me tear. I know its silly, but I'm touched by those who put in so much effort to make the parade a success and those who took the time off to queue way in advance for the sake of celebrating the nation's birthday. I thank my god that I'm being reincarnated in this country.
However now I have to say, I'm disillusioned. I realised that I've been living in "suppression and injustice" (in my own context) for the nearly 30 years of my life, along with my fellow friends and family. The democracy which we since kids in school have learned does not seem what it is supposed to be afterall. I begin to wonder, is this how I deserved to be treated for all the love I have for the country? Is this what the people out there who love and contributed in their own parts to the country deserve? How come nobody speaks up?? Oh yes, I've forgotten, there isn't really such thing as "Freedom of Speech". Isn't that ironic for a country who boasts of being world-class and democratic? But the worse part is most of us, avoided those who stood firm for us, those who dared to speak up for us, like plague. And I am ashamed of that. I am ashamed that I was one of these people.
It is scary that everyone just seemed to accept things as they are, and as time goes by, this fake democracy has slowly and very subtly crept into our lives. Truth has been twisted. We have been blinded by all the praises of how world-class our country is that we failed to look inner and question "what about the people?" "are we truly happy?" "do we have a voice?" "do we have a say in our country's future?" Have we forgotten how to question? Or is it just fear?
My heart goes out to those who are still ignorant of this, for much has been done to mask the truth. And for those who know, I share your thoughts that in this current situation, there isn't much we can do. One thing, however I think I can do, the next time if I do see Mr JB Jeyaretnam on the street, I will go up to him, shake his hands and thank him for all he has done for us.
It is a beautiful day today. So I'm not going to harp on this subject in case it fouls my mood. Will be going for a swim and sauna to celebrate the good weather.
And SY, I don't have Chinese MTV here. I chanced upon this MTV website. It is where I found the SHE MTV. I posted the link of the MTV in the blog. Do go watch the MTV if you have time. It always manage to wet my eyes each time and sets me thinking how great love can be.
Gandhi said :
"When I despair, I remember that all through history, the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall — think of it, always."
