The Wikileaks Revelation of Singapore

Thanks to Wikileaks, we know what the diplomats were thinking

Background

"The United States diplomatic cables leak, widely known as Cablegate, began in February 2010 when WikiLeaks—a non-profit organization that publishes submissions from anonymous whistleblowers—began releasing classified cables that had been sent to the U.S. State Department by 274 of its consulates, embassies, and diplomatic missions around the world." [Wikipedia]

Citations

Wikileaks: Singapore Embassy

Original Wikileaks cables

Diary of Singaporean Mind

Summary of interesting facts about Singapore from Wikileaks. "Deliberate lack of transparency in Temasek Holdings", "Govt does not want more Singaporeans to have degrees", "Lack of independence of Singapore judiciary in political cases", "Sustainablility of Singapore economic model", "Singapore's uncaring elite", "Frustration among Singapore journalists over govt control"

Comments

The content of the cables indicate that the 'internal' policies can be different than 'external' policies which are known to the public. The cables also suggest that public perception is affected by the lack of information available to the masses.

The Freedom of Press

A group of Singaporean independent activists held a demonstration outside the Singapore Press Holdings’ News Centre building on May 3 2008 via TOC.

Background

"2012 Freedom of the Press report"..."classified Singapore’s level of press freedom as 'Not Free'”. [TRE]

Citations

The Guardian

"The media is largely state-owned. Defamation and contempt laws threaten dissent."

Yahoo! News Singapore

"WikiLeaks: Significant gov’t pressure put on ST editors"

TR Emeritus

"At 149, Singapore’s ranking is worse than countries like Cambodia (143), Congo (142), Ethiopia (137), Zimbabwe (133), Libya (131), Angola (130), Algeria (125)."

Comments

I pity the journalists working at SPH having to work under such strict control. It is also very difficult for SPH to regain the trust and credibility lost which causes it to lose some readers.

The 16 Feb 2013 Protest Against Population White Paper

5000 people were estimated to attend the event via Singapore Election Watch

Background

A gathering was organised to show displeasure against the government's Population White Paper. The upper estimate of 6.9 million people by 2030 angers many people who are already complaining of overcrowding. In June 2012, the population was 5.31 million [Population White Paper].

Citations

Yawning Bread

Summary of talks and videos. "The protest held on Saturday, 16 February 2013, against the government’s 6.9 million population White Paper saw the second largest crowd ever at Hong Lim Park."

Facebook Event

"Protest against the 6.9 million population target by 2030. We welcome foreigners to join us for the event as we are discussing mainly on the flawed policies of the government."

Comments

Showing displeasure by gathering at a designated public place peacefully is better than rioting and throwing expletives online. Attending such event is also a way to display disagreement. This is better than bottling such emotions and harbouring negative emotions. In other words, it is a stress-relieving event.

The Population White Paper

Thousands of people gathered to show displeasure regarding Population White Paper via Al Jazeera

Background

"The paper, released by the National Population and Talent Division, said the total population could range between 6.5 and 6.9 million by 2030." [Yahoo! News Singapore]

Citations

Yahoo! News Singapore

"The projection sparked furious online reactions from citizens, with some saying it was time to emigrate."

Al Jazeera

"An aging population coupled with dwindling birth rates, escalating housing prices, overcrowding, and caving infrastructure are just some of the factors responsible for the rising dissent among Singaporeans."

Comments

Singapore is already one of the most crowded countries in the world. Further growth in population will only lead to larger problems associated with overcrowding. Are there plans to tackle these problems? How do we expect the population to change after 2030?

The Treatment of Lynn Lee

Lynn and James from Lianain Films

Background

Lynn Lee is a film director from Lianain Films. She interviewed two PRC bus drivers who went on strike. The two PRC bus drivers complained of ill treatment in their interviews. Lynn was then subjected to much questioning too.

Citations

Lianain Films

"It was during this interview that I started wondering seriously if I, rather than the alleged perpetrators, was the one being investigated."

Asian Correspondent

"What – or who – are the police actually investigating here?"

Comments

This story does not give a good impression of the police in Singapore.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

Without civil rights for everyone, Obama won't be the President of USA

Background

Singapore has not signed this international civil rights treaty.

Citations

Wikipedia

"is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 16, 1966, and in force from March 23, 1976. It commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, electoral rights and rights to due process and a fair trial. As of March 2012, the Covenant had 74 signatories and 167 parties."

Comments

I don't see any reason why Singapore should not sign this international treaty.