This letter was sent to ST Forum on 12 December 2013, but was not published.
To:
The Editor
Forum Page
The Straits TimesDear Sir
MARUAH is deeply concerned at the closure of Breakfast Network’s website as a result of their decision not to submit the registration forms required by the Media Development Authority (MDA). Read the rest of this entry »
MARUAH organised a thematic discussion about Freedom of Expression & Democracy on 15 Dec 2013 at Robertson Walk. Engagement, discussion, sharing of information and voicing of concerns are all necessary components in a functioning democracy and the event was a platform for a discussion on these areas. This was all the more important in light of recent events such as the charges brought up against blogger Alex Au and the closing down of Breakfast Network. The event featured an accomplished line up of experts who shared past incidents and also critical insights into the topic.
The speakers were:
• Dr Thum Ping Tjin, Research Fellow, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore & Co-ordinator, Project Southeast Asia, University of Oxford
• Mr Martyn See, Blogger and Documentary Film-maker
• Mr PN Balji, Editor of The Independent Singapore
• Dr Cherian George, Associate Professor, Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University
• Mr G Raman, Veteran Lawyer
Dr Thum started by giving a historical insight into freedom of expression and democracy in pre-independent Singapore. Filmmaker Mr Martyn See then continued from 1965 onwards, highlighting narratives of restrictions on freedom of expression by the government on various persons and groups. He shared some of the challenges faced by those who spoke out against government policies.
Mr PN Balji discussed on the regulation of alternative media outlets and inconsistencies in the governance of online media. Dr Cherian George highlighted the ideological obstacles to freedom of expression in Singapore. The final speaker for the evening, Mr G Raman shared insight into laws that protect and curtail freedom of expression in Singapore.
The Question & Answer segment prompted various questions on how the landscape would look like in 10 years time, whether the youth are concerned about issues relating to freedom of expression, and whether the education system was responsible for apathy in issues like politics and human rights.
MARUAH thanks all the speakers and participants who attended the panel discussion.
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Posted by lee sze yong
TODAY has written an article on our forum.
The robust rejection on social media of the xenophobic vitriol that was spewed following the riot in Little India should give confidence to the Government and Singapore society that the online community is capable of regulating itself, said academic and political commentator Cherian George at a panel discussion on freedom of expression and democracy yesterday.
Read more at the link below.
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/post-riot-discourse-shows-online-community-capable-self-regulation?singlepage=true
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Posted by lee sze yong
MARUAH’s statement in response to the rioting at Little India on 8 Dec 2013.
It is sad and tragic that there was a riot in Little India last night where people were hurt and property destroyed. We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the worker who died and we hope that justice will be done for him. We are confident that the Coroner’s inquiry will be open and fair and will help bring some relief to his family.
What happened is wrong and attacking civil defence and police officers who are doing their jobs is unacceptable by international human rights norms. Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by lee sze yong
UDHR Article 19 “ Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. “
Freedom of Expression is important in any functional democracy.
Activists, Writers, Artists, Academics, Students, Politicians, and Professionals – need the space to speak, to express diverse views, to offer criticism, to ask questions, to be wrong and to be right – and as citizens we want a healthy media landscape and a robust Parliament.
Inclusivity. Multiplicity. Diversity.
An informed and engaged citizenry.
The right to freedom of expression is enshrined in our Constitution, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and even in the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. Right of reply is crucial.
Limitations. Guidelines. Contempt.
Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by lee sze yong
The World has lost one of its brightest lights.
Nelson Mandela is a legend, a modern day hero.
Nelson Mandela’s testimony is to walk through life, holding close and unwaveringly, his beliefs.
Equality for everyone.
No discrimination at every turn.
Democracy.
Freedom.
Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by lee sze yong
3 December 2013 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. MARUAH submitted a letter to the Straits Times Forum, which was published yesterday.
http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/break-barriers-the-disabled-20131202
Break barriers for the disabled
IN CONJUNCTION with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities tomorrow, we wish to draw attention to barriers in our bid to become an inclusive society.We acknowledge the Government’s efforts in taking on a fairly active approach towards breaking barriers through the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Enabling Masterplan.
We also note the efforts of the Building and Construction Authority, which has updated the Code on Accessibility for the Built Environment.
However, the Government needs to do more by making physical accessibility a priority in urban planning. Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by lee sze yong
MARUAH held a Public Consultation on ASEAN on 26th October 2013 at Traders Hotel. The event was attended by 50 participants from different backgrounds including members of civil society organizations, social enterprises and members of the general public. The Public Consultation was an opportunity for participants to become more familiar with ASEAN and its processes, to make a commitment to the development of ASEAN for our own national interests, and to be engaged on human rights discussions for our community and the people in the region. Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by lee sze yong
Press Statement
World AIDS Day – December 1st, 2013
MARUAH recognises the importance of World AIDS Day On 1 Dec 2013. Together with the World Health Organization’s UNAIDS, we echo the call for zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS deaths. Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by lee sze yong
MEDIA STATEMENT
For immediate use
29 November 2013
Dear Editor
We write to express our dismay at the attempt to prosecute Mr Alex Au for contempt of court and the reports about the Media Development Authority (MDA) seeking to regulate online media platforms the Breakfast Network and The Independent Singapore.
The members of MARUAH, as Singapore citizens and human rights activists, are concerned that these actions will further shrink the space for public discourse in Singapore. Robust debate, diverse views, questioning and criticism, as well as a healthy media landscape, are all critical to the development of a functional democracy. Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by lee sze yong
MARUAH Singapore 
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