NSP Supporting Students to hold demonstration
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In Solidarity With University StudentsÂ’ Application Of Permit For Peaceful Demonstration Against Inhumane Oppression In Myanmar
The National Solidarity Party unreservedly condemns the brutal killings of peaceful demonstrators by the Myanmar Junta. We urge the world as well as the Singapore Government to use whatever means they have to prevent any further blood letting and help Myanmar to set a time table towards a stable and peaceful transition to democracy.
We take issue with the PAP government for their rejection of the application by university students for peaceful demonstrations in Singapore in protest of the inhumane oppression. To evolve into a ‘real’ First World country, Singapore’s developmental path must go beyond mere economic consideration. The cultivation of social-political values, awareness, and public spirit is an important step towards a more balanced Nation. We must try to cultivate a high sense of moral and social concerns among our future generations beside the traditional pursuit of
materialism.
We have witnessed recently that there are some positive signs of civil activism from citizens. The initiative of the university students is one such example of social-political participation by citizens. However, it is regrettable that the request was flatly turned down. This demonstrates that the PAP government has not progressed with time.
Social-political activism through means of peaceful public demonstrations by citizens and politicians alike serves to create bonds and shared public values in the society. Contrary to PAP propagandas that such activities could break the fabric of the Nation, many places around the world, such as vibrant Hong Kong, has shown us that such civil public demonstrations build up social and national identity.
While supporting the suffering Myanmar people in their bid for democracy, we also urge the PAP government to uphold the core values of democracy on this land by facilitating peaceful public expressions like peaceful protests and demonstrations.
In solidarity with the students, we hope that our intrepid and broad-minded students can persist with the application of a permit to advance their noble cause, whilst being mindful of not overstepping the law. At the same time, we would like to see a manifestation of open-mindedness on the part of the PAP government by granting the student the required permit. This will demonstrate the government’s sincerity beyond the rhetoric expression of “revulsion” at the human tragedy in Myanmar.
Central Executive Council
National Solidarity Party -
Compare the Press Release to what is reported in ST today:
ST, Oct 6, 2007
S'pore opposition parties condemn crackdown
THREE Singapore opposition parties have condemned the violence in Myanmar and called on the international community to help put a stop to the crisis.
The Singapore People's Party, in a statement signed by secretary-general Chiam See Tong, the MP for Potong Pasir, called on Myanmar's ruling military junta to restore democracy.
'We call on all Asean nations to distance themselves from the Myanmar military junta unless they stop their dictatorial rule and (re-install) their parliament and comply with the ideals of Asean,' it said.
The Workers' Party, in a separate statement, also condemned the use of violence by Myanmar's military.
'Whatever the 'peace' that will be achieved by the present crackdown, the yearnings of the people to be free from more than four decades of military rule will not go away,' said party chairman and Non-Constituency MP Sylvia Lim in the statement.
She called on the international community, including Singapore, to 'use all influence and means at its disposal to stop the continued repression of the Myanmar people and to free all political detainees'.
Meanwhile, the National Solidarity Party said it 'unreservedly' condemned the killing of civilians in Myanmar and urged other countries to do what they could to 'prevent any further bloodletting and help Myanmar to set a timetable towards a stable and peaceful transition to democracy'.
YEO GHIM LAY -
But the application by the students to hold demonstration outdoor was rejected. Seems like The students union nowadays has no power compare to that in 1970s where student activist like Tan Wah Peow, has the courage to protest against the government
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Well, MIW still fear Tan Wah Piow today. They therefore hope nobody can rise up to his level.Originally posted by t_a_s:But the application by the students to hold demonstration outdoor was rejected. Seems like The students union nowadays has no power compare to that in 1970s where student activist like Tan Wah Peow, has the courage to protest against the government
Heck, UWA students can march against Iraq war. Kudos to the system that allows it.