Media freedom - what we want to achieve

After seeing so much in the online social media of the beauty and strength of the unity of people in the Bersih 3.0 rally, snippets of brutality from the police crackdown, as well as the subsequent acts of brave resistance and retaliation from the common people, watch this piece of reporting by Malaysia's version of Channel NewsAsia. And you would start finding out how our own MSM could similarly give a totally different picture of what happened, the sentiments involved, and very skewed versions at that, to an undiscerning viewer.

Foreigner problem - inside out

This is my humble piece. Do share your thoughts.

Part 1: The foreigner 'problem' - on the surface

(It was never about foreigners individually)

This is in response to some who misunderstand our efforts at criticizing the PAP's foreign talent/labour policy, and their failure to differentiate between real xenophobia, and justified social discontent:

No one wants to pit Singaporeans against foreigners just for the sake of it. I have made this point over and over, but still there are mistaken, imbecile, or simply sinister fellows (who pretend not to know) who cannot see the point and accuse us of being "just against foreigners" and "targeting people just because of their nationalities".

On the book, Singapore Sucks!

Recently, 400 copies of the book, Singapore Sucks!, have been held back from entering Singapore to be delivered to the book importer’s premises. As far as I know, this delivery was initially intended for the launch of the book in Singapore on Dec 11.

Regarding Tan Jee Say's Istana suggestion, populism and patriotism

I find I really welcome it when Mr Tan Jee Say, on the first day it was known of his intention to run for presidency, proposed to turn our presidential palace grounds (not including the offices, of course) into a public park, for everyone to be able to go in every day to enjoy the space.

So what if Tony Tan says he supports the "Singaporeans first" policy?

I think it is a good thing that all the presidential candidates have tried to express their independence, whether they are closely linked to the PAP or otherwise. What is the use of the president, if he is not independent and just a mouthpiece of the government, i.e. the PAP one. The problem then, is who is the one who is really independent?

On "being Asian" and being democratic

In the past, our Mr Lee Kuan Yew liked to talk about being “Asian” and “different from the West,” and why a “Western-style liberal democracy” is not suitable for us. I think this topic is very important because it greatly affects how the public perceives politics.