Anniversary remembered

SINGAPORE: Wed. May 21:

TEN years ago on this day 16 Singaporeans were arrested by the Internal Security department and later accused of being part of a "Marxist conspirarcy".

A number of the former detainees, their families and friends marked the occasion with a gathering at a local hotel.

The luncheon was attended by about 80 adults and more than 20 children.

A parent at the gathering commented that very soon, the children will outnumber the adults. "Well, our future lies with them, " said a participant.

The programme began with a summary of the 1989 events.

There was a small exhibition of articles and works of art done by some detainees during their detention.

This was followed by a memorial service conducted by Catholic priest Father Joachim Kang for seven friends of the detainees who have since died.

Messages from friends of the detainees now living outside Singapore were then read.

A former detainee, gave a talk on how Singaporeans we could help political prisoners in Burma.

Observers noted that there were ISD personnel keeping watch and taking photographs of the people attending the gathering.

"It was a peaceful and meaningful gathering," a participant said.