Don't cry for me, Singapore

AFTER seeing some documentaries of Korea, Burma, Thailand, depicting brutal crackdowns on unarmed civilians, I felt depressed. I felt so empty and lost and wonder why some of our Asian governments act like that, interested only in power, authoritarianism and military dictatorships, while criticizing and blaming "the West" for "neo-colonialism".

As with other conferences on human rights, there were group discussions and presentations on our respective countries. Then, there were discussions on what to include in the final resolution which was read and presented to a UN official when we peacefully marched to the office in Bangkok during the commemoration of those who died during the 1973-1976 Uprisings against Thai military dictatorship.

I took part in my first march on Thursday October 14 and we had a lot of fun. One cannot publicly demonstrate in Singapore. I found this experience liberating. It was a fun time too for total strangers who joined in our lines and helped carry our banners.

I think that the Thai police were enjoying it too. Their response to us and another crowd of peaceful "demonstrators" was spontaneous. They 'took time off' to hear speeches of the group that comprised parents of students who died under the hands of the Thai military. The Thai Minister for Education and city officials were present at a

makeshift commemoration site where we stopped, after passing the national memorial in the city. The local media was there too.

At the end of the conference, we knew that we had to do whatever we have to do in our countries. We all have our problems to deal with, whether it is combating a military dictatorship or getting basics necessities of life to the

masses.

Although I may be watched, I resolved to continue to struggle for the cause of human rights in Asia and throughout the world.

I came back from this conference with some ideas for my fellow Singaporeans.

First and foremost, there needs to be the total eradication of fear, apathy and deliberate ignorance of all human rights violations committed against the peoples of the world by governments. This must be foremost in our self-education.

I have learnt that rallies and "demonstrations" can be very orderly and fun for participants and police alike. They need not generate the aggressive forms of violence that our papers have led us to believe. Peaceful, open public marches and "demonstrations" also have a therapeutic, psychological angle to them.

Singing "We Shall Overcome" and taking turns to hold our different banners for the non-participating public to see,

Taught me about caring, sharing bravely in solidarity for the human rights causes that we hope to see implemented in the world today.

Harmony through open education is the key and aim of such peaceful gatherings. Then again, if "it takes two to tango", then the police and public authorities who monitor such peaceful gatherings must share the same peaceful mindset as the participants.

Confronting a peaceful crowd with riot gear and tear gas canisters will certainly spark tension on both sides.

No matter how "corrupt" some governments of the participants' countries may be, and despite all the economic and social woes that plague some of these countries, I cannot help but notice that at least, these governments have allowed some form of human rights center, office or youth for democracy group to exist and practice openly in their countries.

These centers of education are teaching youth the lessons of human rights and show the citizens of the country how others' suffer, in the hope that the lessons of today and the past may not be repeated in the future.

It is ironic that I do not see the same in Singapore. At times, I felt embarrassed to represent Singapore at the conference. Compared to the all other Asian countries, Singapore seems to be the most orderly, developed, and calm city-state amidst the turmoil of Asia. We seem to have a strong currency compared to all other Asian

currencies - even if we cannot purchase all the material things which grow increasingly expensive.

I could not help but boast that we have the finest airport in the world and yet not even one regional Amnesty International office or any other active prominent human rights advocacy group.

It is also ironic that most demonised Singapore Opposition politician today, Dr Chee Soon Juan of the Singapore Democratic Party, has been the one who has written and advocated the cause of human rights, especially that of free speech and a free press as reflected in Article 19 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

I left the conference hoping that in Singapore there will be some form of activism, some sensible activism towards the cause of human rights, in the context of our political atmosphere.

The reality is Singapore is not even ready for open, peaceful rallies or "demonstrations" to air whatever grievances that we may have.

If the Singapore 21 Report is for real and if "heartware" is more important to the long-term social and economic cohesion of Singapore, I hope that Singapore is ready for the open practice and promotion human rights education among all our people now.

So, Don't Cry For Me, Singapore, Cry for Yourself if you do not place human rights over and above any and all decisions you make in your life. Be those decisions personal, daily ones or ones which will eventually affect the lives of this nation and its 'superior' standing in Asia and in the world.

Kevin Liew was a participant at the Second International Youth Camp, held in Bangkok October 9-14. This article is his reflection after the Youth Conference attended by 75 participants from Asia, Europe, Canada and the US. The conference theme was: Building Up A Rainbow Movement For Youth: Human Rights, Democratization And Peace.