Active citizen and Politics in Singapore - Forum

The Think Centre is organising a forum as part of its Politics 21 Series Nov 26. The theme of the forum is: Active Citizenship and Politics in Singapore: Exploring Political Expression and Action.

The speakers are Viswa Sadasivan from the Political Matters/International Relations Discussion Group of the Feedback Unit, Ministry of Community Development. Kevin Tan, president of The Roundtable discussion group and Low Thia Khiang, member of parliament, Hougang, who is also the assistant secretary general of the Workers' Party

The Nov 26 forum will be held from 7pm to 10pm at RELC International Hotel 30 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258252. Registration begins at 6.30pm.

Registration is by prior application. A fee of S$5 (for full-time students and NSmen S$3) is payable in advance or at the door.

Those interested in participating in the Forum cum Workshop can fill up an application form at http://members.tripod.com/politics21/register.htm or send details to think101@singnet.com.sg or register_p21@email.com. Registration closes on Nov 21.

The following information has been provided by the organisers.

Why the Forum:

Active citizenship has been tossed about recently as one way Singaporeans can stake their claim to their country. The areas of welfare, the arts and sports have been cited as some examples.

• What about politics?
• Where does active citizenship stand when it comes to political expression and action? This forum explores this question by looking at some of the existing channels for political expression in the republic.
• How have political activists from government feedback units, NGOs, political parties and individuals been playing out their roles as politically active citizens? What are some of their accomplishments?
• What are some of the obstacles and challenges these citizens have faced? What more can be done?
• Shouldn't active citizenship also involve political expression and action? Or should politics be avoided in the execution of active citizenship?

Who should attend:

This forum is for those interested in being politically aware, active and would like to learn about existing channels of expression and participation. It is open to people of all political persuasions from student groups, NGOs, political parties and individuals.

The Series:

Politics 21 is a series of seminars/forums/workshops that aim to address questions and issues facing the republic as it approaches the next millennium. It seeks to fill the political gap in Singapore 21 and to take on the challenge of active citizenship. The idea for the series is the product of discussions between Think Centre (an independent political research initiative) and Socratic Circle (a political discussion group).

Series' Objectives:

• communicate an awareness of social, economic and political realities and alternatives;

• cultivate an understanding and appreciation of differing social, economic and political perspectives; and

• foster a sense of duty to participate, as citizens and residents of Singapore, in the nation's political future.

What’s Next:

Non-Partisanship: Politics without Punishment

The Organisers:

The Think Centre is an independent political research initiative set up in 1999. Focusing on Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region, it aims to critically examine issues related to political development, democracy, rule of law, human rights and civil society. The centre’s activities include research, publishing, organising events, training, consulting and networking.

 
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