Articles you'll never read in Singapore.

The price of freedom

Dr. Russel Norman

Co-Leader

Spokesperson on economics, electoral matters and trade

The price of freedom

19 June 2006

“Helen Clark’s reported comments that she did not intend to raise human rights issues with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee during his visit are quite shocking,” Green Party Co-Leader Russel Norman says.

“If true, it is inexcusable that the Government refuses to raise or criticise human rights in Singapore during the visit of Singapore’s Prime Minister. I can only presume that this is because of the sensitivity over trade issues,” says Dr. Norman, the Green Party trade spokesperson.

“The Singapore Government routinely suppresses free speech and the right to free assembly, as documented by Amnesty International reports.

“We have a duty to the ordinary citizens of Singapore to speak out about the human rights abuses of their Government because they are not allowed to speak out themselves.

The leader of the opposition in Singapore faces expulsion from parliament because he dared speak out against the Government. He was sued for defamation and fined $500,000 and now faces bankruptcy and expulsion from parliament, just as the leader of the opposition Workers’ Party was before him.

“If the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, as Thomas Jefferson once said, then we shouldn’t let our vigilance lapse just because the Government is aiming at more free trade deals in Asia.

“If New Zealand MPs were thrown out of parliament for disagreeing with the Government, would we not expect other democratic nations to speak out,” asks Dr. Norman.

ENDS

Singapore PM defends island's democratic freedoms during New Zealand visit

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday argued that his tightly controlled island state enjoys political freedom, saying his government has no reason to restrict democratic rights.

Lee was asked by journalists about democratic freedoms in Singapore during his first-ever visit to New Zealand, where he held talks with Prime Minister Helen Clark Monday on trade, investment and other bilateral issues.

Clark said the issue of free speech had not been discussed at their meeting.

Lee told reporters Singapore's government had "no reason to want to restrict any democratic or political rights of opposition politicians or leaders'' and that free speech was allowed as long as speakers stayed within the law.

"You can make speeches, you can publish articles, you can put things up on the Internet, you can speak _ we have a speakers' corner which is highly underutilized _ and contest elections,'' he said.

Lee's ruling People Action Party _ which has won every general election held since Singapore became independent in 1965 _ maintains sharp limits on freedom of speech and assembly, and its leaders have sidelined some opposition figures with defamation suits that have rendered them bankrupt, making them ineligible for office.

Forty-seven opposition politicians contested May elections, but "the electorate rejected them,'' Lee said. - AP

Singaporean PM arrives at Parliament

19 June 2006
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was greeted with pomp, ceremony and a 19-gun salute when he arrived at Parliament this morning.

In blustery conditions Mr Loong watched the traditional Maori welcome before meeting Prime Minister Helen Clark and Speaker Margaret Wilson just after 10.30am.

The trio shared an umbrella across the forecourt where Mr Loong inspected the awaiting troops and was treated to a rendition of Penny Lane by the Air Force band before heading up Parliament's steps' – especially adorned in red carpet for him.

One lone protester did his best to interrupt proceedings.

The protester, George Darroch, yelled "shame", "freedom of speech" and "freedom of assembly".

He told reporters that freedom of speech was severely restricted in Singapore; public gatherings or protests were not allowed and people were jailed for expressing their opinions.

"I'm not prepared to give him the level of respect that this ceremony gives him so that's why I'm here to disrupt the ceremony, that's why I'm here to make an idiot of myself."

He urged Miss Clark to raise issues of freedom of speech and also the death penalty with Mr Loong.

Mr Darroch, a member of Amnesty International, said he was protesting as a concerned individual.

Meanwhile a few supporters were on hand taking photos of Mr Loong with cameras and cellphones.

While in Wellington today the visiting Prime Minister will have talks with Miss Clark followed by a meeting with ministers before a lunchtime press conference.

He will meet National leader Don Brash later in the day and will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial.

His day will end with a dinner at Premier House hosted by Miss Clark and tomorrow will be spent in Auckland.

Miss Clark earlier said the visit was an opportunity to focus on trade and investment as Singapore was a crucial hub for many New Zealand businesses in Asian markets.