Dear Friends,
This blog was set up by "Uncle Yap" [Keng Ho] in March 2006 when Soon Juan was charged and jailed for contempt of Singapore's judiciary [for his remarks that Singapore courts are not independent in dealing with cases involving PAP's political oppositions].
It has not been updated for quite a while, and it has become sort of a "souvenir" documenting one of the many episodes in Soon Juan's political struggle in Singapore.
There has been so many things happened since. Soon Juan has been to the prison a couple of times more:
"Speaking in public without a permit", jailed for 5 weeks in Nov & Dec 2006 (for selling SDP's newspaper, The New Democrat, during 2006 General Elections), and
"attempting to leave Singapore without a permit", jailed for 3 weeks in Sept & Oct 2007 (for failing to attend a World Movement for Democracy conference in Istanbul, Turkey, on 1st April 2006).
I would like to invite you to be friends of Chee Soon Juan @facebook. Because he is going to be unavailable from time to time, I think it makes more sense for me to manage his facebook.
As you may have known, Soon Juan is not allowed to leave Singapore. He will always be here, and therefore, we will always be here with him as a family. We are not going anywhere else.
Thank you and here's one of his latest videos:
youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx3dC85skPg
Huang Chih Mei
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Dr Chee Soon Juan's video message
Dr Chee Soon Juan video message:
youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dImvVK4I7OM
[YouTube Review]: Why you should watch this...
Dr. Chee Soon Juan’s video was actually made before he went to prison, but it’s powerful nonetheless. Dr. Chee is a neuropsychologist and Secretary-General for the Singapore Democratic Party and he’s not just angry because his party lost the election. In Singapore, the People’s Action Party has been the only major party since 1963 when they arrested their only competition in a political witch hunt. Though Singapore is still considered a Democracy, people do not have the right to peacefully assemble, nor do they have freedom of the press.
The Singapore Democratic Party has been using the internet to get its message to people through blogging, forums, and internet videos. This is one of the better made political videos I’ve seen. Dr. Chee is extremely articulate in laying out his purpose and in convincing the viewer that his changes must occur. He uses powerful images, adopts “We Shall Overcome” for his cause, and even plays at your heart strings by showing numerous pictures of his children (basically all the stuff good political ads are made of).
I am not here to evangelize for Democracy, but I do believe that if a country is going to declare itself a Democracy they should at least offer the basic freedoms it necessitates. There can be no fair election when the opposition cannot be heard. There can be no free people when their voices are silenced. I wish Dr. Chee great success in his movement and hope that those in powerful positions will hear his cry.
(by Mischler, Nov 26, 2006)
youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dImvVK4I7OM
[YouTube Review]: Why you should watch this...
Dr. Chee Soon Juan’s video was actually made before he went to prison, but it’s powerful nonetheless. Dr. Chee is a neuropsychologist and Secretary-General for the Singapore Democratic Party and he’s not just angry because his party lost the election. In Singapore, the People’s Action Party has been the only major party since 1963 when they arrested their only competition in a political witch hunt. Though Singapore is still considered a Democracy, people do not have the right to peacefully assemble, nor do they have freedom of the press.
The Singapore Democratic Party has been using the internet to get its message to people through blogging, forums, and internet videos. This is one of the better made political videos I’ve seen. Dr. Chee is extremely articulate in laying out his purpose and in convincing the viewer that his changes must occur. He uses powerful images, adopts “We Shall Overcome” for his cause, and even plays at your heart strings by showing numerous pictures of his children (basically all the stuff good political ads are made of).
I am not here to evangelize for Democracy, but I do believe that if a country is going to declare itself a Democracy they should at least offer the basic freedoms it necessitates. There can be no fair election when the opposition cannot be heard. There can be no free people when their voices are silenced. I wish Dr. Chee great success in his movement and hope that those in powerful positions will hear his cry.
(by Mischler, Nov 26, 2006)
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Book Review: The Power of Courage
The Power of Courage: Effecting Political Change in Singapore through Nonviolence, by Chee Soon Juan (2005)
ISBN: 981-05-3787-5
Unlike other books that simply analyze or comment on the political climate in Singapore, Dr Chee argues with compelling reasons in "The Power of Courage", why it is necessary for Singaporeans to no longer sit on their laurels but instead start acting.
He did this by opening the chapter with "Empowering the Mind" reminding the average Singaporean that they are not helpless as they might have thought themselves to be before proceeding to explain what non-violence is; and why it is essential in promoting democracy in Singapore.
Jargon free and easy to read, the book contains a concise ideology of what non-violence is; published statistics and surveys to support the need for it; as well as successful examples of non-violent movements that has brought about social changes including but not limited to the civil rights movement in the United States best exemplified by Martin Luther King; and Ghandi's crusade against the British colonialists.
However, it is the section, "Unjust Laws in Singapore" and Appendix C with its listing of various measures used by PAP since 1993 to stifle democracy in Singapore; that is most disturbing. Both non-exhaustive chapters educate the average and uninformed reader on how the PAP silences its critics by passing unjust laws, interpreting and acting on them.
Aptly titled, The Power of Courage will hopefully persuade its readers to believe that they have the ability to bring about social changes through non-violence.
To lift a quote from the book, "Non –violence challenges us to confront our fears and dispel the notion that we are not capable, competent, or courageous enough to act on our convictions. Non-violence empowers us."
from: DeepGeek's Film and Music Review Page [July 11, 2005]
ISBN: 981-05-3787-5
Unlike other books that simply analyze or comment on the political climate in Singapore, Dr Chee argues with compelling reasons in "The Power of Courage", why it is necessary for Singaporeans to no longer sit on their laurels but instead start acting.
He did this by opening the chapter with "Empowering the Mind" reminding the average Singaporean that they are not helpless as they might have thought themselves to be before proceeding to explain what non-violence is; and why it is essential in promoting democracy in Singapore.
Jargon free and easy to read, the book contains a concise ideology of what non-violence is; published statistics and surveys to support the need for it; as well as successful examples of non-violent movements that has brought about social changes including but not limited to the civil rights movement in the United States best exemplified by Martin Luther King; and Ghandi's crusade against the British colonialists.
However, it is the section, "Unjust Laws in Singapore" and Appendix C with its listing of various measures used by PAP since 1993 to stifle democracy in Singapore; that is most disturbing. Both non-exhaustive chapters educate the average and uninformed reader on how the PAP silences its critics by passing unjust laws, interpreting and acting on them.
Aptly titled, The Power of Courage will hopefully persuade its readers to believe that they have the ability to bring about social changes through non-violence.
To lift a quote from the book, "Non –violence challenges us to confront our fears and dispel the notion that we are not capable, competent, or courageous enough to act on our convictions. Non-violence empowers us."
from: DeepGeek's Film and Music Review Page [July 11, 2005]
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Dr Chee under country arrest - No Travel!
Dr. Chee was intercepted by ICA & Official Assignee at Changi Airport about 2300hr 1st April 2006 when he was leaving for the World Movement for Democracy conference event.
http://www.wmd.org/fourth_assembly/main.html
His passport was taken away from him and he was not allow pass Singapore immigration point.
Further info will be release latter.
http://www.wmd.org/fourth_assembly/main.html
His passport was taken away from him and he was not allow pass Singapore immigration point.
Further info will be release latter.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Video PODCAST Dr. CSJ Press Interview at Prison's Gate
7 minutes video clip
Testing video podcast with this 41MB video clip of MPEG1 standard. Pse feedback your download & playback conditions such as speed and time and from where you are trying, and what sort of broadband / Computer you are using. Email to UncleYap. Thanks n regards.
Testing video podcast with this 41MB video clip of MPEG1 standard. Pse feedback your download & playback conditions such as speed and time and from where you are trying, and what sort of broadband / Computer you are using. Email to UncleYap. Thanks n regards.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Dr Chee gave press interview after meeting family at gate of prison
Reporters were waiting outside gate of Queenstown Remand Prison as early as 9:15am.
After hugging his children, Dr. Chee gave a brief press interview.
Reporters were asking question about his imprisonment & the coming General Election.
These pictures are taken after those of Dr. Chee hugging his children.
After hugging his children, Dr. Chee gave a brief press interview.
Reporters were asking question about his imprisonment & the coming General Election.
These pictures are taken after those of Dr. Chee hugging his children.
Dr Chee Soon Juan released from Prison
At 1000 hr sharp, Queenstown Remand Prison released Dr. Chee Soon Juan, received by dozon of press and dozon of family & friends & supporters.
Dr. Chee accepted a brief press interview, and went for a breakfast with family and friends before proceeding back to SDP office to catch up with the works.
He read books in prison and communicated with inmates understanding their hardship and problems faced. Those who find themselves in prison are not necessarily bad people. Many are there because of economic hardship such as being unable to pay fines and housing bills.
How would Dr. Chee get to know so much of Singaproeans' sufferings and injustice from SDP's office unless he went to prison himself? The 140th media will never report these.
Dr. Chee accepted a brief press interview, and went for a breakfast with family and friends before proceeding back to SDP office to catch up with the works.
He read books in prison and communicated with inmates understanding their hardship and problems faced. Those who find themselves in prison are not necessarily bad people. Many are there because of economic hardship such as being unable to pay fines and housing bills.
How would Dr. Chee get to know so much of Singaproeans' sufferings and injustice from SDP's office unless he went to prison himself? The 140th media will never report these.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Your Letters
[18 March 2006]
Dear Siok Chin and Mei,
Thank you so much for the inspiring message from Soon Juan. His fight for fundamental human rights will be recorded in the real and whole history of Singapore.
A Singaporean friend used to say to me, " When a butterfly flaps its wings in China, the waves are felt in Ohio (USA)".
It is our privilege to flap our wings for Singapore.
Warm regards,
Margaret John
Coordinator for Singapore and Malaysia
Amnesty International Canada
[21 March 2006]
Dear Siok Chin,
Please send warm greetings from the liberal group in the Swedish Parliament to your amazing brother and his wonderful family.
The Swedish Liberal Party has taken your brave brothers case to the UN. We will continue to push for his freedom and important political struggle.
Warmest regards,
Birgitta Ohlsson
Member of the Swedish Parliament
(Liberal)
[21 March 2006]
Dear Mrs Chee,
I am glad that the petition has helped in any small way.
It might not ensure his release, but I think it will help in increasing awareness generally.
Keep fighting the good fight!
Regards,
Diana Chua
[22 March 2006]
Dear Siok Chin,
Please note that the Liberal group in the European Parliament has acted on Soon Juan's case and hope for a swift liberation.
Cecilia Malmström
Member of European parliament
[22 March 2006]
Dear friend,
Please convey my warmest regards and respect to Chee Soon Juan and his family over what has happened to him.
The residents of Singapore must be persuaded of the reality that what "the system" has done to our dear friend ultimately reflects terribly on them.
If the government of Singapore intends to win respect in the democracy and rule of law countries of the world, its population must find a way to get Soon Juan back with his family immediately.
Please keep me up to date on the developments.
Warmest regards,
David Kilgour
Member of Parliament
Canada
p.s. I was speaking at the Oklahoma City School of Law today and will ensure that those who invited me are made aware of what has happened.
Dear Siok Chin and Mei,
Thank you so much for the inspiring message from Soon Juan. His fight for fundamental human rights will be recorded in the real and whole history of Singapore.
A Singaporean friend used to say to me, " When a butterfly flaps its wings in China, the waves are felt in Ohio (USA)".
It is our privilege to flap our wings for Singapore.
Warm regards,
Margaret John
Coordinator for Singapore and Malaysia
Amnesty International Canada
[21 March 2006]
Dear Siok Chin,
Please send warm greetings from the liberal group in the Swedish Parliament to your amazing brother and his wonderful family.
The Swedish Liberal Party has taken your brave brothers case to the UN. We will continue to push for his freedom and important political struggle.
Warmest regards,
Birgitta Ohlsson
Member of the Swedish Parliament
(Liberal)
[21 March 2006]
Dear Mrs Chee,
I am glad that the petition has helped in any small way.
It might not ensure his release, but I think it will help in increasing awareness generally.
Keep fighting the good fight!
Regards,
Diana Chua
[22 March 2006]
Dear Siok Chin,
Please note that the Liberal group in the European Parliament has acted on Soon Juan's case and hope for a swift liberation.
Cecilia Malmström
Member of European parliament
[22 March 2006]
Dear friend,
Please convey my warmest regards and respect to Chee Soon Juan and his family over what has happened to him.
The residents of Singapore must be persuaded of the reality that what "the system" has done to our dear friend ultimately reflects terribly on them.
If the government of Singapore intends to win respect in the democracy and rule of law countries of the world, its population must find a way to get Soon Juan back with his family immediately.
Please keep me up to date on the developments.
Warmest regards,
David Kilgour
Member of Parliament
Canada
p.s. I was speaking at the Oklahoma City School of Law today and will ensure that those who invited me are made aware of what has happened.
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