When I met Gopalan Nair last week, he was busy laying candles on the curb just outside the gates of the Changi Women Prison. I was amongst the early ones to arrive to observe the vigil meant for the incarceration of the Chees. It was way past sunset and that part of world appeared serene due to the peaceful illumination from the candles.
“Aidil!” Gopi began as he received my hand in a firm handshake. “It’s good to finally meet you- the author of Sheep City.”
“Likewise, Mr. Nair,” I smiled. “You have become rather of a celebrity. Pictures of you everywhere in and around the Net.”
He grunted. “Looks like I am stuck here and I am not leaving anytime soon.”
One of the security gates opened and an officer stepped forward to survey the candles. “Actually, you cannot do this,” he began.
Gopi smiled. “Hello, Encik! Apa khabar? Don’t worry. We will clear the candles once this is over.”
The officer said nothing else and retreated into his post. The burly lawyer turned to me and asked me for my thoughts on his case. I offered my opinions and opined that in this country, we are forced to accept conformity or face the consequences. While we discussed, I noticed an elderly Malay couple about twenty meters away, they were looking at us curiously. It appeared as though they wanted to join the vigil but afraid to step forward.
They left soon after.
Such is the fear among the people. Fearful to be associated with those who believe in democracy and their political rights. Fearful to be branded as dangerous fanatics. It saddened me to see that the soul of the human being have become so emaciated. Let them decide if human rights are of any value to you. It has always been we know best, never mind what you think.
It looks very curious now since Mr. Nair have denied sending emails which appeared to be the source of this dreaded consternation. The spotlight is focused on the emails not the offending posts which he have always written in his vehement style to lash out on the ruling PAP government. The authorities do not want to appear peeved by the contents of his blog. They did not want to appear too antagonizing on free expression.
But we know too well how the game works.
Last week’s vigil bore testimony but don’t take our word for it. Ask the Chees.
This is what you get. This is what you get.
This is what you get when you mess with us.
- Karma Police, Radiohead 1997
12 Comments, Comment or Ping
DL
What is true democracy?
Can you give examples of places where democracy can be found in its purest and unadulterated form? If not, what does it say of democracy? Does it not mean that democracy is merely a contrived notion and at best a set of ideals?
Chase after the notion but know firmly and surely what you are seeking as the end product. Do not chase for the sake of chasing; do not seek blindly something that you have not even honestly spent time reflecting upon. Do not be the opponent for the sake of being the opponent.
When you claim to fight for freedom, I ask, what freedom are you referring to? What are the consequences of that freedom? How are you certain that this freedom is beneficial and good?
When someone opposes your opposition stand, do you feel slighted?
If you do, why do you feel that way? Is it the ego at work?
Look inside yourself. Ask yourself: “what am I really fighting for?”
You may be surprised at the answer that you discover deep within yourself if you genuinely seek the truth.
Jun 13th, 2008
Aidil Omar
DL, I assume you are a Singaporean and I reckon only myopic Singaporeans do not value freedom and human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Conversely, do you believe in the Singaporean pledge?
Freedom against repression, freedom against the shackles that bind your submission. And the truth is I am human, and I have rights, to speak, to express freely without bordering on hate and bigotry. Take this away, I am nothing but a drone. Take all of these away, I am no longer a man. Democracy in the free world ensures that we are not oppressed and marginalized. Democracy means the powers that be must listen to your voice. Democracy means you are not just a mere digit.
It is after all you that put them in power. And you can take it all back.
That is the truth. It is so simple.
Thank you for your comment.
Jun 13th, 2008
BeautifulLiberalLefty
DL don’t be moronic will you? Democracy n freedom can never be bargained with. Are you a totalitarian or what ? You just look around you and learn and listen and research abt Democracy and Fairness. Be enlightened. Its sad to find there are still ppl like you in this world.
Jun 13th, 2008
Sylvester Lim
Aidil, the Pappies internet cops must be working overtime. Must be due to GN & SDP making them work hard for a living. Hopefully, the WP will wake up from their slumber, soon. You must be shaking a lot of trees lately and lots of rotten fruit are falling. When you get their attention, you are doing something right for the country. Cheers!
Jun 13th, 2008
Aidil Omar
It’s all in a day’s work, Sylvester. All in the good name of democracy and liberty. Hats off to all the brave defenders of the democratic faith.
Onward, Sheep City!
Jun 13th, 2008
pok kai
aiyah, just speak lah. if kena poke for saying the wrong thing or what some people regard as disrespectful, then we deal with it as it surface lor. if the poke is unjust, we shall tell them to unpoke. we need to cross examine how personal the poke is first. if everyone agrees that the poke is intentionally to suppress the truth, you win your ‘freedom’ lor. if not, you lose your freedom lor.
Jun 13th, 2008
Aidil Omar
Pok Kai, interesting insight. Your comment though reminds me of the useless Facebook Superpoke application.
Jun 13th, 2008
DL
Hi Aidil,
Yes, I’m Singaporean and I do understand the importance of freedom and liberty, even in daily living. However, I strongly believe in taking the middle path and moderation in all things that we do. Extremes will always cause more suffering and pain. Complete freedom is equally bad as slavery.
While you have at least made some effort to respond civilly to my comment, look at how the rest who share your ideals have reacted. Immediately they condemn me and say that I am the pappie’s internet cop. Is that what freedom and liberty are about? I’m not against the natural right to freedom and liberty but I am against these being used by certain individuals with the wrong mindset as weapons of war, as excuses for creating disorder.
Thanks.
Jun 15th, 2008
Mohamad Farhan Bin Ishak
DL,
Living in moderation is good and ideal. However, we are not looking at extremism here. We are looking at fairness in governance. Thats moderation isn’t it?
How the government machinery works now is, in my opinion, in an extremist fashion cloaked in a satin veil.
DL, read Gopalan Nair’s blog post titled ‘Singapore. My Arrest’.
Ask yourself if that is moderation in policing. Or extremism cloaked in a satin veil?
DL, how about the reports on Dr Chee by the Straits Times. Moderation in journalism? Or, again, extremism cloaked in a satin veil?
How do you value Gandhi’s work? How about Martin Luther King? Closer to home, Ahn Suu Kyi’s work in Burma?
Are they extremists?
However, I do agree with you in relation to those who responded to your comments with angst and condemnation. That is not the right way. Lets do things civilly. This time, in moderation.
Mohamad Farhan Bin Ishak
Jun 18th, 2008
Chan
‘typical PAP MP’ has virtually no influence on party policies. Any MP who is voted into the highest decision making body in the land, will certainly have some influence in policies’ molding and its respective outcomes . I believe the issue here in Singapore is that of political hegemony and its excessiveness.
Jul 9th, 2008
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