Update 14 Jul 2017: All Singapore Stuff 11 Jul at 08:58
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrives in the Philippines and does an impromptu catwalk! #LOL
Garland himself and gaylek with his hands swinging like a lady in a catwalk.
ORGANISERS of a plan to celebrate Philippine Independence Day here had to remove a Facebook post about the event, after it drew a storm of vitriol and protests from netizens.
The online response came as a shock, they said, though they still intend to proceed with the celebration on June 8 at Ngee Ann City's Civic Plaza, pending approval of permits from the authorities.
The Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS), a group of Filipino volunteers, put up a post on Facebook about the event last weekend and drew fire almost immediately.
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Singapore PM defends Filipinos from 'harassment'
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong took to Facebook Saturday to urge respect for a planned Philippine Independence Day celebration in the city-state
“I was appalled to read about those who harassed the organizers of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations, and spammed their Facebook page,” Lee said.
“They are a disgrace to Singapore,” he added in his Facebook post.
Lee was referring to reports by The Straits Times that Filipino organizers of the June 12 celebration had to take down a Facebook post following flak from Singaporeans.
Singapore PM calls harassment of PHL Independence Day organizers a disgrace
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong over the weekend voiced dismay over the reported harassment of Filipinos organizing a Philippine Independence Day event there.
Lee, in a post on his Facebook page dated Saturday morning, branded as "a disgrace to Singapore" those who harassed the organizers by spamming their Facebook page.
"I was appalled to read about those who harassed the organizers of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations, and spammed their Facebook page. They are a disgrace to Singapore ... Fortunately this appears to be the work of few trolls. (I am heartened) that many sensible Singaporeans condemn this thuggish behavior, and support (acting manpower minister and Member of Parliament) Tan Chuan-Jin’s stand on this issue," he said.
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Singapore leader defends Pinoys, labels 'spammers' a disgrace
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong condemned the harassment of Filipinos by some of his fellow Singaporeans, whom he called "a disgrace to Singapore."
Lee said he was "appalled" by protests against Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Singapore. He cited reports that the online protesters spammed the organizers' Facebook page last week.
"We must treat people in Singapore the way we ourselves expect to be treated overseas," Lee said in a statement that was posted on Facebook last Saturday.
PM Lee defends PH Independence Day celebration in Singapore
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong denounced the acrimonious comments made by some Singaporeans online to protest the planned Philippine Independence Day celebration in the Lion City next month.
Calling the remarks made over The Real Singapore, an online platform for Singaporean’s uncensored opinions, as “a disgrace to Singapore” Lee called on Singaporeans to treat Filipinos in Singapore “the way we ourselves expect to be treated overseas.”
In a statement posted Friday on his official Facebook account, Lee continued by saying “Many Singaporeans live overseas, and are warmly welcomed in their adopted homes.” Lee signed his personal post with his initials “LHL”.
Filipino Group Awakens Anti-Foreign Anger in Singapore
A group of migrant Filipino workers recently criticized online for an event they were organizing in Singapore to celebrate Philippine Independence Day has rekindled discussion about the city-state’s relationship with foreign workers.
The Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore, a volunteer group, was forced to withdraw an advertisement from its Facebook page for the June celebration after hundreds of people commented in online and social media forums that it would have been inappropriate.
The ad asked people to save the date for the celebration, marking the Philippines’ 116th year of independence, in the popular central shopping district of Orchard Road. It was promoting the event under the tagline “Our Independence. Our Interdependence.”
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S'pore belongs to all those living here: PM Loong
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the city state belongs to all those living here that includes permanent residents and employment pass holders and was a special place to celebrate annual festivities amidst diverse groups.
Addressing a community celebration of the Indian New Year last night, Lee said: "Singaporeans, new arrivals, people who are on permanent residence here, people who are on employment pass here, all participating in one big Singapore family... So that we feel that this is a place which is special, which belongs to all of us and where we all celebrate one another's festivals and happy events together."
Dressed in red Kurta, Lee joined 600 residents at a community club of his constituency, tried his hand at a Thanjavur painting which was on cultural display and watched performances by classical Indian dancers.
related:
PM Lee publicly declares Spore belongs to all foreigners working & staying here
Petition calling PM Lee to resign from Office launched
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Warmly Welcome Foreigners: PM
The Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed that he is appalled to read about those who harassed the organizers of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Singapore. In a post on Facebook this Saturday, Mr Lee said these people are a "disgrace to Singapore."
The Prime Minister posted the comments after the recent reports published about Filipinos being targeted online for planning to celebrate their Independence Day in Singapore. The acting Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin had also posted on Facebook this Friday, calling for Singaporeans to take a stand against bigotry. Mr Lee said in his post that it was fortunate the harassment appeared to be the work of a "few trolls", and he was glad that "many sensible Singaporeans condemn this thuggish behaviour". He also said that Singaporeans "must treat people in Singapore the way we ourselves expect to be treated overseas"
"Many Singaporeans live overseas, and are warmly welcomed in their adopted homes," he added. Mr Lee recently attended the Singapore Day in London. He said in his Facebook post:"How would we have felt if British netizens had spammed our website, and abused Singaporeans living in Britain?" He asked the Singaporeans to show that "we are generous of spirit and welcome visitors into our midst, even as we manage the foreign population here". "Otherwise we will lower our standing in the eyes of the world, and have every reason to be ashamed of ourselves," further added the Prime Minister.
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Singapore must welcome visitors, or risk lowering world standing: PM Lee
Negative comments from Singaporeans flooded in after event organisers posted an announcement on Facebook last weekend, with a page "Say 'No' to an overpopulated Singapore" urging locals to protest.
The organisers purportedly received expletive-laden phone calls, and their Facebook post also drew a barrage of anti-foreigner comments, leading them to take it down.
Saying he was apalled to read the news reports, PM Lee called the harassers' actions a "disgrace to Singapore", and said he was ashamed of the behaviour.
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Singapore must welcome visitors, or risk lowering world standing: PM Lee
Singaporeans must welcome visitors or risk lowering their standing in the eyes of the world, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a strongly-worded Facebook post on Saturday.
"We must show that we are generous of spirit and welcome visitors into our midst, even as we manage the foreign population here. Otherwise we will lower our standing in the eyes of the world, and have every reason to be ashamed of ourselves," he said.
His comments come amid reports that plans to hold a carnival on June 8 at Ngee Ann City to mark Philippines' 116th Independence Day drew a storm of vitriol.
A victory for the xenophobes, and a sad, sad loss for the rest of us
Lucky Plaza on a weekend
Just this morning (26 May), organisers withdrew their application to hold a Phillippine Independence Day celebration event at Ngee Ann City.
The organisers were embattled by xenophobic netizens who harassed the organisers on their facebook page - netizens who were goaded by sites such as 'Say “No” to an overpopulated Singapore' and The Real Singapore.
These same netizens are cheering the move as a victory for Singapore. Some comment, “Hoseh Liao! Singapura Huat Ah!!!”
Xenophobia and Public Discontent in Singapore
The online ruckus over the planned Philippine Independence Day celebration on Orchard Road in Singapore is the latest ominous sign of rising xenophobia in the prosperous city state. But racism aside, it also revealed that Singaporeans are growing increasingly dissatisfied with their government.
A group of Filipinos in Singapore has organized a Philippine Independence Day assembly on June 8, but this was loudly opposed by some Singaporeans who described the event as inappropriate and disrespectful. Filipinos were surprised by this reaction given that they have been celebrating the occasion in Singapore for several years already. There are 180,000 Filipino workers in Singapore.
Angry Singaporeans flooded the social media with comments denouncing the event. They warned that holding the event in the iconic Orchard Road would “seriously provoke” the national pride of Singaporeans. They questioned the “insensitive intention” to fly the Philippine flag in Singapore, which they interpreted as an “invasion” of their country.
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Organisers of Philippine event targeted
ORGANISERS of a Philippine event in Orchard Road which has ignited anti-foreigner comments online have now become the targets.
But these attacks have prompted some Singaporeans to speak up against the xenophobic comments, which they said have gone overboard.
The event organisers said they have been harassed with anonymous phone calls demanding the cancellation of the June 8 carnival at Ngee Ann City's Civic Plaza. "The callers say we have no right to hold the event in Orchard Road," said organiser Rychie Andres of the Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS).
Philippine Independence Day Event - A Question Of Fairness
I recently met the Filipino Ambassador during her farewell call. We talked about the experiences of Filipinos who live and work here. Notwithstanding the occasional negative issues, she was thankful for the kindness and hospitality that Singaporeans extended to her compatriots. Singapore was a safe place because of how Singaporeans treated others.
Which was why I was somewhat startled by the Straits Times article on Thursday, April 17, 2014 that reported about the Filipino organisers of their independence day celebration in Singapore being targeted. That there are xenophobes wasn't the surprising part since there are these sad elements in any society. It was the reported 26,000 'likes' for the page that "is against the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day here" that raised my brows.
As it turned out, the reporting was inaccurate. It was actually the post against the activity itself that garnered several hundred 'likes'. The page that hosted it was the one that had the twenty-over thousand likes. Encouragingly, there have been many decent Singaporeans who have come forward to condemn the actions of these netizens.
S’poreans should say no to bigotry, says Tan Chuan-Jin
Singaporeans should make a stand and say no to bigotry, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said yesterday, referring to a recent article about harassment directed at organisers of a Philippine event here.
The organisers reportedly received phone calls filled with expletives after they posted on Facebook over the weekend about holding a carnival on June 8 at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza in celebration of the Philippines’ Independence Day. The Facebook post also drew a barrage of anti-foreigner comments, forcing the organisers to take the post down.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Mr Tan said: “These actions by those who peddle hate are not acceptable, repulsive even.” “We should make a stand to say no to such bigotry. They do not reflect who we are as a people and as a nation,” he added.
NOT SO SIMPLE TO CALL IT BIGOTRY
I refer to the reports “Those who harassed Philippine Independence Day organisers ‘a disgrace to S’pore’: PM Lee” (online) and “S’poreans should say no to bigotry, says Tan Chuan-Jin” (both April 19).
The use, and misuse, of words can be dangerous. I agree with the Prime Minister and the Manpower Minister that the actions of those who “peddle hate” are unacceptable.
At the same time, not everyone possesses the linguistic ability to express his/her thoughts or emotions in a tactful and socially acceptable manner, much less be constructive and shape ideas for the greater good.
I agree that any form of harassment is undesirable. Perhaps, though, we should draw the line at calling individuals or groups bigots without giving them the chance to explain themselves.
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S’poreans should say no to bigotry, says Tan Chuan-Jin
Singaporeans should make a stand and say no to bigotry, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said yesterday, referring to a recent article about harassment directed at organisers of a Philippine event here.
The organisers reportedly received phone calls filled with expletives after they posted on Facebook over the weekend about holding a carnival on June 8 at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza in celebration of the Philippines’ Independence Day. The Facebook post also drew a barrage of anti-foreigner comments, forcing the organisers to take the post down.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Mr Tan said: “These actions by those who peddle hate are not acceptable, repulsive even.” “We should make a stand to say no to such bigotry. They do not reflect who we are as a people and as a nation,” he added.
A Singaporean shows the way, when government leaders fail
Blogger Ravi Philemon has done what the prime minister should have done – to reach out to both sides of the divide in the controversy over the holding of an Independence Day celebratory event at Ngee Ann City on 8 June. [See here: "Dialogue between organisers and protesters of Philippine".]
When the event was first announced by the Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS), all hell seemed to break loose then. Criticisms came fast and furious, especially online from protesters who felt the Filipinos should not hold their celebrations at such a public venue. These criticisms however were then followed by equally strong reactions from those opposed to the protest itself.
The protesters were soon labelled “trolls”, and those who reportedly and allegedly made threatening phone calls to the organisers were quickly labelled “a disgrace to Singapore” by the Prime Minister himself.
The Acting Manpower Minister preferred to accuse the protesters of “bigotry” and who “peddle hate”.read more
Dialogue between organisers and protesters of Philippine Independence Day celebration best way forward
Last week, I felt concerned enough about Philippine Independence Day celebration saga that I wrote to the Philippine Embassy saying that I am sorry for the harassment the organisers have gotten, but that I also believe that there is some level of miscommunication and cross-talk between the organisers of the event and those that protest (at least some).
I assured the Philippine embassy in Singapore that the protesters do not mean ill-will to the people of Philippines and that they appreciated the contributions of the Filipinos to our country. I expressed that the protesters' frustrations were more about the immigration and manpower policies in place.
In the email I said that I knew of some of these protesters and asked the Philippine embassy if I could facilitate a dialogue between these protesters, and the organisers of the celebration. I believe such a dialogue would be a win-win for both the organisers of the event as well as the protesters, as the organisers would be seen as engaging the protesters in a rational manner, and for the protesters to clear any misunderstandings and bring their concerns across.
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Revisiting the protest on the Philippine Independence Day event
Since the Facebook group, “Say ‘No’ to an overpopulated Singapore” (SNOS) announced its protest against the Philippine Independence Day event which is scheduled to be held on the coming 8th June at Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza, debate about the event has been fast and furious.
Both sides – the pro- and against lobbies – have waded in and argued their cases.
We thought it would thus be good if we revisited the original reasons for the protest, and to see some of the comments posted on the Facebook page itself, so that the debate is not derailed by peripheral issues.
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Philippine media laud PM Lee for defending Filipino Independence Day Celebration and calling his fellow citizens "a disgrace"
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong denounced the acrimonious comments made by some Singaporeans online to protest the planned Philippine Independence Day celebration in the Lion City next month.
Calling the remarks made over The Real Singapore, an online platform for Singaporean’s uncensored opinions, as “a disgrace to Singapore” Lee called on Singaporeans to treat Filipinos in Singapore “the way we ourselves expect to be treated overseas.”
In a statement posted Friday on his official Facebook account, Lee continued by saying “Many Singaporeans live overseas, and are warmly welcomed in their adopted homes.” Lee signed his personal post with his initials “LHL”.
“I was appalled to read about those who harassed the organizers of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations, and spammed their Facebook page. They are a disgrace to Singapore,” Lee added. Full story
Related:
Singapore leader defends Pinoys, labels 'spammers' a disgrace - Philstar.com
Singapore PM defends Filipinos from 'harassment' - Yahoo! News Philippines
Spore PM calls harassment of PHL Independence Day organizers a disgrace - GMA
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WHY THE PHILIPPINES INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN SG ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE
Undermining the significance of Singapore's own independence as a sovereign state by insinuating that Singapore is part of an 'Inter-dependent' national system tied and joint with the Republic of the Philippines, with the following actions:
-Using the terms/slogans such as: "Our INTER-depedence" and "Two Nations, One Community" extensively and prominently on PIDCS' Facebook page, Facebook groups, event banners, website, etc.
-Dubious usage of the outline of the Singapore skyline as an integral part of the logo for their Philippine Independence Day celebration event, as displayed prominently on PIDCS' Facebook page, Facebook groups, event banners, website, etc.
-We demand that PIDC organizers remove all the disparaging innuendos, as stated, immediately.
related:
PM Lee: S'poreans spamming the Philippines Day FB page are a disgraceTan Chuan Jin: S'poreans crying foul over Philippines Day Celebrations are repulsive
Philippines ABS: Spore PM defends Pinoy celebration by insulting his own citizens
Why is PAP defending Philippines Independence Day
Appeal for intervention on Philippines Independence Celebration (PIC) at Orchard Road
Singaporeans protesting over Philippines Independence Day held at Takashimaya
Ban Philippines Independence Day on Singapore soil
No To Philippines Independence Day At Ngee Ann City, Yes If Its Held In Public Parks
SPF: no permit has been sought for the Philippines Independence Day Celebrations
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Philippine Embassy issues advisory to Filipinos on behaving themselves in Singapore
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PROTEST LETTER TO PHILIPPINES EMBASSY IN SINGAPORE
I am writing to you today to register my protest against your Embassy’s sponsorship and support of PIDC (Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore) in organizing aPUBLIC celebration of your country’s Independence Day.
As you should know, it is diplomatically sensitive to hold PUBLIC celebration of one’s country’s Independence Day or National Day in foreign land. PIDC’s past and present intention of organizing a Public Celebration event for Philippines Independence Day is a blatant breach of such diplomatic protocols.
On top of that, PIDC has put up insensitive posters and banners in the past, right from 2011 till now for this public celebration. Singapore is not part of Philippines and I do not understand why Singapore’s skyline and iconic landmark have been used for propagating Philippines Independence Day. Moreover, PIDC has been basically rude, insensitive and displayed inherent aggressive attitude in the following poster and banner:
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Fairness wrongly questioned
I refer to the 18 Apr 2014 Straits Times letter “a question of fairness” by Mr Jeffrey Law. Mr Law claims that xenophobia has reared its ugly head when Singaporeans condemn the public celebration of the Philippines’ Independence. It is Mr Law who is mistaken; there is nothing xenophobic about the protection of Singapore’s sovereignty which is the sacred right and duty of every Singaporean including Mr Law. To absolve oneself of such duty and to denigrate it as being xenophobic is to display the utmost disrespect and betrayal to our nation and to Singaporeans.
We have a law that forbids flags of other nations from being flown in Singapore except in Embassies and the like. The reason is simple, the flag symbolizes sovereignty and the right to raise the flags of other nations symbolizes the sovereignty of other nations which correspondingly reduces the sovereignty of our own nation. The celebration of Independence Day cannot be anything but the celebration of a nation’s sovereignty. So the public celebration of a nation’s independence is the public celebration of a nation’s sovereignty which is like the flying of a nation’s flag in public. Unless Ngee Ann City has suddenly become the Philippines Embassy, allowing the public celebration of the Philippines National Day at Ngee Ann City is akin to recognizing Philippines sovereignty on Singapore soil. That would be the utmost betrayal to our nation.
The fact that we live in a cosmopolitan city doesn’t make us less of a country and doesn’t mean we should be accommodating to the point of giving up our sovereignty. Good ties with the Philippines cannot be founded upon us giving up our sovereignty to them.
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Protest against Pinoys rekindles anti-foreigner anger in Singapore
An abusive campaign by Singaporeans opposing a planned Philippine independence celebration has shone a light on anti-foreigner sentiment in the city-state, home to large numbers of guest workers accused of taking jobs from locals and causing overcrowding.
The Philippines marks its 116th year of independence on June 12 and a group of Filipino residents in Singapore is planning an event on June 8 at a shopping complex along busy Orchard Road.
It became a hotly debated topic after commentators on anonymously run local websites and Facebook pages heaped racial abuse on Filipinos and attacked the choice of venue, saying it should be held in the Philippine embassy grounds instead of the public Orchard Road area.
Hypernationalism does no one no good
This is a picture taken at the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Jun 2012 at the Atrium in Suntec City. Do you see any Philippine state flag being displayed anywhere?
A Facebook post by the Philippine Independence Day Committee 2014 (PIDC) inviting Filipinos to celebrate their national day in Ngee Ann City on June 8 has irked some Singaporeans so much that they have gone on to PIDC's Facebook page to demand that they cancel the celebration.
Besides intimidating the organisers online, some of these protesters have also reportedly called PIDC to say that they have no right to hold the event at Orchard Road.
PIDC felt distressed enough by these hecklers to take down their Facebook page for this celebration. But they have said that their Independence Day party will go on.
Ban Philippines Independence Day on Singapore soil
Philippines Independence Day on Singapore soil?
Let's start drawing a line where multi-racialism and traitorship is. Private organizations creating events like the Songkran Festival that exclude Singaporeans on Singapore soil is already bad enough, however it is still tolerable in the name of tourism. On the other hand, celebrating your country's Independence Day and flying your national flag in another country simply means invasion and disrespect to the host country. This event should not be tolerated at all.
Did the Singapore Police issue a permit to congregate for this event? The event would most likely see conflicts between Singaporeans and Filipinos, especially when the population of Filipinos in recent years have been getting too large for comfort. Ngee Ann City should also be taken to task for allowing the event to take place.
Filipinos in Singapore are known to be self-containing. They generally do not see the need to integrate with Singaporeans and often form their own community in enclaves like Lucky Plaza. They believe Singaporeans are racist towards them when Singaporeans are actually equally unfriendly to all foreigners due to overcrowding. Filipinos do not understand the concept of overcrowding and the deteriorating quality of life for Singaporeans because their third world country is equally overcrowded.
related:
No To Philippines Independence Day At Ngee Ann City, Yes If Its Held In Public Parks Instead
As a Singaporean, i first would like to say that i am not comfortable seeing any othernational flags being rallied, march upon openly in the public showing your nation’s pride of your national history on our soil – THIS IS SINGAPORE. I believe many other Singaporeans like myself shares the same opinion.
Orchard road is a very iconic place and it is close to most Singaporean at heart. Most of us grew up hanging out at Orchard Road on weekends where we mixed and meet newfriends from different races. To share some of the golden age OF MY TIME of metal heads, punks, ska, skin heads who were often seen around that area back in the 1990s where it is more of a culture based than of a nation’s pride like your agenda of celebrating “Philippines Independence Day“. I seriously do not give a flying fuck about it, don’t get me wrong, celebrate it if you want, just in less crowded area which would not cause inconvenience to people who would like to enjoy their weekends shopping or watch street performers do their thing. Go do it in the park or something for that matter. There are plenty of parks in Singapore where you can hold your event or should i even suggest that you hold it at 20 Nassim Road where the Philippiness Embassy is. Oh do need i to highlight that your “Philippines Independence Day” is actually on the 12 June and not on a 8 June as posted on your PIDCS FB? i didn’t know that you can roll back historical dates as when you like if it such an importance and pride of every Filipino having to celebrate it here in Singapore.
If the intention of your event is purely patriotic and not trying to gain monetary benefit from it, i believe the suggestions to hold it in parks or your embassy would be a very reasonable alternative. I have nothing against Filipinos and i do have plenty of Filipino friends whom i have known for years however your insensitive intention to hold it in a crowded, tourist place like Orchard Road is seriously provoking our national pride as Singaporeans. You played no part in our history independence (WWII) and seriously you can see many are upset with it. As much as i would like to believe that you are being patriotic by organizing such event in Singapore, your poster below definitely saying otherwise:
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PIDC Singapore
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SPF: NO PERMIT HAS BEEN SOUGHT FOR THE PHILIPPINES INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
Singapore Police force FB
The Singapore Police force has highlighted on their facebook page that currently, they have not yet received any application for the holding of the Philippines Independence Day Celebrations.
They also explained that generally, these events need permits in order to be legal.
related:
PINOY ID CELEBRATION IN SPORE: PM LEE’S HIDDEN AGENDA?
10 REASONS YOU MUST RESIST FILIPINO ID CELEBRATION
WHY CAN’T S’POREANS BE MORE FORGIVING LIKE AMERICANS?
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Are Filipino Celebrations in Singapore going too far?
Singapore PM Lee put in a word to help out Filipinos (photo courtesy of EPA/Nicolas Bouvy)
It’s no wonder Filipinos were again the subject of controversy in Singapore. There was some recent furor on Filipino celebrations of independence in the country. A group of Filipinos ran an ad where they announced a celebration of the June 12 Philippine Independence day happening on Orchard Road. This angered many Singaporeans, who expressed their opposition and said Filipinos had no right to hold this celebration.
Luckily some other Singaporeans are more level-headed, criticizing the way fellow Singaporeans vented their anger against Filipinos. Singaporean Prime minister Lee Hsein Loong himself came to the defense of Filipinos, saying the Singaporeans who harassed Filipinos were “a disgrace.” However, it still led to the Filipino group’s ad being pulled out.
Many Singaporeans still felt outraged by the idea. One article on the issue says Lee’s defense of Filipinos is only for gaining Filipino votes for the PAP (knowing that some Filipinos opted to change their citizenship to Singaporean). Someone may liken this to Filipino politicians pandering to squatters (oh, I’m sorry… “informal settlers”) to gain votes. This also demonstrated another facet about Singaporean society – that Singaporeans may be just as dissatisfied with their government as we Filipinos are with ours.
Singaporeans ‘saying No’ to Philippine Independence Day
The Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS), a group of Filipino volunteers, put up a post on Facebook about the event last weekend and drew fire almost immediately. Negative comments from Singaporeans flooded in, with Facebook page “Say ‘No’ to an overpopulated Singapore” urging locals to protest on the PIDCS page.
The page, which has 26,000 “likes”, is against the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day here and said that festivities should be confined to the Philippine Embassy compound.
It took issue with the PIDCS for using the Marina Bay skyline in a logo for the event, which is meant to celebrate the Philippines’ independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. It also opposed the PIDCS using the terms “two nations” and “interdependence” in posters for the event.
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PAP bullying citizens a disgrace, pushback gaining momentum
It is heartening to see an increasing number of Singaporeans standing up for our country and reclaiming our rights after 4 decades of control by the PAP.
When PM Lee slammed “the work of few trolls” on his Facebook and insisted that many “Singaporeans condemn this thuggish behaviour”, his view did not resonate with the majority who were actually pissed with his comments. link link link link link Singaporeans are starting to wake up and realise the total control given to the PAP has damaged our country. The pushback seems to have started and will not end here. One of PM Lee’s reaction to fear was to delete unfavourable comments by an American on his FB.
Without realising his disconnect with the ground, PM Lee continued to dish out motherhood statements as to how Singaporeans should behave. One could almost hear our collective thoughts echo “talking cock again”.
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Time to call out racism in Singapore
Some of the language used online against the local Filipino community is disgraceful and completely unacceptable. It pains me not only to see Singaporeans speaking in these terms, but also to see others – who should know much better – refuse to condemn such hateful language. This is racism pure and simple, and Singapore is heading in a very bad direction if such behaviour becomes ingrained as an accepted feature of our national discourse. Government policy may be the root cause of unhappiness, but unhappiness with the government is not a valid justification for racism. Nothing is, and this fact has to be called out.
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the last couple of weeks, you must know that the above terms of abuse (and more) have been hurled at the Filipino community in Singapore in response to plans to celebrate their independence day in the forecourt of a local shopping centre. What to many would seem like a relatively innocuous event has unfortunately become a lightening rod for local discontent with government immigration and labour policies.
While discontent with those tremendously misguided policies is very understandable, the response from a small minority of locals has plumbed new depths of distastefulness – moving beyond what could realistically be described as xenophobia to outright racism and bigotry. Yet the justification offered – and accepted by all too many people – that such anger is understandable or tolerable as a response to harmful government policies must be rejected if open and public debate is to be a healthy part of Singapore’s political awakening.
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Pinoy Independence Day celebration in Singapore: PM Lee is disgraceful
PM Lee has lambasted Singaporeans as disgraceful over opposition to Pinoy people here holding an Independence Day celebration in the heart of a famous shopping belt in Singapore. The government mouthpiece, The Straits Times ranked 150 in the world, have been trumpeting the comments of so called experts decrying the xenophobia.
PM Lee is seriously out of touch. The protest comes from a wide spectrum of society not from the fringe. It has to be seen against the background of the influx of foreign workers who have swarmed the country like locusts, displacing local workers from jobs and depressing wages. Besides, our traditional social tapestry is now in tatters, undermined by foreign values and cultures.
Celebrating the event in a public place shows utter disrespect for the feelings of Singaporeans who are increasingly angry over what many see as a foreign invasion of the country. This has resulted in the establishments of foreign enclaves and their refusal at integration with the natives.
related:
Pinoy Independence Day celebration in Singapore: PM Lee's hidden agenda?
Immigration must be sustainable: an out of touch PM Lee
Pinoy Independence Day Celebrations in Singapore: opening a Pandora's box
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Immigration must be sustainable: an out of touch PM Lee
Pinoy Independence Day Celebrations in Singapore: opening a Pandora's box
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NIP ANTI-FOREIGNER SENTIMENTS IN THE BUD
The protest against the plan to hold a Philippine Independence Day event in Orchard Road is worrying ("Organisers of Philippine event targeted"; April 17). Not only does it show that Singapore society is becoming more intolerant, but it may also signal a shift towards the far right.
On many websites and social media platforms, one often comes across vitriolic and nasty comments whenever the word "foreigner" is brought up. In many cases, foreigners become convenient scapegoats for societal problems and issues. It appears that a culture of xenophobia is starting to manifest itself among certain segments of society. This is dangerous as it may lead to the rise of far-right sentiments in Singapore.
The far right of the political spectrum often advocates intolerance towards immigration and features extreme xenophobic views. Such ideologies often come to the fore when local populations feel threatened by immigration or are in a state of economic malaise.
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False pretext of nipping the bud
I refer to the 24 May 2014 Straits Times letter “Nip anti-foreigner sentiments in the bud” by Ng Qi Siang. Mr Ng claims that the protest against the Philippine Independence Day event shows Singapore society becoming more intolerant and signals a shift towards the far right. Mr Ng is not far right but far wrong in his assessment of the current situation. In the Anton Casey case just four months back, Singaporean vehemence was no less vitriolic, yet the charge of Singaporeans being intolerant and far right was nowhere as staunchly made out as it is now and all throughout Singapore society including the state paper united in our condemnation of Mr Casey. Surely Singaporeans could not have suddenly shifted so far right in a matter of four months?
While Singaporean vehemence was clearly understandable in the previous case because Singaporeans have been clearly slighted in black and white, vehemence in the present case may not be so readily understood because many Singaporeans like Mr Ng have lost their understanding of what sovereignty and loyalty to the nation means after 50 years of PAP rule so much so that they fail to even notice that in the present case, it is no longer just the word “foreigner” that triggers the upwelling of powerful feelings of anger and frustration but the word “sovereignty” too. A line has been crossed that no loyal citizen, regardless of left or right should allow.
While Singaporean vehemence was clearly understandable in the previous case because Singaporeans have been clearly slighted in black and white, vehemence in the present case may not be so readily understood because many Singaporeans like Mr Ng have lost their understanding of what sovereignty and loyalty to the nation means after 50 years of PAP rule so much so that they fail to even notice that in the present case, it is no longer just the word “foreigner” that triggers the upwelling of powerful feelings of anger and frustration but the word “sovereignty” too. A line has been crossed that no loyal citizen, regardless of left or right should allow.
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The protest against the plan to hold a Philippine Independence Day event in Orchard Road is worrying ("Organisers of Philippine event targeted"; April 17). Not only does it show that Singapore society is becoming more intolerant, but it may also signal a shift towards the far right.
On many websites and social media platforms, one often comes across vitriolic and nasty comments whenever the word "foreigner" is brought up. In many cases, foreigners become convenient scapegoats for societal problems and issues. It appears that a culture of xenophobia is starting to manifest itself among certain segments of society. This is dangerous as it may lead to the rise of far-right sentiments in Singapore.
The far right of the political spectrum often advocates intolerance towards immigration and features extreme xenophobic views. Such ideologies often come to the fore when local populations feel threatened by immigration or are in a state of economic malaise.
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False pretext of nipping the bud
I refer to the 24 May 2014 Straits Times letter “Nip anti-foreigner sentiments in the bud” by Ng Qi Siang. Mr Ng claims that the protest against the Philippine Independence Day event shows Singapore society becoming more intolerant and signals a shift towards the far right. Mr Ng is not far right but far wrong in his assessment of the current situation. In the Anton Casey case just four months back, Singaporean vehemence was no less vitriolic, yet the charge of Singaporeans being intolerant and far right was nowhere as staunchly made out as it is now and all throughout Singapore society including the state paper united in our condemnation of Mr Casey. Surely Singaporeans could not have suddenly shifted so far right in a matter of four months?
While Singaporean vehemence was clearly understandable in the previous case because Singaporeans have been clearly slighted in black and white, vehemence in the present case may not be so readily understood because many Singaporeans like Mr Ng have lost their understanding of what sovereignty and loyalty to the nation means after 50 years of PAP rule so much so that they fail to even notice that in the present case, it is no longer just the word “foreigner” that triggers the upwelling of powerful feelings of anger and frustration but the word “sovereignty” too. A line has been crossed that no loyal citizen, regardless of left or right should allow.
While Singaporean vehemence was clearly understandable in the previous case because Singaporeans have been clearly slighted in black and white, vehemence in the present case may not be so readily understood because many Singaporeans like Mr Ng have lost their understanding of what sovereignty and loyalty to the nation means after 50 years of PAP rule so much so that they fail to even notice that in the present case, it is no longer just the word “foreigner” that triggers the upwelling of powerful feelings of anger and frustration but the word “sovereignty” too. A line has been crossed that no loyal citizen, regardless of left or right should allow.
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PIDCS – It’s politics, not racism!
The precedent now set by Ho Peng Kee’s Parliamentary explanation now entraps SPF with this obligation
- To demand ALL applicants for a permit under Public Order Act to proof that the intended assembly, if so granted, will not engender criminal consequences even if fictitious and imaginary- The evidentiary standard of proof exceeds that of civil proceedings since the fictitious risks alleged are of grave criminal consequences if breached- And that it will apply to all political parties – Workers Party, PAP or any other and no exceptions can be waived.And that proof can be challenged in the courtroom as this is a matter of statutory (parliament made) law enforceable by the State and against the State, not an administrative law discretion of the SPF. Law is made in Parliament, not made by the police corporal whose two “ikan bilis” (minnow) rank weighs on, to result in crushing death to those they politically dislike or out of the corporal’s passionate love.
If the Workers Party’s mass cycling on the ECP of very limited number and no interaction with the public over the course of the journey posed such a huge unforgiving danger to Singapore, how is the proposed PIDCS mass gathering of at least 10,000 in such density of space confinement ripe of crime commissioning possibility, and maybe much more of unknown size, along Orchard Road meets with the onerous elevated requirements in the Public Order Act of fictitious criminal risks?
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Pinoy Independence Day Celebrations in Singapore: opening a Pandora’s box
The majority of netizens and people I’ve spoken to are unhappy over the Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS)’s plan to celebrate their Independence Day openly in Orchard Road.
It’s insensitive to hold the celebrations in the open in such a public place outside a popular shopping mall in the heart of the city.
There are many other foreign communities in SG who may be envious of the govt’s partiality towards Pinoy. This is not helpful towards fostering integration with all communities concerned.
Filipino Day in Singapore
– Musings from Singapore: On racism and xenophobia in Singapore
– Get Real Philippines: Are Filipino Celebrations in Singapore going too far?
– Interaksyon: Xenophobia in Spore exposes kinks in city-state’s success story
– Ravi Philemon: Dialogue between organisers & protesters best way forward
– TOC: A S’porean shows the way, when leaders fail
– 2ndsight: Dialogue between organisers & protesters best way forward-Really?
– Yours Truly Singapore: S’poreans not uptight but upright about Pinoy ID event
– Tots of Cynical Investor: FTs more equal than “wrong” Sporeans-Why liddat PM?
– Singapore Armchair Critic: Stinking of Double Standard?
– 2econdsight: PIDCS Episode: A Half-Time Commentary
– Transitioning: Appeal for intervention on Philippine ID Celebration @ Orchard Rd
– Tots of Cynical Investor: Less privileged Sporeans feel like these Easter Islanders
– S'pore in General: Nationalism or xenophobia? A case of Us and Them
– Singapore Lighthouse: Family Issue in Singapore
– Yours Truly Singapore: Fairness wrongly questioned
– SpotlightOnSg: Pinoy ID celebration in Spore: PM Lee’s hidden agenda?
– 2econdsight: Satire: Defending Policies Instead of Upholding Constitution
– Singapore Notes: Play Nice
– TOC: A failed opportunity to take forward the immigration debate
– Tribolum: Shutting Down or Up
– Happiness Obsession: Random Article Leads to Random Spore Musings
– Tots of Cynical Investor: Grandfathers place,is it-Finest Filipino Talents at work?
– Benjamin Cheah: Digging Up the Roots of ‘Racism’
– Bertha Harian: Sci-fi story: Xena and Xeno
– Spore for Sporeans: 5 Reasons Why Filipino ID at Takashimaya Is a Bad Idea
– Alpha Male Syndrome: Philippine ID celebrations in Spore: I don’t give a f**k
– SpotlightOnSg: Pinoy ID celebration in Singapore: PM Lee is disgraceful
– Just Speaking My Mind: Insensitive Poster by Filipino Independence Day
– New Nation: Spore will celebrate Aug. 9 in all 196 countries around the world
– TOC: Filipino Independence Day – views from the people themselves
– Bertha Harian: Open Letter to ST Readers Editor
– Fresh Grads: Let Foreigners Celebrate
– Kirsten Han: Drawing a line
– Lu Keehong Spore: Sporeans should say ‘no’ to bigotry: Tan Chuan-Jin
– My Spore News: Pinoy ID – An opportunity for the Little India COI
– Musings From the Lion City: Why Does This Surprise People?
– TOC: Nationalism or xenophobia? A case of Us and Them
– The Independent: Facebook protest:These 3 points just don’t make sense
– Kirsten Han: Xenophobia rears its ugly head in Singapore once more
– My Little Corner: Xenopohobia rearing its ugly head again
– I on Spore: Philippine Independence Day and the Golden Rule
– Tots of a Cynical Investor: Unacceptable, appalling, daft behaviour
– Ravi Philemon: Hypernationalism does no one no good
– the Anglo-Sinkie scribbles: Xenophobia in Singapore
– My Singapore News: Independence Day – A political interpretation
– theAaronLoy: Who Should be Ashamed, Mr Lee Hsien Loong?
– Just Speaking My Mind: Are our Leaders Anti-Singaporean?
– Cheated Sporean: Why is PAP defending Philippines Independence Day
– Likedatosocanmeh: Fireworks in Geylang for 1M PRCs on China’s national day?
– Gilbert Goh: 10 reasons why must resist Filipino celebration of ID @ Orchard Rd
– New Nation: M’sia to celebrate their independence day at Orchard Road too
– Bertha Harian: The flip side of the Filipino Day
– EverythingAlsoComplain: Sporeans ‘saying No’ to Philippine Independence Day
– CripperzProdigy: No To Philippine ID @ Ngee Ann Yes If Held In Public Parks
– Singapore Notes: The Fight For Independence
– Cheated Singaporean: Ban Philippines Independence Day on Singapore soil
– My Singapore News: A sense of contentment and betrayal
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PM Lee Hsien Loong inspects Guard of Honour in Germany
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (R) walks ahead of German Chancellor Angela Merkel
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PM Lee draws groans as “Mee Siam Mai Hum” comedy gig goes global
Interviewed after the show, Mr Lee said, “I always knew there is a funny yet sophisticated side to me.”
“There’s this pent-up humour in my belly that was kept inside for too long. I mean, just look at the grim faces I have to live with at home.”
Since the success of his debut act “Mee Siam Mai Hum” at the 2006 National Day Rally, Lee has received strong encouragement from his faithful yes-men fan club to bring the show international.
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Singapore PM draws laughs in US speech
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gestures during his meeting with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April, 2, 2013
Singapore is well-known for its efficiency and order, but during a visit to Washington the city-state's prime minister displayed a less advertised attribute — humor.
In an after-dinner speech Tuesday to U.S. businessmen, Lee Hsien Loong made a couple of jokes that could pass for stand-up comedy. He drew laughs — and some groans — with his quips, including one about China's environmental problems:
- "Beijing residents joke that to get a free smoke all they have to do is open their windows!" Lee said.
- "(In) Shanghai, if you want some pork soup, you just turn on the tap," he said.
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PM Lee: Fix the Opposition
Lone Ranger PM in G20 Leaders' Summit
CNA SHOWING PM's HANDSHAKE PHOTO WITH TRUMP
Please see this image that Channel News Asia used for their article about the G20 Summit. It features PM Lee sitting and shaking hands with President Trump in a very feminine and timid manner.
That is what the body language implies. Has Channel News Asia sabotaged our prime minister by showing such an unflattering photo? Many comments on the CNA facebook page remarked on this and some Singaporeans openly criticized him for being so submissive to Donald Trump. Channel News Asia should not have used a photo that showed a “sissy” handshake.
What do you think? Do you think this handshake looks manly and confident?
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related:
PM Lee Hsien Loong at G20 Leaders' Summit in Hamburg
Singapore must ‘steal other people’s lunches’
PM Lee In The Limelight
PM Lee in Focus
Singapore PM draws laughs in US speech
PM Lee Appalled By Harassment Over Philippine Independence Day Event
PM Lee Urged To End Rental Discrimination
‘Ask the PM’ TV forum
Schools Should Instil Spirit Of Service: PM Lee
Important to balance govt's key goals for S'pore: PM Lee
PM Fist Bumping at a Dialogue Session
Tweaks or Tricks - PM's NDR 2013
Trust will determine success of policy shifts: PM Lee
Singapore remains a sampan, but an upgraded 2.0 version: PM Lee
PM: Facing new media's challenges
Lee & Lee - The job has changed
PM's National Day Rally Speech
PM: We will track you down even if you think you're anonymous
Websites of Singapore President & PM hacked
Former PM Lee Kuan Yew in the limelight
ESM Goh Chok Tong in the limelight
PM Lee In The Limelight
