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The Politics of Free Speech (With Some Constraints, of Course)
27-Nov-1999
Get up and do something about it! With these words, Mr Viswa Sadasivan captured the thrust of a forum on Active Citizenship and Politics in Singapore yesterday.

Stand Up And Make A Difference
28-Nov-1999
The Singapore 21 vision encourages people to be active citizens and make a difference to society. But how far can an active citizen go in commenting on policies without overstepping the boundaries? Three speakers discussed this with a 50-strong crowd at a political forum on Friday.

NMP Scheme 'is Useful But Should be Transitional'
29-Jan-2000
This is to enable it to bring about political change so that a strong opposition and a two-party system may emerge, argues two NMPs.

Youths Let Off With "Warning" for Organising Public Forum
02-Feb-2000
After ninety days into their investigations, the Tanglin Police Station relented and decided to let, four enthusiastic youths trying to bring the Singapore 21 (S21) process forward, off with a warning. The Attorney-General's Chambers decided not to prosecute the case.

Get Past the Shock!
04-Feb-2000
Self-Censorship: Singapore’s Shame by James Gomez, Think Centre, 98 pages, S$18.90

The Zaobao Forum Editor
20-Feb-2000
Chia Shi Teck on Picking NMPs as PAP Candidates.

US State Department reports on S'pore
26-Feb-2000
THE US State department released its annual Singapore County Report on Human Rights Practices for 1999 on February 25.

Asia Desk: Web Site Stirs Change
18-Mar-2000
Expect a dot.com political party to spring up in Singapore, says a live wire political scientist who is using the Internet and a sense of fun to change his homeland.

Singapore Starts to Relax Rigid Rules
19-Mar-2000
During a recent international business conference in Singapore, an American businessman shared his eye-opening experience from the previous evening. He was strolling along Orchard Road shortly after checking into his hotel when he spotted a youth wearing a T-shirt with "F*** Christ" printed in big bold letters across the chest. Instantly, his preconception about "squeaky clean" Singapore was blown apart.

Asia Desk
22-Mar-2000
THERE is nothing like a truly democratic election in a free society to give a new government a real air of legitimacy, as the Taiwan poll proved at the weekend.

Personality of the Month: Speaker's Corner
01-Apr-2000
James Gomez is no stranger to media attention, finding himself in the spotlight when he ran for a place on the Student's Union during his political science undergraduate days at the National University of Singapore. "I was dubbed a 'student activist' and the press came to the hustings and followed my campaign," he says proudly. "I don't quite know what they thought I was going to do," he laughs.

The World Today: Singapore's Self-censorship Syndrome
24-Mar-2000
James Gomez gives an interview with Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News.

Alliance of Asian Democracy Groups Needed
12-Apr-2000
To keep the democracy ball rolling in Asia, says James Gomez, there needs to be closer cooperation between those involved in each country.

Free Press? Not Likely in Singapore
09-Apr-2000
Self-Censorship: Singapore's Shame
By James Gomez, Think Centre Singapore, 1999, 90 pages S$18.90.

Hostile Welcome Extended to BG Lee
08-Jun-2000
Unanswered questions on democracy and accountability in Singapore.

Against a Culture of Fear and Inhibition
10-Jun-2000
Book Review: "Self-Censorship:Singapore's Shame", by James Gomez, Think Centre, Singapore.

Speaking up Softly
20-Jun-2000
Singapore's government has made moves designed to allow its people to express themselves more freely, but skeptics say they do not really give more democratic space, Kelvin Ng reports for Inter Press Service.

Why is Self-Censorship Predominant in Singapore?
14-Jul-2000
'The ISD's role is not only to stop the communist threat but also to guard against racial and religious extremism. It also investigates foreign espionage and subversive activity here, and prevents foreign terrorists from entering Singapore.'

Elected Dictatorship in Malaysia
05-Aug-2000
Speech by DAP Malaysia National Vice-Chairman, Lim Guan Eng in Singapore Le Meridien Hotel on Saturday, 5 Aug 2000.

Falungong launches ad campaign in Singapore, claiming harassment
07-Aug-2000
The Falungong spiritual movement launched a promotional campaign in Singapore Monday, claiming members were being harassed by authorities although the group is legally registered.

Bad Journalism or Biased Reporting?
14-Aug-2000
Below are two articles that reported on the Asian Democracy forum organised by the Open Singapore Centre, 5th August 2000. What would have like to have known about the forum. Read the articles below and make up your own mind.

Speaker's Corner - Breaking News
21-Aug-2000
Anuradha Narayanasamy reports for Think Centre from Hong Lim Park.

James Gomez Ranked Among Asia's 50 Most Powerful
25-May-2001
In today's issue of Project Eyeball, Senior Director of Think Centre, James Gomez was reported to have made it into the list of the region's 50 most powerful people while Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong is out. This is sixth annual ranking by Asiaweek. Watch this space as we bring you full highights from the Asiaweek magazine tommorrow.

Kuat Kuat Lari! Exclusive Interview with Tang Liang Hong in Australia
20-Jun-2000
Tang says the shit-pot cover must be limited from parliament and Singaporeans should stop wishing their parents dead for their inheritance each they say "Singapore si bay ho".

University Bookshop Takes
20-Jun-2000
Self-Censorship: Singapore's Shame has landed in Singapore's academic landscape, but perhaps not where you would expect to find it. The book by THINK Centre director James Gomez, while flying off the shelves of Singapore's bookstores and finding its way into libraries seems to be selling well at the Kent Ridge campus of the National University of Singapore, yet its presence is not quite visible to the naked eye.

Singapore-Germany Youth Dialogue Session 2000
06-Sep-2000
The THINK Centre successfully hosted a Singapore-Germany Youth Dialogue Session on Sep 5, Tuesday - the second gathering of such nature between Singaporeans and foreigners, following the JB Chit Chat Session held a couple of months ago.

Malaysian NGOs' Joint Statement on Burma
15-Sep-2000
Malaysian NGOs has issues a joint statement expressing its concerns for the latest developments in Burma (Myanmar).

Modification Of Defamation Law For Speakers' Corner
15-Sep-2000
A petition to modify the defamation law for Speakers' Corner.

Youths Deal with Difficulties of Cross-Straits Travel to Learn of Malaysian Youths' Passion for Politics
17-Sep-2000
On 16 September 2000, 5 guys and gals from Think Centre bundled into a small car and headed across the Causeway to attend a youth conference at University of Technology Malaysia. There they learned about the Malaysian youths passion for their country. But the trip was an adventure of sorts with out of range handphones, wrong street directories and intense manual labour! Who said cross-straits relations was easy. Here's the scoop!

Left out of The Straits Times
23-Sep-2000
Look who left out the most notable character on the field!

Spirit of Asia's Mandela
14-Oct-2000
"The world's second longest serving prisoner of conscience" is a title that no one wants to be honoured with. Yet, it goes to show the unrelenting spirit of Singaporean Chia Thye Poh.

Law of the Penis in Society!
29-Oct-2000
The flap over the play, Talaq (Divorce), has shown how difficult it still remains for women to fully express themselves in this phallocentric society or to put it more bluntly, society ruled by the law of the penis!

Think Centre celebrates its first birthday!
29-Oct-2000
Think Centre celebrated its first anniversary at Matahari Pub.

Many die in SIA crash
01-Nov-2000
Did you know you know that there were two editions of the Straits Times this morning. The first one only carried a caption of the crash on the front page. That edition was not recalled and is available all over the island. The second one carried the more eloborate report with photos and additional reporting inside. It is availabe in certain parts of Singapore only. CNN beat Channel News Asia to the TV story. Read the BBC report for the full story.

Licensing Division Gives No Reason for Rejection of Application
14-Nov-2000
In gross contradiction of an easing of licensing of public events, the Public Entertainments Licensing Unit (PELU), yesterday rejected without reason an application by James Gomez, Executive Director, Think Centre to organise a Speakers’ Corner at 12 & 14 Haig Road on 19/11/2000 from 8.30am – 10am. Read the reply letter from PELU.

Think Centre Crosses the Causeway for a Vigorous Speakers' Corner Event
09-Dec-2000
If microphones are not to be used in Hong Lim Park, Think Centre will always find better ways in better places to project loudly its political concerns - and one is to cross state boundaries.

Think Centre demands RCS tape recordings
12-Dec-2000
In response to News Radio 93.8's media reports explaining why the 2nd broadcast was edited and its accusation that the Think Centre "got it facts wrong", the Centre's Board of Directors have sent a letter to RCS, demanding that they (RCS) prove their case. RCS has yet to respond or acknowledge the letter. Meanwhile they continue to claim that re-editing was for the interview with Tan Kong Soon and want to play the incident down. Read TC's letter in full... Stay tuned while we bring Tan Kong Soon's take on the matter very shortly.

PAP Government Rebutted
13-Dec-2000
The Minister for Home Affairs, through his press secretary, asks me to bring up the issue of detention without trial at the next General Election. (ST 12 Dec) This is old hat. What Mr. Wong should say is whether, if the PAP loses in the constituency where I bring up the issue, his government will immediately repeal all the provisions in the law permitting this violence on our people. Will the government now give this assurance? Then at least his call to me to raise it at the general election becomes meaningful. Otherwise it is all just blather.

Chia Thye Poh: Return to Singapore
20-Dec-2000
Chia Thye Poh finishes his graduate studies in The Hague in December 2000 and will return to Singapore. A recent Malaysiakini article -- Spirit of Asia's Mandela, by Ang Hiok Gai -- reports on an interview with him. Chia, once one of the longest-serving prisoners of conscience anywhere in the world, speaks about the future, maintaining once again that his quest is for democracy. He states that, in regard to the struggle for democracy, "This is not about a personal battle. The struggle for democracy is much more than personal battles.

PAP Minister's Threat to Sue for Damages Over Email Elicits Apology
31-Dec-2000
Haji E.S. Ebrahim Marican sent an email on 29 Oct 2000 alleging quite a few things about PAP Minister Abdullah Tarmugi. It resulted in a threat of lawsuit and the consequent apology by Mr. Marican. Be careful, you, the reader, could be sued for an erroneous email too. Read below to find out more....

NSP 'Takes Pose' with Two New Publications
05-Jan-2001
Who knows exactly when the next General Election will be held but the National Solidarity Party (NSP) is wasting no time to make First Contact with the reading population of Singapore, with the launch of two new books in two different languages today - Publish and Perish (in English) and Breaking the Hurdles (in Mandarin).

RCS Incident monitored by Regional Media Conference
12-Jan-2001
Journalists from the region heard first-hand RCS's re-editing of its radio programme on International Human Rights. This incident will be one of the reports that will be included in a regional media monitoring journal entitled JOURNALISM ASIA to be launched in March 2000.

Rage against Estrada's Barbarism builds into a Peaceful Democratic Revolution
17-Jan-2001
Soon the enlightened nations will put on trial those who have hitherto ruled over them. The kings shall flee into the deserts, into the company of the wild beasts whom they resemble. --Saint-Just, Sur la Constitution de la France, Discours prononcé à la Convention, 24 April 1793-- [ANTI-ESTRADA PROTESTORS ARE CURRENTLY ORGANISING FOR MASS ACTION IN MANILA] Read on for the latest!!!

Kevin Liew's Interview with the Singapore Police
02-Feb-2001
Kevin Liew, programme coordinator for the Open Singapore Centre (OSC) was interviewed by the police at the Central Police Division HQ for three hours from 4pm to 7pm on 30/1/2001 with regards to the events that took place on 10/12/2000. To commemorate International Human Rights Day, an event was co-organized by the Think Centre (TC) and OSC at Speaker’s Corner on 10/12/2000 (Sun).

Gomez Summoned by Singapore Police
06-Feb-2001
James Gomez, Executive Director of Think Centre, has been notified through a letter dated 29th January 2001 to appear at the Central Police Division HQ by Inspector Alvin Chong.Inspector Chong, who is the Senior Investigation Officer, mentioned in his letter that James Gomez is asked to appear for a police investigation, “in connection into an offence of Assembly Without a Permit alleged to have been committed on 10th December 2000 between 0900hrs and 1500hrs at Speaker’s Corner, Hong Lim Green.”The interview is set to take place on 10th February 2001 at 9.30am at the HQ which is located at 99, Beach Road.

Police begins Human Rights Day investigations
30-Jan-2001
The Singapore Police Force has begun investigations into the Speakers’ Corner International Human Rights Day celebrations held on 10 December 2000. The event featured the Open Singapore Centre and the Think Centre where some of its members gave speeches on the necessity of abolishing the Internal Security Act. The event attracted 50 people to Hong Lim Park at noon just after Dr. Chee Soon Juan had run a marathon to symbolise the years Chia Tye Poh spent in detention without trial.

JBJ Declared A Bankrupt
07-Feb-2001
The following is a press release by J B Jeyaretnam, Secretry-General of the Worker’s Party and a Member of Parliament who has been declared a bankrupt by the Singapore courts.

Where is Fauziah Ibrahim?
08-Feb-2001
Think Centre (TC) has been given the run-around by the Radio Corporation of Singapore (RCS) with regards to the fate of their presentor, Fauziah Ibrahim. Uncomfirmed reports from our sources say that she has resigned from RCS.

JBJ's application to dismiss, dismissed!
13-Feb-2001
Read JB Jeyaretnams press release on his ongoing struggle to fight court actions against him.

Think Centre Permit Application Denied
26-Feb-2001
The Police have turned down an application to hold a picket outside the premises of the Radio Corporation of Singapore. The Police cited potential law and order problem as reason. Think Centre is appealing the decision. It is asking the Police to advice the Centre how it can hold the picket while taking into consideration law and order issues. Read the Police reply...

Think Centre asks Head, MediaCorp Radio to resign
05-Mar-2001
Being expected to arrive in the morning of Saturday 3 March 2001, Think Centre decided instead to make their presence in Caldecott Broadcast Centre one day in advance.

Think Centre Prepares for Change in Leadership
10-Mar-2001
Think Centre, Singapore’s latest NGO newsmaker, will see a change of leadership in the middle of this year. Announcing the appointment of Sinapan Samydorai as the new Deputy Executive Director at the February 2001 Board meeting, James Gomez (Executive Director and founder of Think Centre) will be gradually delegating his executive powers and duties to a man who needs no introduction, especially in the regional human rights scene.

JBJ Rally Permit Denied
26-Mar-2001
An application to hold a rally in support of Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) JB Jeyaretnam was denied by the licencing authorities in a fax on 23rd March 2001 (dated 22nd March). In the fax they said that since it was a political rally there are likely to be law and order problems. They also went further to state that a licence is needed for public solicitation of funds which the police normally issues only for charitable causes. The application was made on 1st March 2001 when the new Public Entertainment and Meetings Act came into place. The Act was criticised locally for still having a strangle hold on political meetings.

Organised Gathering at Speaker's Corner Illegal
27-Mar-2001
Mr. James Gomez, Executive Director, Think Centre will be speaking at the Speaker's Corner, Hong Lim Park at 6.30pm today (27/03/2001) after an absence of almost three months. Mr. Gomez will elaborate on the investigations and the administration of a warning letter issued at the Central Police Division today.

Joint Think Centre-Police Meeting & Site Survey
04-Apr-2001
LATEST - Think Centre's organising committee are scheduled to meet Police representatives for a discussion and to conduct a joint site survey of Yio Chu Kang Stadium for the JBJ Rally in the next few days. Stay tuned for more details.

Think Centre–Police Meeting Postponed
06-Apr-2001
The discussion and joint site survey by Think Centre's organising committee for the “Save JBJ” rally and the Police has been postponed.

License Approved for Rally but with Conditions; Licensing Procedures Continue to be Cumbersome and Inefficient
18-Apr-2001
In a faxed letter dated 18th April 2001, the Licensing Division of the Singapore Police Force has approved Think Centre’s application for a Public Entertainment License for the “Save JBJ” rally to be held on 28th April 2001 at Yio Chu Kang Stadium. But with conditions.

Statement by Regional Human Rights Body
30-Mar-2001
Forum Asia, a regional network of human rights organisations based in Bangkok released "A Statement on the Right to Freedom of Expression in Singapore". This statement was sent to all its members who have been urged to send similar statement and/or letters to their respective governments and the ASEAN embassies in their countries. Meanwhile, Think Centre's incoming Executive-Director, Samydorai Sinapan,is lobbying in Geneva on the sidelines of the meetings of the United Nations Commission of Human Rights. See text of the statement by Forum Asia below.

Think Centre Members to Contest Next GE
31-Mar-2001
An act of parliament has raised the status of Think Centre as a political association in the same mould as political parties by the government with their announcement on 30th March 2001. This decision by the government to gazette the Centre under the Political Donations Act has led Think Centre to release a working proposal (after consultations) to field its own candidates in the upcoming election. Its purpose is to create discussion and participation of civil society in Singapore’s electoral and political process at the national level.

DPM Lee Comments on Think Centre's GE Run
31-Mar-2001
Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made comments over Think Centre members' decision to contest the next general elections. Read the freshly-published articles from Channel NewsAsia and Straits Times Interactive websites.

Appeal for JBJ Rally Permit Denied
30-Mar-2001
LATEST - In a letter dated 29th March 2001, the Minister of Home Affairs Wong Kan Seng rejected the appeal by organisers of the "Save JBJ" Rally. The decision dealt yet another blow to democratic transparency of license issuances. However, MHA left an option for the rally organisers to reapply for the permit under an organisation. Read the letter below.

Joint Site Recce/Survey For Save JBJ Rally
07-Apr-2001
The date of the meeting between the Think Centre organising committee and the Police with regards to the "Save JBJ" rally has been confirmed as the following letter from the licensing division shows.

Happy April Fools’ Day
01-Apr-2001
It has been an exhilarating 24 hours for the Think Centre since the media reported that the Centre would field election candidates in the Jalan Besar GRC. It was our April Fools’ Day joke, which was in part to inject some fun into Singapore politics and in part to raise some awareness of the electoral processes in Singapore. Like many things the Think Centre does - it was a first. Using the media momentum of the “gazetting” we turned the issue completely around for people to examine how in the deepest of their hearts felt about us and what we have been doing the last year or so.

Steve Chia Sustains Injury in Accident and Stops His Trip
20-Apr-2001
Mr. Steve Chia, assistant secretary-general, National Solidarity Party, lost control of his BMW motorbike while negotiating a corner near Mae Hong Son and Long Neck Karen Tribe in Northen Thailand on 17 April at approximately 11am. He was unconscious when the police took him to hospital.

Steve Chia Returns Home Safe and Sound
22-Apr-2001
Steve Chia has safely returned to Singapore at 9.30 pm on Sunday, 22 April 2001. Chia flew in from Chiang Mai, Thailand, and was met by his family, friends and members of the National Solidarity Party (NSP).

Permit to Sell at JBJ Rally - is it Approved?
24-Apr-2001
The final permit with regards to selling books, t-shirts and stickers at the "Save JBJ" rally is pending. And that's not all! Read on to find out where our application for the permit ended up in!

All Permits Approved for Save JBJ Rally!
25-Apr-2001
Its all systems go with the final licence for the sale of the book “Make it Right for Singapore”, T-shirt and stickers for the rally being exempted.

JBJ to Step Down!
01-May-2001
Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam known to Singapore and the world over as JBJ has decided to step down as the Secretary-General of The Workers' Party!

God Willing, I Shall Be Participating In The Next Elections
03-May-2001
The following is a press release issued today (3rd May 2001) by J B Jeyaretnam. It is in response to the earlier revelation that he’s stepping down as the Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party.

Malaysian Indian Congress invites Think Centre as Observers: Building Cross-straits Ties
18-May-2001
Dato' Seri S. Samy Vellu has invited Think Centre for the annual Malaysian Indian Congress meeting to be held at Eden Garden Hotel, Johor Bahru. Two representatives, Jacob George and Anbarasu Balrasan, will attend the meeting to be held over two days (19/5/2001-20/5/2001) and will continue to network with Malaysian politicians, journalists, social workers and party activists.

Speak up at Speakers' Corner!
26-Sep-2000
On 6 October 2000, Think Centre will take centre stage again at Speakers' Corner from 5 pm to 7 pm. Come and hear what we have to say!

Two Pakistanis Hanged in Singapore
06-Jun-2001
Pakistani nationals Mohammed Ali Hashim aged 53 and Mohammed Afzal Khan aged 49, who were sentenced to death on drug trafficking charges, are facing imminent execution. The Court of Appeal rejected Muhammad Afzal Khan*s appeal on 21 May. On the recommendation of his lawyer Mohammed Ali Hashim has not appealed. The only hope now for both men is to petition the President, who has the power to grant clemency.

Death Penalty
06-Jun-2001

James Gomez resigns from The Roundtable & MediaWatch Community
02-Jul-2001
James Gomez has formally resigned from The Roundtable of which he was a member. He has also made known his intention to the MediaWatch Community that he will no longer be one of their advisers.

Think Centre Will Stay
29-Jul-2001
On 29 July 2001, the Board of Directors met to discuss Senior Director James Gomez's motion to dissolve independent political non-governmental organisation Think Centre. They agreed unanimously that Think Centre would remain and not to dissolve. This decision was further endorsed by the Centre's Management Committee.

Think Centre's Speakers' Corner Online to Go
15-Aug-2001
Due to the recent amendments to the Parliamentary Elections Act (PEA) which was first announced on 25th July 2001 by the government, Think Centre has decided to remove the Speakers’ Corner Online (SCO), one of the well-known features of our website http://www.thinkcentre.org.

Pearl Harbour Part 2
12-Sep-2001
Democratic civilisation has been put to the test. Terrorists have used two commercial aircrafts to crash into the World Trade Centre causing both buildings to collapse. Reports at 2.30 a.m. cannot confirm the number of casualties. Forty-five minutes later, at Washington DC, the capital of the USA, another airline crashed into the Pentagon, the centre of the US defence establishment. The fourth airline has crashed into Pennsylvania.

The Journey Begins at ROS
28-Aug-2001
On Wednesday, 29 August 2001, Think Centre will be at Singapore Immigration and Registration (SIR) Building to submit its official application to the Registry of Societies (ROS) to form as a society.

www. ThinkCentreAsia.org
31-Aug-2001
Think Centre's Asian initiative has been launched in Bangkok.

First Gravel of the Journey
31-Aug-2001
Think Centre's journey into a political society kicked off yesterday afternoon at the SIR Building. With the entourage of Christopher Neo, Melvin Tan, Tan Kong Soon and chief advisor James Gomez, Think Centre's Executive Director Sinapan Samydorai led the way up to the Registry of Societies (ROS) located on the sixth floor.

Coalition attacks Taliban and Terrorism
08-Oct-2001
At 1530 GMT (Singapore Time 2330hrs), American led coalition forces attacked bases of the Taliban and Al Qaeda network, which Osama bin Laden heads. Air strikes were made on three key areas: Kabul, Kandahar and Jalalabad. Members of the coalition supported the air strikes but Americans and Britons were urged to be extra vigilant as there might be retaliatory attacks by the terrorists.

Think Centre Begins New Chapter
07-Nov-2001
It is a new chapter for Think Centre. On 9 October 2001, Think Centre received news from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) that its application dated 29 August 2001 to register as a society has been approved.

Singapore Government Press Statement on ISA Arrests
12-Jan-2002
On 11 January 2002 evening, TV channels revealed the details of the ISA arrests - the names of the 15 detainees, the investigation report, 2 years detention orders for 13, and 2 persons have been released on Restriction Orders on 6 Jan 2002. The 15 were arrested under the ISA for alleged terrorists activities and connections. Think Centre hopes the 13 detainees are safe, in good health and are not deprived of their sleep or their basic necessities as human beings. Read on to know the story.

Fateha CEO Resigns!
25-Jan-2002
In a media release today (25/01/02), Fateha.com, said that it's CEO, Zulfikar Mohamad Shariff, has tendered his resignation and his resignation is effective as of today, 25/1/2002.

Think Centre Moves into New Premises
24-Aug-2000
Believe it or not, Think Centre now has a physical office space! Located a stone's throw away from the Singapore Parliament, it is housed at the Excelsior Shopping Centre (next to Excelsior Hotel off the junction of Coleman Street and Hill Street).

"Singapore's Shame" Hits Australia, New Zealand!
12-Mar-2000
James Gomez will be travelling to Australia for three weeks to Australian Cities and Auckland in New Zealand.

"Singapore's Shame" Invades Cyberspace!
12-Mar-2000
James Gomez's controversial book on Singapore's Shame has finally invaded Cyberspace! Think Centre's DOT.COM team has just launch a new "booksite" dedicated to everything and anything (good, bad and quirky) written online and in print about "Singapore's Shame".

Appeal of the Earth Day Network for the World Summit 2002
22-Apr-2002
On the occasion of the Earth Day, 22 April, an appeal by the Earth Day Network, to all Heads of Government to secure the well-being of their citizens by preserving the natural systems that sustains all.

Singapore Activists Arrested, Police Inspector Gaffes
01-May-2002
On an eventful May Day in Singapore, the police arrested Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) leaders Dr Chee Soon Juan and Gandhi Ambalam outside the gates of the Istana. An hour later, Zulfikar Mohamad Shariff, a Fateha.com journalist was detained after disputing attempts by Inspector Selvakumar to drive SDP supporters, observers and media personnel out of Tanglin Police Division headquarters.

Night Falls as Activists Continue in Confinement
01-May-2002
Earlier in the afternoon, the Singapore police arrested two opposition politicians the gantries of the Istana, the office of the President of Singapore. A further arrest was made on a political activist inside Tanglin Police Division headquarters. Supporters then gathered outside holding placards until the police put a stop to it.

Think Centre-PAS Forges Ahead in Bilateral Ties
23-May-2002
Think Centre made contact with the Youth Wing of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) last night in a landmark meeting and forged new friendships and bilateral ties. At the 30-minute private discussion at the Oxford Hotel, the Centre's President Sinapan Samydorai led his members in hosting the 10-man delegation from across the Causeway.

Opposition Politician Quits
06-Jun-2002
Christopher Neo Ting Wei, 38, has resigned from the National Solidarity Party (NSP). He tendered his resignation on the 2 June to NSP's Central Executive Committee (CEC).

"It is absolute nonsense"
20-Jun-2002
Mr Goh has his tongue in his cheek in the interview he gave to the Business Week defending the appointment of Ms Ho Ching. It is insulting to the many many talented Singaporeans to be told that there is no talent outside the Lee family. It is absolute nonsense.

MALAYSIA: ARREST AND INTIMIDATION POLITICALLY MOTIVATED
03-Jul-2002
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) condemn the police action in arresting the organiser of a public forum – Ong Boon Keong and for intimidating a peaceful forum to discuss local public interest issues.

Zulfikar files appeal and makes police report
07-Jul-2002
On Saturday, Ex-CEO of Fateha.com, Zulfikar Mohd. Shariff has filed an appeal against his $600 fine for willful trespass of a police station. He also made a police report against three Singapore politicians alleging that he could have been crimnally defamed by them.

Is PKMS Sec-Gen stepping down?
09-Jul-2002
In an advertisement under "Notices" page C26 of the Classified section of the Straits Times (Friday 5 July 2002), Singapore's largest Malay-based opposition party Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Singapura (PKMS) announced the removal of its Secretary General Rahizan bin Yacob from its business group.

Anwar's appeal dismissed
10-Jul-2002
The three-member Federal Court panel today unanimously dismissed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim's final appeal against his conviction and six-year sentencing for tampering with police investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

Ex-SDA Politician Joins SDP
17-Jul-2002
Christopher Neo Ting Wei, former Treasurer of the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), has joined the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP). Inside sources have confimed that Neo has submitted his membership form and now awaits the SDP Central Executive Committee (CEC) to approve his application.

Dr. Lee Siew Choh has left us
18-Jul-2002
Veteran politician and former leader of Barisan Socialis, Dr. Lee Siew Choh, passed away this evening (18/7/2002) at his home at 5.31pm. He was 85 years old. Dr. Lee had been fighting cancer for the past three years.

Chee goes to Trial
26-Jul-2002
Dr. Chee Soon Juan of the Singapore Democratic Party will be in court today to face charges that he spoke on issues pertaining to religion at the Speakers' Corner.

Law must be uniform: Zulfikar
26-Jul-2002
Think Centre received a call from Zulfikar last night from Melbourne, Australia. He said that he would come back to Singapore on condition that if he is charged for criminal defamation, then he feels the PM should be charged with the same offence.

21 arrested by ISD for terrorism related activities
16-Sep-2002
As predicted by Think Centre, the ISD has arrested 21 Singaporeans for terrorism related activities in the latest crack down. 19 of them were connected to the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) network. 2 others were connected to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a secessionist group in the Philippines.

Playing with Dolls a Law and Order Problem - Think Centre's Permit Application Rejected
30-Sep-2002
On 4th September, Think Centre's working committee made an application to the FPD (Film and Publication Department) via fax for a permit to hold an installation art display on 1st October (Children's Day). The installation was to be displayed at one of the raised grass patch outside Raffles Place MRT Station (in between Change Alley and OUB centre). The installation was conceptualised to bring up the issues of the pressures and stress faced by children in society.

Malaysia: Anti-ISA meeting, crowd beaten and dispersed
02-Oct-2002
More than 100 police officers tonight [October 1st] sealed off the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur and stopped a planned anti-Internal Security Act meeting from proceeding there. The meeting was to discuss the abuse of power by the police in detaining the reformasi activists under ISA.

Dr. Chee, Ghandi Found Guilty As Prosecution Fumbles
09-Oct-2002
Dr. Chee Soon Juan was found guilty for speaking at a rally without a licence and wilful trespass. He was fined $4500. He chose not to pay the fine and will go to jail for 5 weeks. Ghandi Ambalam too was found guilty and fined $3000. Mr. Ghandi will be spending a month in jail for refusing to pay the fine.

Jimmy Carter wins Nobel Peace Prize
12-Oct-2002
OSLO, Norway (AP) - Former President Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for his "untiring effort" to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts and to advance democracy and human rights.

Malaysia: Two anti-ISA activists nabbed
20-Oct-2002
Suaram has been informed that two persons have been arrested by the police while leafleting anti-ISA materials at Central Market, Kuala Lumpur this afternoon. The detainees are Manikavasagam and Sanusi Nik Ahmad

Burmese dictator's family appeals hangings
13-Nov-2002
Is it a lesson for all dictator's and their family? The tools of "terror" they create to rule by fear may one day turn against them. Well, it may come true as poetic justice. Read on

South Korea: Labor Ministry takes steps to ease childcare burdens on working moms
05-Jan-2003
The Ministry of Labor announced a five-year plan to expand childcare benefits for working women.

THAI GOVT RECOGNISES HOMOSEXUALITY
15-Jan-2003
Homosexuality is not a mental disorder, declared Thailand's Mental Health Department (MHD) in December 2002. The World Health Organization's (WHO) has dropped homosexuality in its list of mental disorders. Will Singapore recognize homosexuality?

WP Member Quits Union Leadership
12-Feb-2003
The sacking of an opposition politician Muhammad Ali Aman as a unionist in December last year has been followed by the abrupt resignation of another - Melvin Tan - who is a member of the Workers' Party (WP).

Anti-War Police Arrests
in Singapore
15-Feb-2003
BREAKING NEWS! 15/2/2003 - 5.45pm Several people were arrested in Singapore today when they turned up at or were on route to the US Embassy to protest against any war with Iraq.

Global Candlelight Vigil for Peace: March 16 at 7:00 PM
16-Mar-2003
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Robert Edgar, and other religious leaders call for candlelight vigils around the world on March 16th to say yes to peace -- and no to war with Iraq.

SARS as 'Global Pandemic'
24-Apr-2003
With reports that SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) can survive for up to 24 hours on inanimate surfaces, turning any object into a potential transmission source, it looks like the virus might indeed be the global pandemic suggested by health experts. But what exactly does that mean?

JBJ: I will continue the fight
06-Apr-2003
Think Centre wishes JBJ a Happy Birthday and thanks him for tirelessly honouring his democratic duties for the people of Singapore. Some spirits cannot be overwhelmed.

TC salutes healthcare workers, calls on Govt & S'poreans to play its part
10-Apr-2003
Think Centre would like to express its utmost respect and appreciation to all health care workers who are at the frontline of the war against SARS.

US lies justify illegal war and sanctions led to genocide
11-Jun-2003
The US-UK lied of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq to justify their illegal war, another controversial justification must also be revisited: economic sanctions. Its time for the "coalition of the willing" to recognized that its crime against humanity to lie to justify an illegal war and to practice genocide.

WORLD REFUGEE DAY
20-Jun-2003
Just as we make a special effort to remember our mothers on Mother's Day, we want the world's refugees to be remembered on their special day. Bhutanese Refugees are being rendered Stateless.

THINK CENTRE CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
30-Apr-2003
May Day is an international event bringing together workers in solidarity - a day to express that a just and better world is possible. But this May Day, our Singapore employment is in dire straits. Economic indicators are negative while job insecurity and unemployment are serious probems.

You have to give it to the PAP
05-May-2003
You have to give it to the PAP. At a time when Singaporeans are losing their jobs and taking cuts to keep their jobs, the PAP increase the ministers in the Cabinet.

MALAYSIA: ISA DETAINEES ASSAULT
13-May-2003
Suaram is deeply angered to learn of the assault of two ISA detainees at the Kamunting detention camp last Friday, 9th May 2003. A regular visit by family members the day after was met with shock when they learnt of physical attacks by prison personnel on Tian Chua and Hishamuddin Rais.

UK: Clare Short Resigns over Iraq
13-May-2003
She called the UK's position "totally dishonourable". "I cannot defend it. It is wrong in international law and for the rebuilding of Iraq and it breaches the promises that the prime minister gave to me," she told BBC News.

Indonesian troops accused of massacre
23-May-2003
Indonesian forces were accused of massacring civilians during a raid against separatist guerillas in Aceh province. There were 18 killings, including the reported shooting of two 12-year-old boys.

Aid needed for children in Aceh
26-May-2003
A humanitarian crisis is exploding in the Indonesian province of Aceh, where 23,000 children have been displaced and nearly 300 schools destroyed because of renewed fighting in the province.

Singapore: Increased medical charges
27-May-2003
We do not have to be told that someone has to pay the increased costs of health care. Instead of making obvious statements, the government should think seriously on whom the burden should be placed.

Malaysia:Three ISA detainees freed
02-Jun-2003
The 3 set free includes Chua Tian Chang, vice president of Keadilan. But Keadilan's president of youth Movement, Ezam Mohd Nor,remains in prison.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial
07-Aug-2003
Commemorating the 58th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bomb attack, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on the international community to accelerate nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, especially with the new “major concern” that such weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists.

STAMP OUT TORTURE:
International Day against Torture
27-Jun-2003
Amnesty International Annual 2002 Report indicates the number of governments practicing torture and ill-treatment has reached more than 170. Think Centre hopes to see all torture ended. June 26th is commemorated as the UN International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors. A day to memory all those who did not survive their torture and those being tortured.

Singapore needs banking ombudsman
03-Jul-2003
I have, more than once in Parliament, called for the appointment of a banking ombudsman. I was told every time that there was no need for a banking ombudsman.

Remake yourself first Dr. Vivian
04-Jul-2003
Think Centre challenges Dr. Vivian to be first in line to remake Singapore by remaking himself in standing in a single seat constituency. Think Centre response to the Straits Times frontpage article dated 3rd July 2003, entitled: Now a search for "remaking champions"

Salute the courages people of Hong Kong
09-Jul-2003
1 July 2003, more then 500,000 people marched against the proposed "national security laws" which they fear will curb their basic human rights.

SUPREMACY OF PARLIAMENT
09-Jul-2003
The PAP has seen to it that Parliament in Singapore will not play its proper role and function - keeping control over the government.

Solidarity Funds: More jobs, More Money and Job Security
18-Jul-2003
Singapore could draw lessons from Quebec to overcome its unemployment. Will NTUC and our million dollar Ministers be open to learning lessons from this worthy experience. The fund invest in firms that combine profitability and solidarity by recruiting the young or people with disabilities. Remaking Singapore Committee has nothing to offer for the disable people. why?

Reduce cost of living and cut Ministers pay
28-Aug-2003
In all this hue and cry of the PAP leaders about our wage levels hindering economic growth, not one word has been said about the cost of living in Singapore.

Children's Day Installation art application rejected again
18-Sep-2003
The story repeats as Think Centre's application to hold an installation art display at public grounds to celebrate International Children's Day on Oct 1 is rejected by PELU. September 2002, Pelu rejected the display of 20 dolls.

S'pore: Capital punishment soars
25-Sep-2003
Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong indicated that about 80 people had been executed this year. When asked why he did not know the exact number, Mr Goh replied: "I have got more important issues to worry about."

Celebrate Children's Day at Speakers' Corner
26-Sep-2003
The public,especially, students, parents and children, are invited to participate in the "installation" art by giving forms to their thoughts on children's issue.

Children's Day art installation at School
29-Sep-2003
The Children's Day art installation is a collaboration between Think Centre and students from Tanglin Trust School.

Children Day's Display: Fabric for the Nation
07-Oct-2003
On October 5th 2003, Think Centre held an installation art display at Speakers' Corner to commemorate Children's Day. On a 5m x 5m collage made up by fabrics sporting cartoons, there were dolls to represent our children and numerous handwritten dedications by children, parents and teachers.

Malaysia: Irene Fernandez found guilty
16-Oct-2003
Human rights activist Irene Fernandez was today found guilty by the Kuala Lumpur magistrate’s court of maliciously publishing false news. She was sentenced to a prison term of 12 months. The court has granted a stay of execution pending appeal to the High Court. Irene remains free on bail.

Think Centre Calls for a moratorium on Death Penalty
19-Oct-2003
The death penalty is a "cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment." On 17 Octber, at its press briefing, Think Centre called on the government to declare a moratorium on death sentences. And urge the government to plan for gradual abolition of the death penalty and to seek alternatives to the death penalty.

J.B.Jeyaretnam Calls for a Criminal Cases Review Commission
19-Oct-2003
17TH OCTOBER 2003, Joint Press briefing by J.B.Jeyaretnam and the Think Centre, J.B.Jeyaretnam Called for a Criminal Cases Review Commission. The press briefing on the rejection of the Application for the retrial of Vignes Mourthi, examing the reasons given for the dismissal of the application. The notes below were taken from the speech of Jeyaretnam.

Get consent before committing troops
26-Oct-2003
Jeyaretnam's press statement calls on the Prime Minister to get the consent of Parliament before committing Singapore troops to Iraq.

NEW POOR & SOCIAL COHESION
30-Oct-2003
The Workers’ Party’s Policy and communications Committee is organizing a public consultation exercise to gather views from members of the public.

Challenge short term contracts for civil servants
31-Oct-2003
The announcement that the government intends to convert civil servants, who now hold permanent office, to temporary service under short term contracts should not be unchallenged.

Singapore joining in the Iraq war
12-Nov-2003
The reply of the Minister for Defence to questions in Parliament on 10th November begs an important question. Who is responsible for the instability not only in Iraq but the whole of the Middle East.

Who is confrontational?
27-Nov-2003
The Acting Minister for Labour warns the SIA pilots to stop being confrontional. Who is being confrontational?

S'pore: Govt to amend trade unions act in knee jerk reaction against the Pilots Union
01-Dec-2003
It is a surprising knee jerk response to non-NTUC affiliated Air Line Pilots Association of Singapore (Alpa-S).

Celebrating Human Right's Day on December 6th
02-Dec-2003
PELU has approved the license to hold the Human Rights Day Forum and Awards event on December 6th. Think Centre takes the day to honour a person who has made significant contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in Singapore. This year we honor J.B. Jeyaretnam, the fearless and tireless human rights advocate.

UN MESSAGE ON HUMAN RIGHTS DAY and AWARD
07-Dec-2003
Human rights defenders stand in the front lines of protection, casting the bright light of human rights into the darkest corners of tyranny and abuse. They work to safeguard the rule of law, to reduce violence, poverty and discrimination, and to build structures for freer, more equitable and more democratic societies.

Canadian Justice Louise Arbour to be Appointed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
23-Feb-2004
The General Assembly is expected to act shortly on Secretary-General Kofi Annan's intention to appoint Ms. Arbour to a four-year term heading the Geneva-based UN human rights office, according to a UN spokesman.

Think Centre: International Human Rights Day Message
10-Dec-2003
Think Centre invite all Members of Parliament to read, understand, respect, and practice the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in daily life. All citizens must be capable of knowing and defending their own rights, thus human rights education be initiated, to live with dignity in a globalized world.

Dismal government policies = low birth rates
15-Dec-2003
A combination of dismal government policies and "social engineering", declining income, unfavourable work and living conditions (for the locals) have resulted in an exodus of the more affluent segments of the population.

Thai Women Workers abused by MMI Precision Ltd
16-Dec-2003
MMI Precision (Thailand) Ltd is a subsidiary company of MMI Holdings (Singapore) Limited. The Computer Part and Electronics Labour Union released information on 12th and 15 December 2003 that the management of MMI Precision (Thailand) Ltd abused their employee's, mostly Thai women workers.

Asian Cyberactivism to be launched in Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur
18-Jan-2004
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation will be hosting a series of book launches for Asian Cyberactivism: freedom of expression and media censorship in Bangkok, Singapore and Malaysia.

Govt criticized AI's report on Death Penalty: J.B.Jeyaretnam comments
21-Jan-2004
J.B. Jeyaretnam comments on the government criticisim of Amnesty International's report on Singapore's Use of Death Penalty. The PAP government is only interested in the form and not in the substance.

LANDMINE SURVIVORS SUPPORT CAMPAIGN
06-Mar-2004
Think Centre - Support Landmine Survivors:Posters
THINK CENTRE is raising awareness on Landmine Survivors in Cambodia and invites everyone to support the disabled person. 8 out of 10 families are exposed to landmines. So far just 3.3% of the affected areas have been cleared.

Finance Minister is like Robin Hood in reverse
03-Mar-2004
Our extra-ordinarily gifted and super-talented Finance Minister has shown in his presentation of the Budget that he is well able to play the role of Robin Hood but in reverse.

Death Penalty: NGUYEN, Vietnamese refugee-cum-scout
27-Mar-2004
Death for NGUYEN Tuong Van was disproportionate given the nature of his crime, his youth, lack of criminal history and the chance for rehabilitation. The Think Centre opposes the death penalty as a violation of the right to life and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Think Centre urges both Court and the President to commute the death sentence and to seek a more humane way to overcome the problem.

Support Landmine Survivors: Posters
05-Apr-2004
Think Centre - Support Landmine Survivors:Posters
The Newsweek, March 5th issue, prints the poster "And you are worried about stepping on dog poo" and Hong Kong based Media 26.03.04 [Marketing and Communication Newspaper for Asia] featured the poster "Ever wondered why Cambodia is ranked 178 in the world soccer?"

Does the government keep the cost of living down?
20-Apr-2004
The government cannot have it both ways - low wages and a high cost of living. It is burning the candle at both ends.

Singapore's PM seeks to curb successor's powers
30-Apr-2004
Goh Chok Tong confirmed he would step down as Singapore's prime minister this year but not before placing potential checks on the powers of his successor.

LABOUR DAY MESSAGE 2004
30-Apr-2004
There are about 1 million Singaporeans with GCE 'O' level or lower then secondary education, ageing, and prone to unemployment. They do not have fair and equal opportunity in terms of employment. Singapore must respect the rights of all Workers and eliminate discrimination in employment.

J.B.Jeyaretnam appeals for discharge from bankruptcy
03-May-2004
Singapore's democratic consolidation is very slow and weak. Defamation and libel suits, against opposition politicians and political dissidence, do not encourage politcal participation and public debate that are essential for democracy to properly function. In 2001, J.B. Jeyaretnam lost his parliamentary seat after being declared a bankrupt for not paying the massive damages awarded to PAP members in a series of defamation suits. Read the statement on J.B.Jeyaretnam's appeal.

REJECTED: J.B JEYERATNAM'S APPEAL FOR A DISCHARGE FROM BANKRUPTCY
02-Jun-2004
Justice Chou Han Teck. who heard my appeal against the refusal of the Asstant Registrar to grant me a discharge from bankruptcy, has given his Grounds for dismissing my appeal.

SDP: To host gathering of international youth leaders
11-Jun-2004
For the first time in Singapore's political history, an opposition party will play host to a gathering of political youth leaders from around the world.

Singapore: 200 Indian Workers protest at Indian Embassy
29-Jun-2004
The Indian migrant workers are claiming their salary. This workers may return home with negative images of Singapore. The workers felt cheated as Wan Soon Construction refused to honour the agreeement with MOM to settle payment of 4 to 6 months of salary. Think Centre hopes that NTUCs Migrant Workers' Forum will take immediate steps to overcome the problem in cooperation with MOM. Think Centre expresses solidarity with the Indian migrant workers.

Singapore politics a family affair
12-Aug-2004
Tonight Lee Hsien Loong, the oldest son of Singapore's founding leader, Lee Kuan Yew, will be sworn in as the country's third Prime Minister.

Welcome Move Towards Making a More Open Society
24-Aug-2004
Think Centre welcomes the "procedural changes" announced by PM Lee towards making a more open society. Its a concrete step and in the right direction. But not a leap forward towards more democracy and freedoms.

PMO: On Invitation to the First Singapore Seminar on the International Criminal court
26-Aug-2004
Please accept his [Prime Minister Lee] best wishes for a successful event. The event: First Singapore Seminar on the International Criminal Court on 28 August 2004 at Asia-Europe Foundation, organized by Think Centre.

J.B JEYERATNAM'S Appeal for discharge from bankruptcy: Deposit $10,000 more!
07-Jul-2004
They are now demanding that J.B.Jeyaretnam deposit a further $10,000.00 before he could proceed with the appeal to be discharged from brankruptcy. Why?

Indian Migrant Workers Protest Again
17-Jul-2004
16 July 2004, more then 150 Indian migrant workers again protested peacefully to claim 4 to 6 months salaries owned by their employer. This is the second protest by workers from Wan Soon Construction to claim their salaries amounting to some $4000 to $6000.

Today in Parliament:
3 MPs will question the MOM on non-payment of salaries to foreign workers
20-Jul-2004
Wan Soon construction company had managed not to pay 400 workers for more then 4 months. How did this happen? Why did the Ministry of Manpower failed to notice this abuse for almost 4 months? What will the Acting Minister for Manpower Mr.NG Eng Hen say today in Parliament?

Iraqi Genocide: Collective punishment
Sign Petition
15-Nov-2004
Iraqis are capable even to give their lives to protect a guest. They are also capable of giving their lives to get rid of an invader - and his puppet.

A PLEA TO SAVE THE LIFE
21-Oct-2004
I make a heartfelt plea for clemency, compassion and mercy, to spare and save the young life of Nguyen Tuong Van, currently under sentence of death at Changi Prison in Singapore.

Death Penalty: SAVE THE LIFE OF SHANMUGAM MURUGESU
16-Apr-2005
The presidential clemency is the final mechanism for appeal. Shanmugam is due to be hanged on or before the first week of May 2005. Please write to the president requesting him to commute the death sentence to imprisonment.

Death-row detainee Shanmugam:
2 hanged and there are 8 more
17-Apr-2005
According to Mr Shanmugam, two Malay prisoners were hanged last Friday, 8 April 2005 at 6 a.m. There are another eight prisoners waiting to be hanged.

Our condolences to the family of the late Dr Wee Kim Wee
03-May-2005
Think Centre joins fellow Singaporeans in sending our condolences to the family of the late Dr Wee Kim Wee.

Tsunami Disaster Relief:
30-Dec-2004
The Concern Citizens Initiative Appeals to the Prime Minister of Singapore. We want the Singapore Government to reach out and respond decisively to our region's hour of need by contributing more substantially to the disaster relief and reconstruction efforts.