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End of Opposition Politics Ominous for Singapore
08-Nov-2001
I disagree with Michael Heng argument that opposition politics has no relevance in Singapore in his letter "PAP win ominous for opposition" (7/11/2001) to the Straits Times.

Are there any persons held under the ISD?
20-Aug-2000
Jacob George attended the Think Centre forum on 10th March and thereafter a Think Centre Human Rights Study Group. He writes to the Minister of Home Affairs and asks, "Are there any persons held under the ISD?" Read this letter and the Minister of Home Affairs speaks.

Think Centre is a brilliant balance of words and action
23-May-2001
Dear Sirs,
Since the Internet became accessible, several sites (though not enough, in my opinion) opened themselves to carry alternative news and views.

Local Media - Where Are You?!
25-May-2001
I refer to your report that opposition member Chee Soon Juan was in the US recently to meet top US congressmen/senators.

Son of S'pore - behave yourself!
25-May-2001
S. Ramamirtham has "struck" again. Only this time, it's not Today but our own Think Centre mailbox! From JBJ and Chee Soon Juan, he now "switches target" to Son of Singapore. We decided to give him a right of reply and let readers judge his views for themselves.

Asiaweek Power 50 - Malaysia
27-May-2001
Congratulations, James, it's about time.

Asiaweek Power 50 - Philippines
27-May-2001
Let's go ahead. Let's do a Think Centre Asia!

Proposed Correction to Press Release
15-Mar-2000
I refer to Think Centre's Press Release "Think(ing) towards a National Human Rights Commission - Venturing into Uncharted Waters" by Anbarasu Balrasan.

Response to Kevin Liew's Comments
15-Mar-2000
Reply to "Proposed Correction to Press Release".

Enough NMPs!
06-Mar-2000
I refer to Mr. Wong Wee Nam's letter, "Enough NMPs" (ST, Mar 2). I have no problem accepting his arguments that we should encourage the growth of mature and responsible party politics in Singapore. But alas, the world is a changing and we cannot clink on to old mindsets, old practices and old beliefs.

Letter from Amnesty International
08-Mar-2000
Amnesty International wrote a letter to James Gomez on hearing that Think Centre will be organising the first official Human Rights Forum in Singapore.

Letter to Amnesty International
11-Mar-2000
Reply to Letter by Mr Graham Bennett, Director of Asia Program, Amnesty International.

We do not harrass any individual or group!
29-Aug-2000
In resposne to an earlier article by AFP and posted on our website, The Singapore Police Force has send us this message.

Letter from impressed Singaporean
02-Sep-2000
I have heard some of yours speakers at Hong Lim Park on 1st Sept. I must admit that I was very impressed, although not necessarily agreeing with, the one who spoke of Ministers' Salary and particularly the Doctorate holder who spoke of the need for Singaporeans to be willing to accept responsibilities before asking for freedom. With due respect to these speakers, sorry for not knowing their names.

Allow Use of Mikes at Hong Lim Park
08-Sep-2000
I write in response to Mr Wong Kan Seng's comment that "If you have 20 microphones blasting away, I don't think anybody can hear anything at all."

Shame on you!
08-Sep-2000
A *strongly* worded memo in response to "Why We At Think Centre Petition For Microphone"!

What has the Government to Fear if you have a Shining Track Record to Stand by?
11-Sep-2000
Another supporter of the use of microphone at Hong Lim Park speaks up.

I Witness... Shame!
12-Sep-2000
A "Shameful" event took place one evening at Hong Lim Park...

Not Surprising
18-Oct-2000
A letter in respone to the Chia Thye Poh article.

I was delighted to see the Think Centre's article on Chia Thye Poh
19-Oct-2000
Letter in response to Chia Thye Poh-article.

An anti-Chia Thye Poh response
25-Oct-2000
Seems to be a story of futile, stupid obstinacy.

Anba replies to anti-Chia response by Gerry Choo
25-Oct-2000
Thank you for your view. In fact, Nelson Mandela himself has met Chia.

Gerry Choo hits back
26-Oct-2000
Most Singaporeans can't name five MPs. That's becos MPs don't really do anything in Singapore.

Anba evokes "the Price of Fish"
26-Oct-2000
I believe you are angry but please contextualise the issues. What's that got to do with the price of fish? Well, when I was counselling retrenched workers that was when they realised that the price of fish is directly related with the man you vote.

Comments on new LKY book from KL
28-Oct-2000
Michael Barr's book is a must read for Singaporeans. It contains many aspects of LKY that I have not seen or read anywhere else. Minchin, T.J. George, Dennis Bloodworth, Chris Lingle, and others including Francis Seow wrote about LKY's politics, but not about his progressivism, elitism and strong "genes and ductless glands", which are the defining characteristics of our chinese friends who had to survive famines and other calamities (rugged, hardworking and thrifty).

Congratulations
01-Nov-2000
Dear James, congratulations on your publicity in Asia Week. It reads well and puts you campaign on the map.

Condolences from Ghana
01-Nov-2000
This is to send my condolences and sympathies on the loss of lives of victims of the plane crash.

Think Centre stirs interest in Malaysia
02-Nov-2000
We are from a new Chinese Internet media, probably the first of its kind in Malaysia, namely mytianwang, we aim to provide independent and critical news coverage, covering diverse categories,from politics to the society as a whole,especially in Malaysia, and we hope to stretch our arms to Singapore as well.

Media Watch: Jacob George on SIA Crash Coverage
02-Nov-2000
Hi Jacob,
Re: your comments on local media coverage on SIA crash in Taipei, I think it's fair to say Channel News Asia did not compare well with CNN (shown very convincingly by Anbarasu). If CNA wants to compete with other transborder TV station, it must learn to tumble with the giants like BBC and CNN.

Questions raised about AMP convention
07-Nov-2000
hi james, i read the article by zulfikar about the recent amp convention. i will really like to know what are your opinions about amp's concept of collective malay leadership?

Malay community have to decide
07-Nov-2000
hi josef, it is a complex issue and both sides will have their own take on it.

Collective Leadership is 'in no way a threat to multiracialism'
08-Nov-2000
Hi Josef I am not a member of AMP. However, I was a participant of the workshop on Politics, Leadership and civil society at the recent AMP convention. Let me assure you that Collective Leadership is in no way a threat to multiracialism in Singapore.

Why aren't The Roundtable and other NGOs provinding moral support to AMP?
09-Nov-2000
The Roundtable has been quiet to respond to Goh Chok Tong's (GCT) warning about AMP's collective leadership proposal. Though it may see this to be an internal matter for the Malay-Muslim professional body to manage, I think GCT's comments serves as a shot across the bow to other Singapore NGOs.

Disagreement inevitable amongst NGOs
10-Nov-2000
I refer to the letter by Mr Aidi Rahim, "Why aren't The Roundtable and other NGOs providing moral support to AMP?" It will only be natural if not all NGOs agree to an idea of a collective Malay leadership in Singapore.

SDP not contesting next elections?
10-Nov-2000
How about another poll about - will the SDP contest in the next generaelection? My betting is that they will make a statement when elections are called that they will not be contesting.

From Across the Causeway on Roundtable's Forum
13-Nov-2000
Would love to hear what happens at the roundtable forum. Was clearing up my father's library in ipoh and found several interesting articles in the history journals he used to subscribe to when he was teaching in high school batu pahat.

Why PAP has lost mandate
17-Nov-2000
Some facts about Singapore.Birth rate drops. More girls than boys. Army even subcontract out non combat support roles. Own local talent pool lost to oversea. More graduates from China and India then our own.

Reactions to Roundtable Forum
18-Nov-2000
Dear James, Thank you for the invitation. I've enjoyed the last night's forum/discussion. My own tentative scattered views/observations on the various matters discussed, are as follows: a. The civil society voice is openly "weak" at the formal level today although the PAP Govt still respects the "silent" majority grassroot voters/voice, to a large extent.

Need to expose local media's fallacious arguments
20-Nov-2000
Dear Thinkers of the Think Centre,I do think that Think Centre needs to more fully document the alledged lack of transparency and questionable policies of the Singaporean Government. I do not know if such efforts have been carried out.

Some response to our 'Say No to LKY' coverage
21-Nov-2000
I love LKY.The best man in universe.I will buy at least 100 of his book. I' ll give to my friend to read that book. I hope at least 1.000.000 Chinese will follow my step.Thank you.
- Saul Tan

Time for Change
21-Nov-2000
Hi James! It is a nice surprise. I've always admired your guts to be so outspoken though you were one year my junior.

Response to LKY Protest
21-Nov-2000
You might want to know that Lianhe Zaobao has reported on the protests of alumni and students in Chinese University of Hong Kong last week.

Letter from Malaysia on S'pore's ISA Marathon
26-Nov-2000
Dear comrades from Singapore,I am glad to hear about the event planned on the World Human Right Day (10-12-2000). I guess this is the most wonderful news I had ever get from Singapore beside those honorable praises from the world communities to the government of this 'City-State'.

Questions on S'pore's Shame
26-Nov-2000
After reading the book I have a few queries. How come you can publish such a book and have it printed in Singapore without any censoring interference from the authorities? Or has there been any repercussions for the author?

Would You Vote For Dr Chee?
13-Oct-2000
Mr J. B. Jeyeretnam laments at the lack of opposition candidates having been elected to the Singapore Parliament. However, one of the problems has been the lack of credible candidates to vote for. Lets analyse one such candidate.

Mr Gomez has done a great job and a service to the society!
01-Dec-2000
Recently, I was very delighted to see a copy of this book (perhaps the only copy) in the Sembawang Community Library. I immediately borrowed it. It is a splendid book. Mr Gomez has done a great job and a service to the society. I'm happy that there are atleast some people out there who have the brains to put all these in writing.

Fight Government Induced Mindset
02-Dec-2000
i would like to compliment the efforts which are being made to thinkcentre.org. we should have more singaporeans like you guys/gals who can kickstart our government-induced obscure mindsets to another level.

Singapore Artist Need to Make Strike More Visible
04-Dec-2000
Regarding the no arts day on the 29th of Dec, I think the time has come , which is long overdue , for artists to be seen and heard in a united fashion.

To Strike 4D-Response to Pte Kheng
08-Dec-2000
I quickly glanced through the thirty over mail that had accumulated since I left for my bi-monthly meeting in Hong Kong upon arriving at Changi Airport. Same old things, bills and more bills. Wait a second, an On Government Service letter addressed to me? ~!@#$^&*! What the f&*k!"

Greetings from Canada
11-Dec-2000
Dear Ben, Soon Juan and James, Many good wishes for Human Rights Day from us all in Canada.

RCS Saga
14-Dec-2000
This would possibly make it a first in Singapore media history: a media practitioner openly exposing the censorship regime.

Is Speakers’ Corner for Demos? (14th December, TODAY, pg.6)
14-Dec-2000
I refer to a report in TODAY (Dec 12) about Sunday’s human rights gathering. On the occasion, the Secretary General of the Singapore Democratic Party, Dr Chee Soon Juan and several opposition members and members of Think Centre were reported to have taken part in the gathering. Although the local media showed rather subdued pictures of the so-called Human Rights Day gathering, a picture on the website of the Think Centre is most telling. It shows Dr Chee and several others up in arms and clenching their fists, calling for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Speaker's Corner in Malaysia (MPH)
16-Dec-2000
Hi James. I enjoyed reading your centre's article on the above subject.

Response to Loyal Singaporean
16-Dec-2000
James Gomez went to Malaysia to promote his book. The contents of the book are about self-censorship and an analysis of Singapore politics. You are entitled to your view that this smearing and you are also entitled to your view that James has "ganged" up with a Malaysian. We believe that you have the freedom of speech.

A dying child's wish.
17-Dec-2000
Dear all, This is a sweet poem from a terminally ill young girl in a New York Hospital. It was sent by a medical doctor - Dr. Yeou Cheng Ma. Be inspired by it and please do what you can to help fulfill this young girl's dream by also reading what is in the closing statement AFTER THE POEM.

Investigate if you think we've done wrong, says Think Centre (TODAY,Dec 16,pg.6)
17-Dec-2000
I refer to the letter in TODAY (Dec 14) by Mr S. Ramamirthan. The purpose of the event jointly organised by Think Centre was to commemorate International Human Rights Day. The Internal Security Act (ISA) is a contradiction against human rights. Any individual in Singapore, including the writer himself, can be detained by the state without a trial.

On Freedom of Expression
19-Dec-2000
Hello think centre. I would like to know about Human Rights in Singapore. We have freedom of speech. There is feedback unit, where we can share our ideas and opinions.

Response to A Dying Girl's Request
20-Dec-2000
For shame. That a group of knowledgeable people purporting to be experienced in critical analysis, evaluation and verification of public information should be take in by a known hoax casts doubts on your credibility on other issues, as well.

Response to V. Thamizhmaraiyan
20-Dec-2000
Hi Thamizhmaraiyan, Thanks for your views. The subject of human rights encompasses many things. Freedom of speech and expression in Singapore in the context of human rights is but one. Even Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid's recent outburst and to suggest that Malaysia should cut off supply of water to Singapore can be said to be a human rights issue for us in Singapore.

No need for Human Rights Commission (Dec 18, TODAY, pg.6)
21-Dec-2000
I refer to the two letters in the Dec 16 edition of TODAY on happenings at the Speakers’ Corner last weekend.

Human rights issue is more complex (Dec 20th, TODAY, pg.7)
21-Dec-2000
I refer to the three letters published in TODAY (Dec 18). I agree with the two who say there is no need for the ISA.

Reply to Melvin Tan on Human Rights
02-Jan-2001
Dear Mr.Melvin Tan, Thank You for your kind reply on (human rights).

Keep it Up, Think Centre
02-Jan-2001
Dear friends, I don't know how I got onto your egroups, but I am not complaining. If anything, I am thankful that I am on it! I have read your mailouts, but this particular mailout - for whatever reason - has compelled me to write and say thanks.

Government needs to do more to discourage divorce
08-Jan-2001
I believe that a lot of people would like to get married. However, something is holding us back. The percieved benefit is lesser than the percievedliability. My main concerns are:

Reply to Darry's Letter
11-Jan-2001
This is in reply to Darry's letter (08 Jan 2001) that the government should do more to discourage divorce. I'm not a Singaporean, neither do I live there. I'm a Malaysian, staying in the Klang Valley, who has been listed into the TC group. I agree with you that divorce should be taken more seriously, not just by the government, but also by individuals themselves. However, I disagree that the ex-husbands are always in the losing situation-- i.e. not getting custody, having to pay alimony.

So Many Questions and No Answers!
12-Jan-2001
On the Newsradio issue, these are the key questions which someone needs to answer:

Don't Fall into this Trap and Crap!
12-Jan-2001
I refer to your poll on whether James should run for Parliament. I had polled No (but of course!).

Govt should be more understanding of Muslim community
15-Jan-2001
Dearest Brothers & Sisters in Islam Dearest Fellow Singaporeans... Baby Deen Liong Wei Yang... che ke ming zhi xi wo jui kei chi ke xiao hai zhi. Ta xi wo de lau pan de er zhe. Baby Deen Liong Wei Yang... this is the name I give to this child. He is my Boss' son.

Malays are not marginalised
23-Jan-2001
That is the expected response from the government over issues of discrimination in Singapura. In fact, PM Goh has stated the same during the AMP convention and had then, stated a few figures to support his claim.

Don't Pass Your Judgement Too Soon
27-Jan-2001
I refer to the letter by Mr Ramamirtham "Opposition must be more convincing" (TODAY, Jan 23).

Interview had Captured the Essence of the Singapore Malay Dilemma
29-Jan-2001
Dear Editor,
Thank you for posting that excellent interview by Malaysia's Berita Harian with Mohd Rahizan Yaacob. I think the recent incident has allowed some space for Malay Singaporeans to speak on the matter. Unfortunately given the restrictions on free speech in Singapore, Mohd Rahizan is more free to speak for the Malaysian press than for the Singapore press.

Letter from Manila - (Estrada Protests)
18-Jan-2001
Things are getting more exciting, and tense at the same time, here in Metro Manila.Last night at around 10:00 PM 11 out of 21 senator-judges in the impeachment court voted against the opening of a second envelope containing bank records that will allegedly show that Estrada, hiding under the name Jose Velarde, keeps more than 3.3 billion pesos in a bank.... that's way over his declared assets of only 30-something million pesos.

Give Singapore Politics a Level Playing Field
20-Jan-2001
A truncated version of this letter by Bryan Lim of the Young Democrats appeared in Today (Wed 17 Jan 2001 p6). Read on as we bring you the unedited version.

Anbarasu tells Elections Department to set up Website
16-Jan-2001
Electoral department website can help educate citizens

Hurray for JBJ
05-Feb-2001
Great to have JB Jeyaratnam's article in your website.

What I Think of PM Goh's Take on S'pore Muslims
06-Feb-2001
Actually, from my understanding, PM is neutral or even sympathetic to Muslims. As for SM, it is quite clear that he is not receptive of pious Muslims. He has made a number of statements againsts Muslims. So has his son. BUT PM Goh, from all the accounts that I have heard, is above such bigotry. However, he faces a few problems.

Letter from a Well-Wisher
07-Feb-2001
Dear Sir/Madam,
Today, I surf the Internet and visited your Thinkcentre website. I think your articles are well-written and carry real punch.

Lets Restrict Landmines
29-May-2001
Dear Sir, I totally agree that landmines used in indiscriminate and uncharted manners is a hazard to non-combatants long after a conflict is over. This is evident in Cambodia and Angola where the are large portion of the population are amputees due to landmines.

U Guys R the Best!
30-May-2001
I HAVE been following some of Think Centre's developments & am impressed with your undertakings. It just seems that all our discomforts in the past have been challenged by your 'Crusade' to make Singapore a more 'checked & balanced' political environment. Not to say that our GOV. hasn't been doing a great job.

Asiaweek Power 50 - Paris
30-May-2001
I want to congradulate you for being among the top 50 best asian communicator of the year according to Asiaweek.

Profit Bargain?
31-May-2001
pardon me for me ignorance, but isn't "public" supposed to mean serve the public? since when does the word start

A Letter from Prof Yuen
30-Jan-2001
Thank you for your email; as a foreigner, my interest in Singapore political system is mainly one of "logistics", the economic, cultural as well as technological ingredients that underpin the system; I do not know how this meshes with TC's operations; people have found it hard to react to my article on Singapore because it does not have a clear agenda, though that does not stop it from being irritating - it is irritating to have someone know you too well.

Letter from 'The Coexistence Initiative'
30-Jan-2001
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing on behalf of The Coexistence Initiative, a neutral non-profit organization committed to 'creating a world safe for difference.' In light of your work in the human rights field I am writing to introduce you to our organization and to seek your advice about coexistence work taking place in South East Asia.

Response to Police Investigation of IHRD gathering
30-Jan-2001
It is amusing that the police state is going a round-about way of investigating its citizens right of speech and assembly at Hong Lim Park's Speakers' Corner via a letter to "Today".

Response to Gomez Summoned by Singapore Police
08-Feb-2001
It is truly laughable that the government sets up a platform for "free speech" but then conducts investigations "in connection... [with] Assembly Without a Permit". One suspects their understanding of "free speech" is vastly different from everyone elses--or simply an elastic term they can stretch to intimidate those they feel are making headway with this "free speech" advantage.

Whats all this with Fauziah taken off the air?
09-Feb-2001
Sorry, seem to be out of sync with things here since coming back to work. what's this about Fauziah Ibrahim no longer being on air. can you give me more details please? think i missed out on a whole lot of stuff there. good grief! she's about one of the best presenters on air.

Feedback on Think Centre's Website
11-Feb-2001
Hi all, I personally think your site is very well-built. I especially like the recent grouping of related story which allows a newcomer to follow or trace a tread much easier.Content-wise, contributors seem to be able to write well and seem sincere and serious about the topics they write on.

RE: Harassment of Think Centre, Singapore
13-Feb-2001
SUARAM, a human rights centre in Malaysia, is gravely concerned over the harassment of personalities associated with a Singapore non-governmental organisation, Think Centre and the deterioration of freedom of expression in Singapore.

Honoured and Touched
13-Feb-2001
Francis Chua is a member of the public who took a photograph with other Think Centre members. The photo can be viewed at our "Photo Essay" section. Read on to find out what he has got to say!

Response to whether we have the freedoms as per UN Article 19
15-Feb-2001
No, I don't feel I have this freedom. I find myself practicing self-censorship as Gomez puts it in his article. And I never thought I would! But the atmosphere here is debilitating and saps one's energy to speak out till finally you decide it is easiest not to say anything against mainstream thinking.

Letter from Tehran
20-Feb-2001
Tehran- Feb 17- The current situation in Palestine, should serve as a serious "warning bell" to all Arab and Islamic countries who have been "hopeful" of the peace process.

Letter from Belarus
21-Feb-2001
Dear Sirs,I, Vladimir Kudinov, deputy of the 13th Supreme Soviet of Belarus, who has signed the impeachment motion against Alexander Lukashenko, served a long prison term for my initiative. From February 4, 1997 till February 5, 2001 I was held in their barracks. I was isolated from the society and my loved ones.

Respone to SHAME ON YOU
21-Feb-2001
I think that everybody still has his/her own rights to keep the opinion for themselves. It's not because they want to censor it, but somehow I believe that there's a time that we do need to analyze things first from our own point of view based on the realities and share it with others (who really care of course).

On Sharon's election as Israel's PM
22-Feb-2001
Many American Jews are responding to the election of Ariel Sharon as prime minister of Israel with sadness, mourning, and disgust. When Ariel Sharon was forced to resign from his position as defense minister during the Lebanon War, most Israelis felt that they had finally rid themselves of a man whose record of violence could no longer be ignored. Though his troops only supervised but didn't personally do the shooting of the hundreds of civilians in the Sabra and Shatilla refugee camps, the Israeli public knew of his many other acts of terror (including massacres of civilian Bedouins in the Sinai).

Quotes from new book on LKY
26-Feb-2001
The following quotes are taken from an article by Michael D. Barr, Deptartment of History, University of Queensland, Journal of Contemporary Asia v29, n2 1999). Commentaries are mine.

Unjust Treatment at Singapore Side of Causeway
27-Feb-2001
Dear Mr Jacob George,I find your emails very informative and wish to express my appreciation. I have also encouraged my friends to log on to your website.I am a Malaysian from who lived many years in Singapore, but now lives in Johor Bahru but visits Singapore AT LEAST two days a week. I have had experiences of some unjust treatment by the Singapore authorities one as recent as last week.

Who is passing around my email to Tony Tan?
12-Mar-2001
Member of the public, Kenneth Koh, sent an email to Tony Tan (PAP deputy Prime Minister), about repeated lapses in the use of public funds. He was not impressed when his email was sent to Ms. Bellerina, FeedBack Unit, who sent him a reply. He wants to know what's going on. Read on to find out more...

On SM Lee's Dialogue with the Malay/Muslim Community
05-Mar-2001
SM Lee has stated that we should choose intergration or live distancing ourselves from the larger population of Singapura. "He pointed out there was a trend for the Malay community to concentrate its activities in mosques. " And the problem is? Instead of bemoaning the fact that Muslims are active in mosques, the government should then, ask why are they at mosques and not at the RCs/CCs?

Keeping the voice of Decency and Sanity Alive in S'pore
07-Mar-2001
I was just thinking, could Think Centre organise a national support fund for opposition MPs?

No need for JBJ rally (TODAY, 12th March 2001)
14-Mar-2001
I refer to the article "Save JBJ" (TODAY, Mar 10), on an action spearheaded by Think Centre's Mr James Gomez.

Let's not get personal here (TODAY, 14th March 2001)
15-Mar-2001
There is nothing wrong with anyone professing his unflinching loyalty to any particular cause or political body. But it would be crossing the borders of acceptable sportsmanship and common courtesy when one indulges in attacks of a highly personal nature.

Warning Letter to TC
26-Mar-2001
Dear TC, The think centre should not champion individuals. JBJ made his own bed and has to lie in it. He knows the rules of engagement in singapore politics. he should have held his tongue if he did not want to get into trouble with slander and libel. POLITICS IS ABOUT BEING ELECTED TO OFFICE AND REMAINING IN POWER. NO TWO WAYS ABOUT IT. You are either in or out!!

Please reconsider standing for GE
03-Apr-2001
Dear Editor,
I share the concerns of your readers and supporters over the April Fool joke. It may have been a great deal of fun and perhaps a releasing of tensions on the ground, but I do think it has affected your credibility somewhat.

Thanks for the April Fool's Joke
04-Apr-2001
I enjoyed your April Fool's joke..immensely. A day later like most people!

You Guys Fooled Me!
04-Apr-2001
You guys had me fooled but I enjoy the joke :-)

More Sense of Humour Needed
05-Apr-2001
oi! Isn't this the April Fool's joke that made the news for all the wrong reasons! Now what? Is govt going to fine TC for the joke?

Keep Up the Good Work
05-Apr-2001
Dear Think Centre members. Please keep up your good work. Singapore needs a third voice.

Don't Chicken Out, Critics
05-Apr-2001
Hi, I read about the criticism on your website. Much of it is overdone and while I'm no fan of yours I feel they shd not chicken out by hiding behind a pseudonym.

Response to "There are all kinds"
14-Apr-2001
Obvioulsy the writer looks at things with one eye, I am wondering if he could face Mr Tang Liang Hong's and our ex President Devan Nair's family and say the same thing or if it happen to his father or his uncle will he still be saying the same thing as I see it the only crime committed by my Tang was being couragous and stand for election thats all, or perhaps he would want to experience detention without trial like Dr Poh Soo Kai,Said Azahari and others, and maybe he would want to go round and counsel thousands of drug addict families of whom their children had suffered as a result of the PAP secret dealings with drug lords of the golden triangle while on the legal front they hang small time drug dealers and therefore championed the noble course of fighting drug abuse.

Letter from a former Malaysian Detainee
18-Apr-2001
Dear Editor: The recent arrest of several people under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) of Malaysia has rekindled the memory of my own brutal kidnapping by the Malaysian police and the ongoing suffering of our family.

Start E-mail Campaign
29-Mar-2001
Why don't you send him an e-mail? Maybe we could start a campaign encouraging people who support the rally to e-mail the Minister (Wong_Kan_Seng@mha.gov.sg), the minister of state (Ho_Peng_Kee@mha.gov.sg), and the political secretary (Harun_A_Ghani@mha.gov.sg).

More Suggestions for SAVE JBJ Campaign
30-Mar-2001
Dear Think Centre, I think you guys are very courageous. I am very grateful that there are still people like yourselves who are willing to stand up for democracy in this country. Regretably, I do not have your courage. But I still support you in spirit. I think the idea of raising fund for JBJ by selling tee-shirts and souveneirs is great. But be prepared for obstacles along the way.

Concern of the PAP government's latest phobic attempts
01-Apr-2001
Dear Editor, I read with much concern of the PAP government's latest phobic attempts to put out the growing and independent civil society by refusing a permit for the JBJ rally and issuing a warning to James Gomez and Kevin Liew of the Think Centre. So we can claim wih certainty that the Singapore21 plan is truly a government (re)programming of civil society. Anything that escapes the government patronage is non-conformism and will not be kosher to the state.

Offer to help as campaign worker!
01-Apr-2001
I must extend my heartiest congratulations to Think Centre on its latest political strategy to contest in the GE.

re : there are all kinds
07-Apr-2001
YUP I read the ranting and raving letter with much interest. If nothing else at least, feel good about two things.

Response to www.harimau.org
09-Apr-2001
I think that website is extremist and racist. Is it even written by a Singaporean? NOt only does it criticse the PAP - it contains veiled insults to Chinese. It even talked about the Malays buying over our banks and ports etc etc and take an overtly malaysian stand. This is crazy politics.

Congratulations Think Centre!
02-Apr-2001
Congratulations Think Centre! That was an excellent and appropriate guerilla theatre strategy to raise awareness of the electoral process in Singapore.

Great Performance Art
02-Apr-2001
Well, you guys are doing the best, if not the only, Performance Art in Singapore now.

Good Joke
02-Apr-2001
Just a note to say this was the only April Fool's Day joke I've got.And a good one too!

We Love You
02-Apr-2001
Thanks for your frivolity. As in your note, it has a serious side to it. Keep up the good work guys in keeping the spark of alternative ideas open.

Funny but Relieved
02-Apr-2001
Yes it (the April Fool joke) was very funny. But I am relieved there aren't going to be a few more individuals announcing their (financial) ruin any time soon :)

Prestigous Overseas Scholarship for Foreign Talents - Meritocracy or betrayal?
19-Apr-2001
It was sad and disturbing to find out that two out of the three recent bond-breakers announced by EDB were foreigners. It has been long speculated among NUS and NTU undergraduates that foreign talents have not only taken the jobs of their parents, but also prestigious overseas scholarships awarded by the government and GLCs.

Words of a curious well-wisher!
20-Apr-2001
Greetings,
There have been times, when I as an international student and student activist while studying in Australia, have wondered if there would be political reform for singapore. If we would ever be able to voice out opinions and perhaps even (gasp!!) bring change. For that I must congragulate you, the future looks bright.

My humble thoughts
20-Apr-2001
I think it's great what you guys are doing for Jeyaretnam, in that you've shown how difficult it is for anyone to stage public events in Singapore that run counter to the ruling party's interests.

happy belated april fool
11-Apr-2001
Oh, it was a really fantastic thing Thinkcentre did with that April Fools' joke...a couple of points I found interesting.....

The PAP is no different than the Nazis of the Third Reich!
12-Apr-2001
Dear Think Centre, I am a 27 year old working for the NUS Society in a high profile department (i shan't mention the department, for we all know that the site is 'monitored' - but they can proberbly trace - so what the hell). I am not rich nor am i ignorant...... thanks to organizations like yours and JBJ's party and efforts.

Can I be a Member?
23-Apr-2001
HI!....CAN I JOIN U GUYS COS I WANT TO SAVE DEMOCRACY BUT IM NOT DAT WELL EDUCATED GUY SO I HOPE DATS NOT A PROBLEM LAH!

Keep up the good Work!
25-Apr-2001
Hi, You guys are amazing and I wish you well. The revolution in S'pore is underway and you are the leaders.

Feedback on Rally
29-Apr-2001
hi there,congrats on the attempt to hold a political rally. just some critical n frank comments: u need to make a big impact for your own publicity whether about JBJ or your work whatever.

Pls give us update on JBJ Rally
29-Apr-2001
dear sir, I remebered being at yio chu kang stadium some years back during the elections. The response from the support was awesome. I remebered seeing Tang liang hong, JBJ, and even JBJ's family was introduced. please update us about the save jbj rally, with lots of pics and true infomation. If possible, you could have a audio file on the speech by jbj.

What is the importance of S'pore's President?
30-Apr-2001
Hi,I am new to this and found your on the papers this weekend. I have a querry but not sure who to ask. We had a big debate several years ago, then the government = pap= SM Lee..... said the importance of a president is to safe guard the second key to singapores coffers.

BG (NS) George Yeo
02-May-2001
It is with great concern that I read an article that reported your speech at the Ninth Singapore General Hospital Lecture. Of particular concern is your question on the "implications... should the Malay community in Singapore become more Islamic in thought andpractice." Why is this a concern?  What is wrong with the Malay community becoming more Islamic in thought andpractice? Are you concerned of Malays being practicing Muslims?If so, why? Why the concern with islam alone?  Why are you not concerned the adherents of the other religions such as Chriatianity becoming more Christian in thought and practice? WHy did you focus on Islam?

Saddened by JBJ's stepping down
02-May-2001
I am totally distraught by the news that JBJ is stepping down from the post of secretary-general of WP. Granted age is catching up on him, and he wants to make way for new blood.

Feedback to Think Centre
05-May-2001
Hi...I read the letter which tc wrote to st today. I am glad that tc made a forceful response to attempts to belittle and sneer at tc. the journalist in question used to be a teacher before he joined st.

Cost of Car Ownership
08-May-2001
Our reader writes in to give his reaction to a recent letter in the ST Forum on the large taxes levied on car ownership.

How about some accounting!
09-May-2001
I refer to  your article on the above  and the ST article which quoted LKY as saying that GIC is accountable. Of course,it is!

Where are we going from here?
12-May-2001
Dear Readers,
I am writing in not as a supporter of the government nor one for the opposition. I think the opposition parties, Think Centre and other such organizations have done a courageous job in creating an outlet for the opponents of the current regime to voice their unhappiness and frustration.

Response to "Cost of Car Ownership"
13-May-2001
Hi, I would like to contribute to the so-called COE debacle.

People who make life hard for political volunteers
11-May-2001
The below letter is another example of raving and ranting by armchair critics of the political scene. Receiving letters like this do help to make Singapore's political volunteers a rare breed. We decided anyway to publish this letter in respect of freedom of speech.

Think global, know regional and feel local
15-May-2001
Youths in Singapore should possess three basic skills in order to enhance the competitiveness of Singapore, to foster harmony and peace, to strengthen the fabric of society.

Anti-Think Centre Man!
17-May-2001
I refer to the above article on your website and say that it was very timely.

CPF for Tertiary Education - Prelude for more rate hikes?
16-May-2001
The recent announcement by CPF to allow members to use their money for tertiary education without setting aside $65,000 is a welcome by all students.

Critical statements on religion - what about Ministers?
19-May-2001
I read in The Straits Times today, 12 May 2001 that the government had at occassions, considered using the Religious Harmony Act on certain individuals.

"Shit" and "Pubic Hair"
21-May-2001
I refer to the letter from a certain Ramamirtham to Today which was published in full at your website. This man is a brilliant letter writer who uses beautiful English words and phrases.

I want to destroy Think Centre!
22-May-2001
A frustrated Ramamirthan says it does not matter whether his letters are crap. He strongly believes the editors of TODAY are on his side! He has unilaterally decided that Think Centre has NO PLACE in Singapore. What crap! Read on and have a good laugh...

Great Website
23-May-2001
Dear Sirs, I must say that the Think Centre staff are producing a great website with your views,opinions and reports.

A Call For Propaganda!
23-May-2001
At the News Conference launching the new GIC building today (22/5/01), one message from SM Lee sounds loudest: The Local media should propagandise the government's position.

Asiaweek Power 50 - Singapore
27-May-2001
U've been hitting the news as usual here in Singapore,...often reading bout it in the newspapers. ...and now u being more powerful then the prime minister of Singapore.

Good Scoop!
28-May-2001
Congratulations on your article on Chee being elected chairman of ARDA. You have scooped the Straits Times, New Paper, Business Times and TV Works and SBC(or whatever they call themselves nowadays) in one significant swipe.

You Should Get Proper Coverage
28-May-2001
As a former participant in one of your seminars/forums, I also wish to observe that some of your seminars pass unnoticed as well (such as the Human Rights Seminar where I spoke); and most of your "activities" except when you are being investigated or you are looking like controversial "mavericks" who are newsworthy for that reason.

Singapore seems very tolerant of gay rights
01-Jun-2001
Dear Think Center,While I realize the your purpose is to agitate for change, I think that it is incumbent upon you to be honest and remain close to facts, rather than engage in progaganda and inflammatory language.

Pls Publicise President's Address
01-Jun-2001
Hi, Can I suggest that Think centre broadcast the email address of the President's Office so that individual appeals can be sent to directly to his Office with or without the attachment of this email?

Public Transport Fare Hike
02-Jun-2001
I refer to the above report. To solve the country's economic woes why not

Kill him
02-Jun-2001
For Zulfikar who is a drug addict to not know that he may be carrying drug when he is carrying a "package" is very unlikely. To be a courier, he has aided in the distribution of drugs to other users and thus deserve death.

International Recognition or Political Motive?
03-Jun-2001
I would like to comment on that letter by Ms Yasmin. First, I have to feel sorry for her that she come from a poor and unfortuate family. Lossing her father and brother to drug problems.

Editor-in-chief Replies to Tony Tan
03-Jun-2001
No, it's not the Deputy Prime Minister but someone else with the same name, who had written a letter to us. Read Think Centre Editor-in-chief's reply below!

I Doubt Any Member of the PTC Uses Public Transport
06-Jun-2001
let's ask ourselves a question why are the buses getting more and more overcrowded or continue to remain overcrowded? the simple answer is

Petition from Italy
06-Jun-2001
I want sign the appeal against the death to Zulfikar bin Mustaffah:

The Lack of Professionalism of 3 Police Officers
06-Jun-2001
5th June 2001,To Whom It May Concern,Dear Sir/ Madam, RE: The Lack of Professionalism of 3 Police Officers. On the night of 31/05/01 at Ang Moi Koi MRT Station, I was detained by some police officers and subsequently sent to Ang Moi Koi Police Station for questioning. The alleged offences aside, I would like to highlight the unprofessional conduct of 3 Police officers contrary to the good name of the Police Force.

Public Enquiry Needed
08-Jun-2001
Dear Sir, I refer to the above report and call on the police for a public enquiry as public officers and police cannot ride roughshod over the people.

Police Cannot Ride Roughshod Over the People!
08-Jun-2001
I refer to the above report and call on the police for a public enquiry as public officers and police cannot ride roughshod over the people.

Good Show Think Centre
16-Jun-2001
Dear Friends, May I applaud your effort in banning landmines. Perhaps you may like to promote our project, "Rotary Demining Cambodia", among your friends as well by publishing the following appeal in your net. (Read on for more)

It's About Bread and Butter Issues
18-Jun-2001
The Think Centre,
Times may have changed but unfortunately, your claims about "many Singaporeans have not made the necessary mindset changes" had renewed my doubts about your professed belief in civic-mindedness.

Bread and Butter Issues are Part of Human Rights
19-Jun-2001
Hi Kok Wah,
Thank you for your views. Think Centre does not claim to have all the answers but our activities are targeted at Singaporeans to debate and discuss about issues. It’s a two-way learning process. We feel it has to start somewhere. We can’t look to the government for everything hence our initiative as a civil society organization to promote citizenship education.

Should MAS Scholarships be Granted to Foreigners?
01-Jul-2001
I read with dismay that MAS, the central bank of our country, has granted foreigners the prestigious MAS scholarship recently.

Political NGOs in Singapore -- Only One Stands Out
02-Jul-2001
I refer to Andy Ho's article in Straits Times (30 Jun 2001). I don't feel I write good English so I don't want to send my letter to Straits Times. Instead I dedicate this letter to you, Think Center, and I hope you will continue your good work.

Best Wishes
03-Jul-2001
Dear James,
I see from below (see Breaking News, 2nd July 2001) that you are contemplating entering national politics.

Reply to Kenneth Koh
25-Jun-2001
Dear Mr Koh,
Thank you for your views arising from the opinion piece by Mr Anbarasu Balrasan's "Big Brother Dr M - Attacking Singapore Once Again".

Are you Playing into PAP's hand?
24-Jun-2001
I refer to your your abovementioned article entitled, "BRIGHT BROTHER DR. M - SEEN BASHING SINGAPORE AGAIN" by Mr Anbarasu Balsaran, dated 24 June 2001.

Closing Down of Project Eyeball
29-Jun-2001
Is the closing down of Project eyeball merely because of business reasons? It is really up to the people's conclusion. But look closer... look harder...

Your Ah Beng is Too Pessimistic
14-Jul-2001
Read the writer's response to Anbarasu Balrasan's opinion piece "Stemming the Opposition Flow."

SDA Democratic?
22-Jul-2001
In the 21/7/01 edition of the Straits Times, Chiam See Tong is officially announced as Chairman of SDA (Singapore Democratic Alliance). It also stated that in the SDA Constitution approved by ROS, Chiam will "have the power to appoint top officials, including the secretary-general and vice-chairman". He also has veto power over decision-making bodies in any of the SDA committees.

Boston of the East
24-Jul-2001
It's a mockery that NUS Vice-chancellor, Prof Chong Chi Tat has retracted his earlier statement that universities should "get rid of exams, adding that doing so is one way to encourage more creativity and create an education system more suited to a knowledge-based economy," immediately after it is published in the ST on 20 July.

It's a Scene Straight from the Merchant of Venice
26-Jul-2001
Singapore's veteran opposition politician, J B Jeyaretnam, has now been declared a bankrupt after the rejection of his appeal by the Court of Appeal. This means he will face automatic expulsion from Parliament and will not be allowed to contest the forthcoming election.

Ten Good Reasons To Join the Esso Boycott
05-Jul-2001
I’ve just joined the Stop Esso Campaign. And I think you should seriously consider joining it too. All you have to do is to sign the on-line pledge at www.stopesso.com. And don’t use Esso petrol stations until their parent company, Exxon Mobil, starts supporting the Kyoto Protocol - the international agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions - instead of trying to stop it in its tracks. Here are ten good reasons why you should support this campaign.

Daddy Knows Best Policy
07-Jul-2001
Read Narayana Narayana's response to Andy Ho's article "Revisiting the banyan tree: Civil society 10 years on" which appeared in the Straits Times on 30/6/2001. A prolific letter writer on many issues and commentator expect more of Narayana Narayana in the future.

The Ethical Case for Executing Drug Dealers
18-Jul-2001
I don't believe that anyone, even the strongest supporter of the death penalty, wants anyone to die because they were convicted unfairly, or denied justice.

We are not a Criminals Lobby
18-Jul-2001
Anbarasu Balrasan, Editor-in-Chief of Think Centre, responds to Mr Brian Lynch's comments made in his letter "The Ethical Case For Executing Drug Dealers".

Rethink of the Banking Sector Reform
21-Jul-2001
It's saddening to see the retrenchment of workers in the banking industry at the time of recession. Several MPs had raised the issue on banking consolidation few days ago & the conclusion by BG Lee was as reported in ST & BT.

G-8 violence - why was Think Centre so quiet?
31-Jul-2001
If I'm not wrong, TC always touch on human-rights related issues. Isn't the brutality and torture of G-8 protesters, a form of human rights violation.

Great Decision but...
01-Aug-2001
Great decision to carry-on the work of the Center. It will be a challenge.

Is 4th University Beneficial to Singaporeans?
02-Aug-2001
With the overcrowding situation getting worse in NUS & NTU, it is expected that the government would go ahead with having a 4th university.

Singapore's Future depends on Foreigners or Singaporeans?
07-Aug-2001
I refer to the latest speech of our Senior Minister that foreigners were the key to Singapore's future. This is the most dangerous policy adopted by PAP government in the recent years.

NSP Supports Think Centre's National Day Wish
09-Aug-2001
To: Think Centre

National Day Wish
10-Aug-2001
I refer to your National Day wish, calling for a 36% pay cut for ministers and contributing it to workers' retrenchment fund.

What is Wong Kan Seng Trying to Prove?
20-Aug-2001
Mr Wong spoke to reporters at the opening of a new zoo exhibit want the Think Centre to be more honest about closing down the forum. I am afraid Mr Wong and PAP itself cannot take the very honest reason, or prepare to accept it without taking up lawsuit. And nobody like to be preyed and sued bankrupted like JBJ anyway.

It's the Law that Matters
31-Aug-2001
I refer to Think Centre's email about speaking at Speaker's corner.

Reply to Raymond Lee
03-Sep-2001
Dear Mr Lee,
Once again, thank you for your feedback.

Graduate With No Job
07-Sep-2001
I am a recent graduate from Australia with a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics & Finance). With the degree, I wanted to continue my stay in Australia and start a career there. But my heart wants me to go back to where my roots are. However to my disappointment, I have been unable to find a job eversince my graduation in December 2000. I have applied to various industries for various entry-level positions with no avail. Even my application for civil service jobs went unanswered.

Does the Govt care about the People?
08-Sep-2001
Think Centre delivered a letter to the Istana to call for ministers to take a pay-cut, and they retaliated with a warning to Think Centre (at the National Day Rally).

Can Think Centre Think?
21-Aug-2001
Think centre, you guys can think very well? You guys can think for everyone?

Platform to Demerit the Government?
22-Aug-2001
Hi, I would appreciate that Think Centre's mission and vision be posted in its website. It would provide readers, like myself, a picture of what this organisation is about.

Reply to Donald Ang
22-Aug-2001
Dear Sir,
Thank for your e-mail.

Think About It
23-Aug-2001
I refer to Chua Eng Leong's letter on your Thinkcentre web site (21st Aug 01).

General Election 2001
23-Aug-2001
Dear Think Centre,
I must admit that before my entry into NUS Arts and Social Sciences (majoring in Political Science) in 1997, I was not in the least interested in politics. However, things changed when I started to realise that everyone in society has a role to play in domestic politics. Starting from the most basic level of contribution, voters have to seriously weigh the pros and cons before voting. For those who are keen to contribute further, they would do well to promote civil society or ideologies by political parties.

Ha, Got You Into Trouble!
27-Aug-2001
S. Ramamirthan claims TODAY helped him to achieve his aim of getting Think Centre into trouble. Read on!

Reading For Entertainment
28-Aug-2001
I was enjoying my first foray into your letters and came across a very familiar name that appears regularly to Today (so regular that i wonder if he is a "resident" contributor).

Good on You Mate!
30-Aug-2001
The chaps at Thinkcentre, as a Singaporean student in Perth, I usually subscribe to two sources of information concerning Singapore; the Straits Times website and yours, Thinkcentre.org.

An Anti-Terrorism Manifesto
15-Sep-2001
This well-composed letter comes in the wake of anti-terrorist sentiments around the globe.

Send SM a Birthday Wish, Think Centre!
16-Sep-2001
Our regular writer S Ramamirtham a.k.a. Singapore Indian wants Think Centre to send a birthday greeting to Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Unfortunately that's not part of our job!

Letter from Pakistan
17-Sep-2001
I want to share with you the sort of tension and anxiety we as a nation are going through. Today’s newspaper was enough to shake the nerves of any Pakistani.

Waiting For a Tea Invitation Session?
18-Sep-2001
I refer to the "letter" (if I may regard that as one), "Send SM a Birthday Wish, Think Centre!" as well as previous "letters" by Mr S Ramamirtham.

Another One of The Kind
23-Sep-2001
Think Centre received this letter that appears to be another one of those ranting and raving writers. Only this time, this personality isn't hiding behind a pseudonym but uses his real name. Or is it his real name?

Well Done Patrick
24-Sep-2001
Here's one regular writer who can appreciate the art of Mr Teo Patrick of the ranting and raving letter!

PAP Supporters?
25-Sep-2001
I am someone who has seen and read the Opposition for myself. I agree with many of their points but I believe the PAP is not totally a bad government devoid of humanity and only self interest.

IT Elective Programme Needed
10-Oct-2001
MOE has provided elective programmes such as AEP and MEP. Biology and D&T are also part of technical and vocation training for Sec 3/4s for their future occupations/ambitions.

Foreign Talent or Foreign Workers?
09-Oct-2001
Think Centre,
Just read Tony Soh's comment about the foreign talent issue.

Disappointed with "Foreigner" Scholarships
11-Oct-2001
I read with dismay that the government has once again betrayed young S'poreans a chance to have a more affordable tertiary education with the announcement of $1.38M scholarships awarded to foreigners (ST recent report).

Another Proof of GIC's Flop
12-Oct-2001
I read with disappointment on Business Times report on "S'pore investment income from US doubles to US$254m" (12 Oct).

$10,000 Fine on LRT a Mockery
12-Oct-2001
I refer to the latest LRT saga that PAP minister is considering imposing a $10,000 fine on the operator.

My Views on Politics and Change
13-Oct-2001
Hi, I am neutral to the political scene in Singapore. I have not much interest in politics. But I have taken up a very keen interest in the poltical situation in Singapore. I have just finished reading Dr Chee's new book. Although, I do not agree totally with all his ideas, I feel that he has a point, or rather several to be made. These points of him has yet to be justified by the PAP. I feel that the political scene in Singapore needs to be modified. I am not saying we need a 180 degrees change. I feel that change would/should come gradually.

Has Anyone Been to Sentosa Lately?
23-Oct-2001
Has anyone been to Sentosa lately? It used to be a must-visit tourists attraction and a place once Singaporeans are proud of to tell our foreign friends.

Sorry State of Theme Parks
27-Oct-2001
Dear sir,
I refer to the article by Mr Wilson about the sorry state of Sentosa Island. As a supplier to the various theme parks on the island since 1993, it really saddened me that many of the park operators are struggling to keep their park afloat.

Empty Promises
31-Oct-2001
If you can recall that in the 1991 Singapore GE, the PAP promised its voters a Swiss Standard of Living by 1999. Now, the target delivery date has come and gone; and for the past 10 years the PAP has quietly dropped the subject.

Chee Humiliating Singapore? I Think Not
01-Nov-2001
Dear readers,
I'd like to comment about the article 'Chee humiliates his country', written by Mr Lua Eng Thiam, posted in the Straits' Times on Wednesday, 31st October 2001. I find that Mr Lua hasn't even reached the minimal stage of maturity to write such an article about Mr Chee Soon Juan. I don't think he's fit to judge Mr Chee's actions, because it seems that he does not know much about S'pore's real politics. I'm a student myself in Australia, and I believe that we're from the same University (I shan't disclose where), where Mr Chee's talk was held.

Don't Forget the 1 Million Singaporeans
05-Nov-2001
Hi all...
Rather than looking at the 75% who voted for the PAP, do remember that 1/4 of the population voted for you. You guys have done very well given the short notice, and unfair and oppressive gimmicks they used. I particularly despise the media for almost 100% coverage of the PAP candidates, near 0% coverage of the oppo candidates, and incessant and vicious bashing of the oppo candidates.

Suggestions For Election Rallies
05-Nov-2001
Dear Truthful Fellow Singaporeans,
This is my personal observation & personal opinion and without any prejudice or bias to anybody.

What Has Robert Ho Done?
21-Nov-2001
I read in cold horror an article in the Straits Times (18/11/01) "Man allegedly encouraged law breaking on the web" reporting the detention of a man at the Institute of Mental Health for an article he posted on the website Singaporeans for Democracy. This article was entitled "Break the Law and Get Away with it, Like the PAP" and was construed by the authorities to be an article advocating the breakdown of the rule of law.

Alternative Choices Disappointing
22-Nov-2001
For the Thinkcentre to be able to claim its place as a legitimate voice of the people, it must first have a very clear vision (purpose). Secondly, it must enumerate a number of clear operating principles to realise its visions.

A Response to Royce W.'s Letter
24-Nov-2001
In response to the letter written by Royce W, it is deeply saddening --- to use his words --- to see him deriding the efforts of civil society groups on the basis that they can do no more than to offer the people an alternative that is not (for once) non-monetary and intangible in nature.

It's Not Always Other's Role
24-Nov-2001
Dear Royce,
We thank you for your views in your letter (22 Nov 2001).

Pathetic Media!
26-Nov-2001
A disgrunted Singaporean airs his views on the press blackout following Think Centre's first media conference upon its formation as a political society.

Role of Civil Society in Singapore
27-Nov-2001
First of all, I'll like to thank you for your insightful and fair replies to my first letter.

The Need for Political Competition
07-Dec-2001
Microsoft and PAP are alike in many ways. They provide what most common users/citizens need daily. They are very competent, and constantly innovate from within. They desire to have the best talents, and the best practices. They continually create value for their customers/people.

What Treatment?
10-Feb-2002
Dear Sir,
I am refering to the arrest of two out of the fifteen detainees. I spoke to one of them, according to him that the ISD had found nothing incriminating on him but while he was in detention he was kept in a room with no window with only one small hole for the guard to peep in to look at him, the lights were on all the whole duration of one month and he had lost the sense of time and day and night.

Rethink Public Scholarship System
10-Feb-2002
In SM Lee pivotal speech on the entrepreneurial society, he was lamenting the need to spread our talents into the private sector. Furthermore, he argued that many of the top talents had entered the government, and not enough have become entrepreneurs. Why is this so?

What is the Difference?
22-Feb-2002
Dear Sir,
What is the difference between your website and the other local newspapers? The local newspapers are reporting in favour of the government and you are reporting to highlights your own interest.

Media's Credibility Singed
25-Feb-2002
Dear East Miles,
The general populace in Singapore believes that our media is too skewed towards the PAP. They continue to vote PAP because it is a party that has led them this far, but do not care if opposition parties are the sufferers of this unfair practice. Is this a politically heathly trend?

Comment on Politician Focus Report
26-Feb-2002
I read with interest on your article on Mr Sebastian Teo and would like to add a few lines on the report. Before that, I have to state that I'm an admirer of Mr Teo's hardworking attitude and his desire to serve the people.

Lifting the Whip - is it Sincere?
23-Mar-2002
Commenting on the issue - the Singapore lift whip on Orchestrated Parliament - I wish to point on to just one MP (NMP to be accurate) that is Associate Professor Walter Woon.

911 Forum
30-Mar-2002
Congratulations for your determination and persistence leading to a first in public forum on "911"!

Ironic
17-Apr-2002
Reading the articles written by Limor Livnat. It seemed that the people who started terrorism (Israel) and in fact build their country on the blood of the people that they terrorised (The Palestinians) in which afterward they twisted facts and history to label the Palestinians as terrorist. Firstly they should know that the world populations are not stupid, they know the history of Palestine and no amount of twistings can change that.

Of QCs and SCs
30-Apr-2002
I am somewhat perplexed that Dr Chee's recent application for a Queen's Counsel was turned down by our High Court on the basis that "the cases were not so complex as to warrant the expertise of a Queen's Counsel".

Labour Day
01-May-2002
I received the e-mail sent to me about the pathetic conundrum that Singaporeans are facing with an imminent rise in the GST rates. I cannot fathom why this was not put out as an election issue. I agree with all your points and recommendations that you have given the Singapore government.

Cleaner with a Mission - Building a World-class City
01-May-2002
Yesterday, instead of having lunch at the school canteen, I "ta-bao" my lunch and sneaked into a corner of the architecture studio to lunch in cool comfort. The air-conditioned studio is used by NUS architecture students during their course of study at NUS. Halfway into my lunch, a cleaner joined me at the corner with his packet of nasi bryani.

Appalled Over Arrests
02-May-2002
Dear Editor,
I am appalled to read of the May Day incident involving the arrests of Dr Chee, Gandhi Ambalam and Zulfikar Mohd Shariff by police who might have acted out of panic than anything else.

Criticise the Act, Not the Actor
13-May-2002
Dear friend,
I was deeply saddened to read how your organisation has decided to add a journalist, K C Vijayan, into a hall of shame. I was also surprised to read a media watch report that further labels the journalist.

What You Say Applies in an Ideal World
13-May-2002
Dear Yadav,
Thank you for your email dated 10 May 2002 to Think Centre with regards to the Media Hall of Shame and the media watch article "K.C. Vijeyan, The Straits Times." I appreciate your feedback.

We Need to Ascertain the Reasons
13-May-2002
Let me add to the discussion about KC Vijayan. Vijayan and a reporter from CNA, Fiona, interviewed me immediately after I was released from the lock up.

Send Journalist Back to School
16-May-2002
I refer to your report on KC Vijeyan about his report.

Surpluses Not Necessarily Good
15-May-2002
Reply to The Straits Times Report "Surpluses are 'like pyramids'" (ST 14 May 2002).

Protest Against PAS Interference in Tudung Issue
20-May-2002
I am writing this letter to protest against Mr. Zulfikar Mohd Shariff's actions of bringing in PAS members into Singapore to interfere with the tudung issue.

Think Centre Will Not Discuss Tudung Issue
20-May-2002
Think Centre's Executive Committee replies to Tan Kok Siong.

Let's Try to Get the Facts First
21-May-2002
Thank you, Mr. Tan Kok Siong, for your concerns for Singapore. Let me help clarify the nature of PAS' visit.

Tudung a Religious or Human Rights Issue?
21-May-2002
I refer to Anbarasu Balrasan's statement entitled "We will not discuss the 'tudung' issue: Think Centre Ex-Co."

It is a Religious Issue
22-May-2002
I refer to Mr. S. K. Tan's letter "'Tudung' a Religious or Human Rights Issue"?

Correction and Apology
24-May-2002
The letter "Tudung a Religious or Human Rights Issue?" (21 May 2002) was mistakenly identified to be written by Mr Tan Kok Siong. The real author is actually known as S. K. Tan, whose name bears a very close semblance to Mr Tan's name. We sincerely apologise to Mr. Tan Kok Siong.

A Friendly TV2 Gesture from Malaysia
07-Jun-2002
Dear Think Centre
Soccer is an international sport with a following that transcends beyond boundaries and nationalities.

Don't Fix it if it Ain't Broken
10-Jun-2002
Commenting on letter written by Brian Lynch on LKY I am wondering if the man and his ideas are still relevant now, since the crisis in 1997 Singapore's economy has not recovered , and the failed investments in Souzhou, Shanghai, Indonesia, Thailand, and so on is another factor, the blamed was pushed to the failed US market while other countries had progressed despite of the slow down of the US market.

First-world Nation...It is Not
07-Jul-2002
In reference to your article of Singapore being a police state, I agree with the writer that individual freedom is lacking in Singapore, let alone political freedom.

Thank You For Support
28-Jul-2002
Thank you for supporting the pilots. I read your article and I appreciate Think Centre's support. Being a pilot myself, the two concerned pilots have been wronged.

Gay Rights in Singapore
02-Aug-2002
I feel that the Govement is making things difficult for Gays. By imposing a law which says it is not wrong to be gay but is against the Law to engage in gaysex because they think it is against the nature acts.

Business Week Interview
03-Aug-2002
I read the excerpt of the interview that was given by the Prime Minister to the Business Week magazine, and I must say that I found what was not said to be more instructive than what was said.

Choa Chu Kang
03-Aug-2002
While some of us would hope to see more opposition MPs in Parliament one day, who do we think or believe are likely to be elected into the next Parliament session, from the opposition camps? While the next GE is not due til 2007, I do believe that opposition parties would have already started their recruitment exercise for potential new members.

Is any PAP MP earning more than a PAP minister?
04-Aug-2002
Dear Think Centre, Everyboby talks about ministers' salaries. OK they earn a lot. Did you check how much, MPs are earning especially from the jobs they do outside parliament?

Multi-racial Passengers
07-Aug-2002
Our Government had always tried their best to promote racial integrity or so called racial harmony. It comes from all sorts of form to promoting it. From cross visiting each others worship site, organise a kind of multi-racial family day and ecetra.

Stay out Mr. Singh
07-Aug-2002
We refer to the article 'Karpal wants C'wealth to advise Singapore' in your website on 2 August 2002. We wonder if Mr. Singh is a Singaporean or a Muslim.

Moral Decay in Singapore
07-Aug-2002
Hi Thinkcentre, First of all, I would like to say "keep up the good job" for your unbiased views on current issues in Singapore. I am a Singaporean working abroad and I feel vey sad to see the moral decay among youths in Singapore.

Think Centre, Start Thinking Seriously
07-Aug-2002
Reading the articles, "What A Farce of a Case" by Jacob George [26th June 2002] and "What is the AG Chamber's criteria?" Zulfikar Mohd Shariff [28th June 2002], I felt that some of your resident writers require a crash course on the processes of the law and things legal in Singapore.

National Day Message
08-Aug-2002
I would just like to point out that Think Centre's National Day message misses a couple of points.

Tudung Issue
10-Aug-2002
I would like to respond to the comments made by Peter, Andrew and Joanna about the Tudung issue on your website.

Superficial Peace
14-Aug-2002
Dear Editor If Singapore keeps producing more people like 'Peter, Andrew and Joanna' - it would never develop a nation that is politically aware. Most Singaporeans are "non-political" and the reasoning for that is (as what Peter, Andrew and Joanna said in their letter), they do not want to "disturb the peace in S'pore."

My Views
16-Aug-2002
Dear Webmaster, I'm sorry to say this but i deeply disagree with your website's view on Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's leadership style, or dictatorship as you would have put it.

Think Centre's reply to My Views
16-Aug-2002
Dear Mr. Richie S Chen, Thank You for your letter and feedback. We are not sorry that you deeply disagree with our views but in fact we are so happy that you agree to disagree. You have exercised your right to speak and you have engaged us in debate. It is an exercise of freedom of expression. You stand up for what you believe in and that is what made Singapore prosper and that is the ingredient that is most needed for us to continue to survive.

Politics in Asia
20-Aug-2002
If there is one comment I’d like to make regarding politics in Asia, and in particular Singapore, it is that not enough people are taking any interest in politics or even insist on their voice being heard.

Singaporeans materialistic lot
20-Aug-2002
In response to Richie Chen's posting, I'd like to point out that he is the epitome of a far right-wing, capitalist Singaporean. Don't get me wrong - there isn't anything wrong in having these beliefs.

The Puzzle: Of Stayers and Quitters
23-Aug-2002
I am in full agreement with Prime Minister Goh's rally call to Singaporeans to rise above our present mood of despondency and show that we are not a nation of quitters, but have we what it takes to remake the country and keep it going.

Worker's Party can set up Shadow Cabinet
23-Aug-2002
Ron Chandran's proposal for a Shadow Cabinet outside of parliament is a good solution for fighting negative publicity for opposition politicians. In fact, the Worker's Party maybe should try this and give James Gomez and a younger group of people a chance to shadow certain ministries.

I will be loyal to S'pore but never to PAP
26-Aug-2002
PM Goh is talking about staying and quitting. He says it is for the younger generation to look after the country. I will stay in this country to work against the PAP. Whose fault is it that people leave? It is yours. I agree with Think Centre that wives don't leave husbands just for fun. Mr. Low Thia Khiang has shown me that I must stay to work the political process.

Does a minority need five Chinese to enter parliament?
28-Aug-2002
My own research in the election department website shows that before the GRC was introduced that parliament had a steady average of 22% minority representation. After, the GRC was introduced it has only increased by a mere 1.8%. The quality of minority representation has also become quite disappointing compared to past years.

Letter of appreciation for maids' human rights
29-Aug-2002
Hi there, personally I highly appreciate and fully agree with your idea to encourage MOM to establish a "human rights wing" (as you propose in your editorial) in order to asses and settle human rights violations against women migrants in the domestic sector.

Well done and thank you, Think Centre
02-Sep-2002
The art display was very refreshing. You 3G people did something today that I found informative about Speakers' Corner. Your presence defended the space but your art display I felt showed that no matter how much you pour water on artificial flowers, they won't grow. Free speech cannot grow unless the government discards the artificial conditions imposed.

Great Singapore Price Hike
13-Sep-2002
Every year there is a 'Great Singapore Sale' for some Singaporeans and others.At the same time, there is also the 'Great Singapore Price Hike' for only Singaporeans. The 'goodies bags' come one after another from the various Ministries without any prior warning.

PAP Pte.Ltd losing stock value
06-Sep-2002
21% employees of PAP Pte.Ltd (Singapore) may tender their resignation letters in the near future. According to sources, these frustrated employees are not happy with their employer because their voices are not heard by the management. It is believed that these employees feel that the management are too focussed on those foreign born work permit workers.

Donate money to retrenched workers
12-Sep-2002
It is heartening to know that Bloomberg decided to apologise to Singapore's leaders and pay them a sum of $595 000 in order to save the jobs of 180 Singaporeans working for Bloomberg in Singapore. If an MNC can care so much for the livelihood of Singapore workers by paying out money to Singapore's leaders, the leaders should as a gesture of goodwill and generosity, donate the money to charities or channel the money to schemes to help retrenched workers in Singapore.

What law and order concerns?
08-Oct-2002
Public opinion is with Think Centre on this issue of dolls. The police have not answered their law and order concerns. Anything can be rejected for law and order concerns. Pasar Malam can also cause law and order concerns. Even putting a giant shark at the padang can also cause law and order concerns.

Ministers not solving water issue
21-Oct-2002
Singapore's PAP government thinks that while they are buying water from Malaysia, they as the buyer feel they can can set the price!! The high-paid government should not drag the people into their incompetent job and the Malaysian government should not drag the Singapore people into this.

Water price rises for common man with or without Malaysia.
21-Oct-2002
All this while,the water issue between Singapore and Malaysia was such a hot topic. The public gets an overload of information everyday in the Republic's state run mass-media. The 1961 and 1962 agreements where Singapore buys daily raw water from Malaysia at three sen has not changed.

Feedback Unit Revamp?
08-Nov-2002
The revamping of the feedback units are just for formality sake. This is to show the world that there is a place for Singaporeans to voice out their daily bread and butter issues.

Misquoted
17-Nov-2002
I refer to the article "S’poreans want talks on water issue to be more friendly" on your website.

Depublished and see what Star does
17-Nov-2002
Dear Lefire, The article you mentioned was published by The Star newspaper in Malaysia. The article can be found in other websites as well.

Why 10 percent charge for services?
25-Nov-2002
With the rise in the GST a foregone conclusion, one may wonder why restaurants are still charging 10% for “services” when there is already a service tax in place.

My Opinion on The Problems of The Singapore Education System
09-Dec-2002
Hi, I wish to point out that although Eric's essay brings out the truely negatives of our education system, it has a huge flaw. The flaw is : He defines the students to get their experiences and learning "Totally" from the system itself, however it is not so.

Your Contribution to Vibrant Intellectual and Political Life in Singapore is a Very Noteworthy One
11-Dec-2002
Your web site is magnificent - one which does the ThinkCentre great credit. Singapore is known worldwide for its technical expertise, the financial ability to be found there, in general as a place of achievement. It is also known as a place with a particularly high execution rate relative to population, a place where people are still hanged by the neck until they are dead. In a world where so many countries have already abolished the death penalty, or never use it, this is a shocking fact.

Apathy and the lack of discourse
23-Dec-2002
After having read Dr. Ronald Meinardus' column on liberalism, I have come to reflect on my shallow understanding of politics. What are the left's agenda? What is the right's agenda? Does Asia's right have anything in common with America's and Europe's right? Is liberalism the most correct way for government? What is nationality?

Singaporeans should have right to opt out of US led War
17-Feb-2003
Hi, is the issue of conscientious objection against conscription in Singapore presented to U.N.?

Whose Being Hypocritical Here?
22-Feb-2003
Think Centre's response to the Heritage Foundation.

"Isn't it Hypocritical......"
22-Feb-2003
The following is a letter to the Think Centre from an individual with the Heritage Foundation, a think-tank in Washington D.C. Read our response in the related link.

U.S will always be Singapore's friend and ally
25-Feb-2003
I wrote this in reference to the article "Will Singapore pay a price for being US ally?" by Mr Sinapan Samydorai on 3 Feb 2003.

Singapore should always ally itself with justice
28-Feb-2003
I write this in references to both “US will always be Singapore’s friend and ally” by Harrison Ee on 25 Feb 2003 and “Will Singapore pay a price for being US ally” by Sinapan Samydorai on 3 Feb 2003.

"The War Prayer"...should be made compulsory reading to all militarists
28-Feb-2003
I read Assoc Prof Brian Powell's article "UN's future is in your hands" (TODAY February 2003) with little more than passing interest, as it was addressed primarily "to two people: Presidents Jacques Chirac of France and Vladimir Putin of Russia".

"How many different 'ways' are actually available to express ourselves"
02-Mar-2003
Like Mr. Chow Wen Kah ("Silence does not mean support" : ST Forum February 26 2003 Pg 21), I am opposed to violence and war. He correctly assesses that the dictum, "Silence means consent" may not apply in the Singapore context. More generally, the reluctance to "stand up and be identiifed" is more indicative of a "silence means passive dissent" syndrome.

"Mr. Maidin is long on argument, and justification"
09-Mar-2003
It was inevitable that Mr. Conrad Raj's article "Time to relook number of MPs, mayors?" (Streats 4 March) should be critically answered by one among them. If the following (supporting and equally controversial) views of mine are printed, a big debate is likely to ensue. In view of the current bleak economic outlook, Mr. Conrad Raj's article seems more appropriate now than when I held similar views soon after the last elections.

"the writer is somewhat divorced from the harsh reality"
09-Mar-2003
Straits Times' Features Editor, Miss Chua Lee Hoong, may be slightly off the mark to describe public reaction to Budget 2003 as "all the wrong buzz". "Buzz", whether of the 'wrong' or the 'right' kind, appeared to be prominently absent from the scene.

"What standard of justice are we talking about here"
10-Mar-2003
Refering to article written by Chong Jian Bing in your website, in which the writer states that Singapore should be on the side of justice , I am wondering what standard of justice the writer is using to measure the attack on Iraq whereby the motive has been established by world community as hunger for the Iraqi oil .

Singapore should ally itself with justice and for this case not US
10-Mar-2003
I like to respond to ‘East Miles’ question on what standard of justice am I using to justify the war on Iraq when the world community has established the motive as hunger for Iraq’s oil. Probably, somewhere along the letter I had given my correspondence certain impressions that I was for a US led war against Iraq.

The Great Singapore Sell Out
25-Mar-2003
As a Singaporean I would just like to say that i'm very angry and disappointed at the Spore's government open support of the US in this non UN santioned War.

Fever checks: NUS students upset about fines
07-Jun-2003
I applaud NUS' vigilance in ensuring a SARS- free campus. The imposition of fines may be a harsh, but necessary measure.

ST article on SARS patient insensitive
10-May-2003
I refer to the article "91 cases traced to just one woman here" on Thursday, April 3 2003. I was utterly appalled and outraged for Ms Esther Mok that the so-called serious newspaper of our country could allow such a gross error in judgement.

Leaders need to walk the talk to fight fear and SARS
10-May-2003
The following letter from Mr Jeffrey Ho was sent to the Straits Times but was never published under the ST Forums.

Gag order on students in seminar with DPM Lee
07-Jun-2003
It's a reflection of the curtailment of the freedom of expression of the students typical of schools under the education framework.

Racism in Singapore
11-Aug-2003
I was recently browsing through some employment agency sites and noticed that in some cases employers specify the race they want.

Response to: Think Centre's National Day Message
11-Aug-2003
While many of the views expressed in the message are succinct and to the point, I cannot help but feel that some of the methodology expressed as solutions reflect a slightly bigoted view.

NUS Fever Check
27-Jun-2003
O my goodness! What if SARS break out in NUS? The education minister is going to be mad at me if that happens. I may even lose my job.

Tony Soh: Quitter and Stayer
15-Aug-2003
I refer to Tony Soh's article on 8 Aug 2003 regarding Quitter and Stayer.

Re: Why no Tamil?
22-Aug-2003
Although I am generally reluctant to comment publicly on issues which are wholly ethnic-based, I feel impelled to comment on what you write.

RE: Reduce cost of living and cut Ministers pay
06-Sep-2003
This totally reflects my sentiments & outrage at what has been decided for Singapore over the past weeks.

re:Think Centre expresses grave concern and deplores PELU's rejection of TWC2 initiative.
25-Nov-2003

re:Think Centre expresses grave concern and deplores PELU's rejection of TWC2 initiative.
25-Nov-2003

re:Think Centre expresses grave concern and deplores PELU's rejection of TWC2 initiative.
30-Nov-2003

J.B.Jeyaretnam writes to PM Goh
06-Feb-2004
The Prime Minster, Mr. Goh Chok Tong, has chosen not to reply to my letter of 26th January 2004.

"Unofficial" students deprived of education
06-Feb-2004
The news article [The 'unofficial' JC students] of the 4 Feb 2004 edition of the Singapore Straits Times is yet another indication of the decadence of the system of education. in Singapore.

Can't we respect one another's differences!
06-Feb-2004
Imran Price comments on Straits Times article - Immigrants shouldn't act like Dracula's 'undead' - dated 3rd February 2004. Can't we respect one another's differences rather than expecting everyone to dress the same way?

J.B.J comments on PAP MPs selecting PM
10-Feb-2004
Please spare us this shananigan that the PAP MPs are going to select the next Prime Minister.

Uniquely Singapore
14-Mar-2004
I agree with the new tagline for Singapore - Uniquely Singapore - but we must be honest about what makes Singapore unique.

Major changes ahead with PM's bold vision
26-Aug-2004
I listened to most of Prime Minister Mr. Lee Hsien Loong's first National Day Rally address in English last night, and was pleasantly surprised that it was not of the 'fiery dragon', or even 'wooden' type I had expected.

Open letter from J B Jeyaretnam to PM
30-Sep-2004
What steps will you take to remove this fear from the minds of our citizens? This fear will exist as long as this power of detention without trial exists. Freedom of speech cannot be confined within walls.

SingPower Utility Vouchers
03-Oct-2004
SingPower Utility Vouchers - A typical case of double standard and covert political operation?

Questions about judicial system not created by me: Chee
27-Oct-2004
Dr Chee Soon Juan send this letter to the ST in reply to two letters that were published in the Forum page attacking the SDP. Chee 's letter is published on ST Forum page on 23 October 2004.

JBJ: Replies to TODAY and ST reports on Appeal
27-Oct-2004
J. B. Jeyaretnam writes to the editors of TODAY and Straits Times. I refer to your report (Oct 26) on the hearing of my appeal.Your report completely omits my reply to his what I called "monstrous" allegation that I had lied.

Singapore will give $29m more to poorer neighbours
01-Dec-2004
Check out the headlines on (Nov 30,2004) ST [Straits Times]. "Singapore will give $29m more to poorer neighbours Aid to help Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam towards economic integration"

IS SINGAPORE SHANGRI-LA?
19-Dec-2004
We must count our blessings but we must also not be blinded by the superficial appearance of the Utopia Singaporeans live in.

SDP will fight hard - and smart
06-Oct-2004
The Straits Times has refused to publish the Singapore Democrats' reply to the article "The SDP: Destination Unknown" that was run the Saturday before and a series of letters attacking the Party that were printed the following week.

A Place For All Under The Sun
16-Oct-2004
Do Senior Citizens, who were also "the future" of this tiny island-state 45 years or so ago, still have a future to create here, in this place which we call HOME?

No strikes and... democracy?
24-Oct-2004
I am writing in response to Siow Jia Rui’s letter of 6/9/04, “Strikes and no teachers” (Today) and "Right of assembly doesn't translate into having power to produce an effect", ST 17/9/04. Letter rejected by ST Forum & Today.

IGNORANCE OF MINISTERS
07-Mar-2005
The Yeo Eng Siang case in which the latter won his appeal but not before serving his sentence! Why Yeo Eng Siang was convicted?

Great Nation or Stressed-out Nation?
12-Mar-2005
Not surprisingly, my contributed letter below was "rejected for publication" by our TODAY newspaper.

Denied leave to meet IPU Human rights committee
13-Apr-2005

The family and children of Shanmugam Murugesu
10-May-2005
After reading the article I felt for the family and children of Shanmugam Murugesu.

Actions against death penalty not publicity stunts
24-May-2005
It was the Think Centre, not Mr Ravi, that organised the vigil on May 6, in which Mr.Ravi, many members of the arts community and the public participated.

A Singapore To Behold
24-May-2005
I am writing in response to the recent issue of libel threats between A*Star and a Singaporean student over the latter’s personal weblog.

Tsunami: A few silver linings may exist in the dark cloud
05-Jan-2005
I will concede that this is an optimistic outlook. But I can not think of any reason to pursue the disaster scenarios being pushed by the pessimists.

Academic freedom not on par with basic human freedom
01-Aug-2009

It is wrong to lie to the public
14-Jul-2005
Is it acceptable to mislead members of the public? This is especially so if the funds are donated by the public.

Where's the Service in our Civil Service?
04-Sep-2005
I refer to "Bad service: Onus on staff to shape up" (TODAY Aug 29), following PM Lee Hsien Loong's call on improving our service culture during his National Day Rally speech.

What is the Singapore PAP Model?
22-Oct-2005
Some kind of democracy! The people living in fear of arrest if they voice anything that displeases the executive. The Prime Minister does not see any need to change the model.

Capital punishment on drug trafficking - is it mirror of society?
01-Nov-2005
There is no denial that Nguyen done the crime, no denial that he should serve his time. However to cut short this young man's existence, in my opinion it's just brutal.

Singapore laws should respect international standards
04-Nov-2005
Drug traffickers caught with as little as 15g of heroin are sentenced to death. The mandatory death penalty is a contravention of international law and Singapore should bring its drug law more in line with international standards.

Tough drug laws can still have heart
09-Nov-2005
We should provide avenues for drug couriers to surrender the drugs to the Singapore authorities before they clear customs.

This is no way for any human being to die
01-Dec-2005
Perhaps it should be mandatory for those who sentenced Nguyen Tuong Van to watch his execution. .... if that is what it takes to remove this abomination from the statutes of all nations forever.

Disclose more info on foreign labour
17-Feb-2006
Is the increase due to foreigners and permanent residents 89,186 (44,500 foreigners plus 44,686 new permanent residents) being included in the measurement of employment?

What Can S'pore Families Afford?
26-Feb-2006
What can the average Singapore families afford, a Condo? A Japanese car for the household?

Peel off those divisive labels
30-Dec-2005
To suggest that scepticism towards political freedoms and democracy is innately Asian is to basically demand that people pledge allegiance to certain ideals for no better reason than race and geography.

CJ's reversal of judgment on person with low IQ
20-Jan-2006
17 Jan 2006, the CJ's reverse his judgment on Iskander with low IQ after "prison medical officers found him unfit for caning". President S R Nathan on the advise of the Cabinet had rejected the clemency petition. The Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) make the petition in September 2005.

Distortion of Privy Council Judgment
13-Dec-2005
It is dishonest to say that "Mr Jeyaretnam did not appeal to the Privy Council against his convictions." Singapore laws then gave no automatic right of appeal to the Privy council from convictions in the Singapore courts.

First World Singapore's Subservient Press
30-Dec-2005
The public officials at the Government's Feedback Unit are kidding themselves to say that lower public participation over the past two years is not a sign of "feedback fatigue"

Entrapment may be legal but it is unethical
19-Jun-2006

Ruling party's fiduciary duty is to all S'poreans
19-Jun-2006

MOE Must Explain Why Unqualified Teachers Teach English in Primary Schools
20-Jun-2006
Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam recently revealed that "Many (teachers) are not trained to teach English but they are teaching it at primary schools."

A Letter On Recent Events in the Middle East
30-Jul-2006
Each provocation and counter-provocation is contested and preached over. But the subsequent arguments, accusations and vows, all serve as a distraction in order to divert world attention from a long-term military, economic and geographic practice whose political aim is nothing less than the liquidation of the Palestinian nation.

JBJ: On the Middle-East War
30-Jul-2006
Having wrought destruction on Iraq BUSH seems quite content to see Lebanon destroyed.

Let Mr Brown speak
31-Jul-2006
In Mr. Brown's case we did not see any evidence of an open society. Today suspended his column shortly after the MICA letter as though he has done something wrong.

Bus and MRT Fares Hike
09-Aug-2006
I refer to the article “SMRT, SBS apply to raise bus, train fares” by T Rajan(Straits Times, Aug 2).

Re: Race counts against new citizen when renting house
24-Aug-2006
"I was happy to hear about welcoming talents, upholding the multicultural society and meritocracy, irrespective of race. ...When I asked my agent, he told me most Chinese landlords prefer tenants in this order: Ang mohs, Chinese. Malays, Indians. I was dumbfounded."

Ban on activists attending the IMF/WB meeting
18-Sep-2006
Singapore had said there were security concerns about 27 of the hundreds of activists accredited by the World Bank.

Singapore's reputation has taken a beating
19-Sep-2006
I FIND Dr Andy Ho's article, 'Activists shooting themselves in the foot' (ST, Sept 18), rather biased in painting the civil-society organisations (CSOs) as groups that prefer disruption to engagement.

Salvage all lives, even if they weigh on family
22-Sep-2006
I APPLAUD Dr Lee Wei Ling's call for more nursing homes to be built for the disabled whose ageing parents are unable to look after them ('Don't salvage lives that will weigh on family'; ST, Sept 15).

CPF is not social safety net
06-Dec-2006
The problem facing Singapore is low wages for the lower-skilled and older workers.

How will the govt cushion impact of GST hike?
06-Dec-2006
I REFER to media reports that there will be no government fee increases for one year after the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike kicks in.

Time to temper focus on monetary rewards
08-Apr-2007
I REFER to the report, 'Govt must close pay gap to retain talent: PM Lee - Pay for staff Grade 1 has slipped to 55% of benchmark' (BT, March 23).

Human rights are universal
16-Jul-2008
IN THE light of Ms Chua Lee Hoong's commentary last Saturday, 'Speak up and say what human rights mean to you', I wish to say that human rights are a universal standard of rights all societies must uphold.

Small pay rises won't stoke inflation
16-Jul-2008
I AM baffled by what Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said in his address last Wednesday to some 500 unionists about being wary of wage-induced inflation

Govt's call for greater civic role has clear limits
05-Sep-2007
The Government's calls for greater diversity and inclusiveness stop short of allowing genuine political debate and contestation.

Close widening income gap; do more to help the poor
12-Jun-2008
Singapore's poor turn to temples to fill bellies. Most are elderly or labourers, in a country that has the second highest GDP per capita in Asia after Japan but ranks alongside the Philippines and Guatemala for income disparity.

Single, unwed parents need leave too
28-Jan-2009
Why are Singaporeans who are single parents penalised? One could argue that such single parents are even more in need of leave than married couples.

Crime statistics: Ask and ye shall receive
19-Jan-2009
I REFER to the comments last Saturday by Law Society president Michael Hwang ('How effective is punishment?') about the apparent lack of published statistics on crime in Singapore?

Capital punishment: Is it justifiable?
29-Jan-2009
It is a legitimate question which any concerned citizen is morally entitled to ponder and, in a free society, to voice.