Think Centre's 2005 National Day Message calls for "A LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES, A FAIR SINGAPORE, AN OPEN SOCIETY" for all Singapore residents.
A LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES, A FAIR SINGAPORE, AN OPEN SOCIETY
As Singapore celebrates its 40th year of independent existence, one wonders if the ever prosperous city has stagnated. While some industries are growing, others are not. Unemployment problems have not been eased even as the economy seemed to have picked up. The poor are finding it increasingly difficult to earn a living. Transport costs has raised while the state agencies are caught in their bureacratic web to help the poor and disabled.
Who cares for the people who are caught in poverty due to the fact that they are no longer relevant to the economy? Who cares for the less educated .who cannot find jobs or loss them to cheaper foreign talent? The government must answer these crucial questions.
It is in these answers that this supposed land of opportunities is sustained. The people have the right to be treated fairly. We cannot afford to treat foreign domestic workers as third world citizens while we lap it up in opulent conditions.
Laws to protect workers rights should be enforced rigourously and the relevant authorities must have the resolve to take action against violators.
We must stop passing the buck and shirk behind the veneer of policy constraints.
We believed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's call for a more open and inclusive society, during his first National Day Rally speech in 2004, was real. Yet, there are too many restrictive laws and policies which limit the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.
We are thankful, that Think Centre could organized a number of indoor forums without any need for licences. But in May 2005, Think Centre had to obtain a licences for a "vigil" against the death penalty held at the Furama Hotel [indoor gathering].
Let there be open political discussion and allow dissent. There is no need to fear the peoples' voices if this government has all the right answers to their questions.
On this 40th celebration of our nationhood, Think Centre hopes for:
1. A fair Singapore where workers of all races and nationalities are respected. There must be equal employment for the disabled and fair remuneration for locals/foreign workers on the basis of dignity.
2. A more compassionate government that provides a land of opportunities in the face of transport fare hike, medical costs hike, fuel price hike
3. A more open society with multiple channels for discussion and dissent to build a progressive Singapore.
4. At present laws require permit for any assembly or procession of 5 or more persons in any public road, public place or place of public resort. This is too restrictive. Think Centre hopes that the government will allow gatherings of 20 or less persons without the need for permits.
5. Integrate the principles of human rights and duties into everyday life by promoting Human Rights Education in school.
Majulah Singupura! Happy Birthday Singapore!
Sources and Relevant Links:
Think Centre Singapore: Restriction on Freedom of Expression There are still many restrictive laws which limit the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.
Think Centre LABOUR DAY MESSAGE 2005
Think Centre International Human Rights Day 2004 Message
Think Centre Curriculum on constitutional rights and human rights principles
