Two NGOs planned to organize a forum to discuss the Internal Securities Act. This has turned out to be a messy affair, with the involvement of the Archbishop of the Catholic Church and the Government. Here is an account from the perspective of one blogger, who is in the center of the controversy.
I know Alex Au. He is a sensible person and is objective in his views. Like me, he is outspoken and honest. He express his views clearly and does not fudge the issues.
ReplyDeleteHe is relating what has happened on this affair. I feel that he has been unfairly accused by the Archbishop and MHA.
Today, it happened to Alex Au. Tomorrow, it may happen to me.
We place the Archbishop in high regard,but this episode of his involvement in calling for abolishing the ISA, and his subsequent backing out under PAP's pressure are not the main straw, the most disappointing aspect which reflects badly on his integrity,
ReplyDeleteis how he turned the tables on F8 and Maruah, accusing the 2 Social activists group for making use of him to advance their cause.
But F8 and Maruah did not solicit for that letter of his support, he submitted it himself.
Even his Holy Grace, the respected Head of the Catholic Church here, has to resort to such despicable act, just to save his own skin.
As Catholics, we are very disappointed in him.
He should learn from his predecessor Arch Gregory Yong that politics and religion are not permitted to be bedfellows here. Former Arch Yong had let down those arrested in Operation Cold Store in 1987. Now it's his turn,
dun have guts to face the music, should keep distance from the start, and not push the blame on others.
He dun deserve this highly respected post now, as far as we are concerned, should resign in shame.
The Forum was held a few months ago, so this is a report of what had transpired previously.
ReplyDeleteTo me, the Archbishop recall of his first letter after having lunch with the DPM, speaks loud and clear.
ReplyDeleteHis accusation now also speaks volume.
I am inclined to believe that His Grace acted under duress.
The patterns were just too similar. Am referring to what happened 20 odd years ago with Vincent Cheng and company.
Incidentally, I have never heard of a Communist being a Catholic, nor a Catholic being a Communist. Only here in Singapore could the ISA/ MHA pulled such a fast one and at least 60% believed them!
The cowed Archbishop gave the Govt
ReplyDeletethe perfect opportunity to put down the 2 NGOs and Alex Au, deftly using disrespect to the Catholic faith as a weapon.
Like what Lye said above, it's deja vu Marxist Conspiracy style 25 years ago.
Cry daddy, mummy, PAP has to hang on tight to ISA, like a drowning man hanging on to a straw. This sacred cow is their only hope for survival.
But the Govt is still unaware, within the Catholic Community, many members are evolving in their Faith. The fact Christianity could breed selfishness, as shown by the Archbishop Chia, many of us make adjustments in following the Faith, like a majong game, we reserve the good fundamental aspects, and discard questionable ones and those not suitable to modern life.
Yes, we still adhere blind Faith to God Almighty, but will question His servants serving Him, no matter how high a post they hold, be it the Pope, the Archbishops, the priests holding fort at their respective Church.
Blind Faith to God dun mean blind faith to His servants who stray and sin outside their Faith, including lying Archbishops and homosexual priests preying on their young male charges.
So the attacks on the NGOs and Alex won't work on Catholics like us, in fact they are considered the underdogs.
Respect has to be earned, not to be demanded in the name of God.
Below is NOT a scenario, it happened this year in Deep-South Thailand:
ReplyDelete- Malaysia ex-PM Mahatir was invited to a forumn of Thialand internal security weeks ago.
- Nearly 100 Thailand terrorist were arrested in Malaysia
- 100 intensive terroist attack had happened in mid-2012 in Southen-Thailand.
- 4 terroists from central asia had planed a target in Bangkok early-2012. They are arrested by Thai Police & Malaysia government.
- A nepal monk was invited to Deep-South Thailand for a religion mission. On his return trip, he told me: 'its a ghost town...' He had not known the bad terror act - 4000+ had been killed or BEHEADED since 2006. Among them are innocent teachers !
- SG is not far from South-Thailand. Tiger flight takes only 1 hour to be there. By bus, it takes 1 night journey.
- I was a temple volunteer in South-Thailand and had experienced the bad situation in 2006/07. I realised NS is vital. Peace is more important than the casino ($) issue.