Thambi On Why It Persecutes TOC

[makapaaa]

The Online Citizen "is a political association"
By S Ramesh | Posted: 14 February 2011 1621 hrs <LINK rel=image_src href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phpiTL8CA.jpg">
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SINGAPORE: The Online Citizen is not a passive website which simply hosts social or political commentaries by individuals, says Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam.

He adds that the Attorney General's Chambers has advised the government that The Online Citizen is a political association within the meaning of the provisions of the Political Donations Act.

Mr Shanmugam was speaking in Parliament on Monday.

Nominated MP Viswa Sadasivan had wanted to know the principal considerations for the government's decision to gazette The Online Citizen as a political association.

Replying, Mr Shanmugam explained that the website provides coverage, commentary and analysis of political issues and also organises on-line and off-line campaigns to change legislation and government policies.

The Minister assured the House that declaring The Online Citizen (TOC) as a political association will not impede its freedom of expression.

Mr Shanmugam said: "It has no impact on any activity TOC wishes to do and that is critical. So whatever netizens or others may think, look at what the consequences are. The consequences are.....TOC cannot receive foreign donations and anonymous donations of over S$5,000."

- CNA/ir

 

[cleareyes]

TOC need to make clear what form of organisation it is and not allow others to define them.

 

[libsg]

Is he is still enjoying support from the Hindu community after the Thaipusam-gate 2011? Are the bunch of Indian MPs going the way of the Malay MPs in PAP?

Can pap malay MPs please explain what progress they have made in Malay youths education? (temasek review link)

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

TOC need to make clear what form of organisation it is and not allow others to define them.

?? I thought that they posted a few articles on it already. They said basically that they reject the PMO's classification as a political entity, and that they are a community of bloggers and social activists.

Of course, given that they have taken their activity into the offline world and organized events involving political leaders, that kind of statement is open to question.

Shanmugam is correct in that TOC will not be hindered in organizing further such activity. But what he does not mention is the kind of administrative hassle as well as climate of fear that is induced. The notion of liability will be a rope that will forever be strung around the necks of the 4 who submit their names to PMO and MDA. This is by no means a trivial issue. Personality and risk tolerance come into play here, and there is potential for divisiveness should the 4 individuals not have the same level of political maturity.

This is a perfect example of what Cherian George terms "calibrated coercion".

 

[GoldenDragon]

If this Thambi can be trusted, you can use a live tiger as your pillow when you sleep.

 

[Ramseth]

TOC need to make clear what form of organisation it is and not allow others to define them.

Technically and legally, no. They can do and say what they want, but the law defines who they are, what restrictions or penalties are they subject to. With Shanmugam, he can define whatever wants. Reminds me of Jayakumar when he was MHA. Accept a bet of S$30 also fine S$30,000. Reminds me of the story about revolver, Indian and cobras too.

 

[scroobal]

The moment you are ask people to define and name office bearers, it will immediately turn off most people. It is a clear policy of intimidation and to curtail free speech.

If they wanted to stop political donations and that is their only intention, there is not need to define and name officer bearers.

Clearly TOC is doing something right that is impacting the people. It was never planned for TOC to head this way It was supposed to be hardware zone which after SPH purchase was well "moderated". It would have been hilarious to buy TOC in view of thin margins so they did they next best thing.

Shanmugam is correct in that TOC will not be hindered in organizing further such activity. But what he does not mention is the kind of administrative hassle as well as climate of fear that is induced. The notion of liability will be a rope that will forever be strung around the necks of the 4 who submit their names to PMO and MDA. This is by no means a trivial issue. Personality and risk tolerance come into play here, and there is potential for divisiveness should the 4 individuals not have the same level of political maturity.

This is a perfect example of what Cherian George terms "calibrated coercion".