<TABLE id=msgUN border=0 cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD id=msgUNsubj vAlign=top>
Coffeeshop Chit Chat - Climate of Fear exposed during "defence"</TD><TD id=msgunetc noWrap align=right>
Subscribe </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=msgtable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="96%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=msg vAlign=top><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgbfr1 width="1%"> </TD><TD><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgF width="1%" noWrap align=right>From: </TD><TD class=msgFname width="68%" noWrap>lauta76 <NOBR></NOBR> </TD><TD class=msgDate width="30%" noWrap align=right>1:13 am </TD></TR><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgT height=20 width="1%" noWrap align=right>To: </TD><TD class=msgTname width="68%" noWrap>ALL <NOBR></NOBR></TD><TD class=msgNum noWrap align=right> (1 of 15) </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=msgleft rowSpan=4 width="1%"> </TD><TD class=wintiny noWrap align=right>19421.1 </TD></TR><TR><TD height=8></TD></TR><TR><TD class=msgtxt>Just look at the number of attacks Viswa gets in parliament and you understand the gravity of the situation. Yes, people email Michael Palmer with their concerns, but what use is it when MPs choose to self-censor at that level and refuse to pass on the message in parliament??
Parliament debates nation-building tenets enshrined in Pledge
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 18 August 2009 2207 hrs
SINGAPORE: Parliament is debating a motion on the nation-building tenets that have been enshrined in Singapore's National Pledge.
Moving the motion, Nominated MP Viswa Sadasivan said he is confident Singapore will succeed if the nation is faithful to the Pledge.
But several MPs disagreed with some points he raised, among them, more public assistance for the needy and that people are hesitant to speak up.
The National Pledge enshrines what Singapore must continue to uphold for its future, said Mr Viswa.
He said: "We must ensure all citizens from young understand it beyond the words. Most importantly, we in Parliament must lead the way by demonstrating that no national policy or Bill will be passed if it goes contrary to the letter or spirit of the Pledge."
But he added that accountability requires the government to do more to address calls for greater democracy and civil liberties.
Sam Tan, Parliamentary Secretary for Information, Communications and the Arts, said: "I will very much disagree with an allegation that the government takes people for granted. How so?
"Does the government ignore the fact that our population is ageing and needs lifts to their flats. Does the government not fund and ensure that every block will have one?"
Michael Palmer, GPC chairman for Defence and Foreign Affairs, said: "As an elected member of this House, we are always accountable to the people on the ground, in our constituency, to our residents and to Singaporeans as a whole; we are accountable on a daily basis."
Mr Viswa also claimed that there is a climate of fear that prevents people from speaking up.
Mr Palmer said: "In fact, my experience on the ground has shown the opposite. People are not afraid to speak up for what they believe in and against government policies that they disagree with.
"This feedback is received through numerous channels including my email inbox on a daily basis. And it would appear that the younger the generation, the more vociferous they are about their disagreement.
"In fact, what contradicts the climate of fear that Mr Sadasivan has spoken about is that he stands in this House today and is able to express his views openly and freely without fear of reprisal. My disagreement is also a demonstration of the democratic process at work.
"The government's adherence to the tenets of our Pledge has brought us to where we are today. That said, it is perhaps timely that we reaffirm our commitment to them."
Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Mrs Yu Foo Yee Shoon, rebutted Mr Viswa's call for more help for those on public assistance. She assured the House there are sufficient help schemes so that no one will go hungry in Singapore. Debate on the motion continues on Wednesday.
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Parliament debates nation-building tenets enshrined in Pledge
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 18 August 2009 2207 hrs
SINGAPORE: Parliament is debating a motion on the nation-building tenets that have been enshrined in Singapore's National Pledge.
Moving the motion, Nominated MP Viswa Sadasivan said he is confident Singapore will succeed if the nation is faithful to the Pledge.
But several MPs disagreed with some points he raised, among them, more public assistance for the needy and that people are hesitant to speak up.
The National Pledge enshrines what Singapore must continue to uphold for its future, said Mr Viswa.
He said: "We must ensure all citizens from young understand it beyond the words. Most importantly, we in Parliament must lead the way by demonstrating that no national policy or Bill will be passed if it goes contrary to the letter or spirit of the Pledge."
But he added that accountability requires the government to do more to address calls for greater democracy and civil liberties.
Sam Tan, Parliamentary Secretary for Information, Communications and the Arts, said: "I will very much disagree with an allegation that the government takes people for granted. How so?
"Does the government ignore the fact that our population is ageing and needs lifts to their flats. Does the government not fund and ensure that every block will have one?"
Michael Palmer, GPC chairman for Defence and Foreign Affairs, said: "As an elected member of this House, we are always accountable to the people on the ground, in our constituency, to our residents and to Singaporeans as a whole; we are accountable on a daily basis."
Mr Viswa also claimed that there is a climate of fear that prevents people from speaking up.
Mr Palmer said: "In fact, my experience on the ground has shown the opposite. People are not afraid to speak up for what they believe in and against government policies that they disagree with.
"This feedback is received through numerous channels including my email inbox on a daily basis. And it would appear that the younger the generation, the more vociferous they are about their disagreement.
"In fact, what contradicts the climate of fear that Mr Sadasivan has spoken about is that he stands in this House today and is able to express his views openly and freely without fear of reprisal. My disagreement is also a demonstration of the democratic process at work.
"The government's adherence to the tenets of our Pledge has brought us to where we are today. That said, it is perhaps timely that we reaffirm our commitment to them."
Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Mrs Yu Foo Yee Shoon, rebutted Mr Viswa's call for more help for those on public assistance. She assured the House there are sufficient help schemes so that no one will go hungry in Singapore. Debate on the motion continues on Wednesday.
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