Even other country thinks that our garmen should open up to more opposition! More open to freedom of press.
Nominee seeks more openness
_Singapore|Updated 1 hr ago
By AFP
WASHINGTON - THE nominee to be the US ambassador to Singapore said on Tuesday he would encourage the government to allow greater openness, including more space for opposition parties.
David Adelman, a state senator in Georgia and fund-raiser for President Barack Obama, praised Singapore as a 'constructive force in the world' and pointed to its efforts in Haiti and Afghanistan.
'The continued partnership between our two countries serves as a solid anchor for our successful engagement with all of Asia,' he testified at his Senate confirmation hearing.
But under questioning by Virginia Senator Jim Webb, Mr Adelman said he would also engage with Singapore to encourage democratic reforms.
'Make no mistake, currently Singapore is not a multi-party democracy,' he said. 'I intend, if confirmed, to use public diplomacy to work towards greater press freedoms, greater freedom of assembly and ultimately more political space for opposition parties in Singapore.'
The People's Action Party has been in power since 1959. Under its rule, Singapore has become one of the wealthiest countries in Asia. Mr Adelman, who would be taking his first job in foreign affairs, said he supported Mr Obama largely out of hope that he could 'reinvigorate' US relationships overseas after George W. Bush's presidency.
Nominee seeks more openness
_Singapore|Updated 1 hr ago
By AFP
WASHINGTON - THE nominee to be the US ambassador to Singapore said on Tuesday he would encourage the government to allow greater openness, including more space for opposition parties.
David Adelman, a state senator in Georgia and fund-raiser for President Barack Obama, praised Singapore as a 'constructive force in the world' and pointed to its efforts in Haiti and Afghanistan.
'The continued partnership between our two countries serves as a solid anchor for our successful engagement with all of Asia,' he testified at his Senate confirmation hearing.
But under questioning by Virginia Senator Jim Webb, Mr Adelman said he would also engage with Singapore to encourage democratic reforms.
'Make no mistake, currently Singapore is not a multi-party democracy,' he said. 'I intend, if confirmed, to use public diplomacy to work towards greater press freedoms, greater freedom of assembly and ultimately more political space for opposition parties in Singapore.'
The People's Action Party has been in power since 1959. Under its rule, Singapore has become one of the wealthiest countries in Asia. Mr Adelman, who would be taking his first job in foreign affairs, said he supported Mr Obama largely out of hope that he could 'reinvigorate' US relationships overseas after George W. Bush's presidency.
