SFD gazetted as political association

[sinren67]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1035061/1/.html

Singaporeans For Democracy gazetted as political association

SINGAPORE : The Registry of Political Donations has gazetted the society, Singaporeans For Democracy (SFD), as a Political Association under the Political Donations Act with immediate effect.

The SFD, which is led by former Workers' Party member Dr James Gomez, was informed in writing on Wednesday.

The registry said the SFD's goals are in line with the objective to safeguard the integrity of Singapore's political process.

It noted that the SFD had stated clearly in its constitution that its objectives relate mainly to politics in Singapore.

First, it pledged to advocate for political and legislative reform in line with the principles embedded in the Singapore National Pledge "to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality".

Second, it said it would campaign for democracy-related issues at the national, regional and international levels.

It also stated that it would foster a multi-partisan civil and political platform, that includes individuals, non-governmental organisations and political parties, to promote democracy both locally and abroad.

The SFD also pledged to apply the use of new media tools for organisational decision-making processes, information dissemination, networking, mobilisation and advocacy to promote democracy.

The Political Donations Act that came into effect on 15 Feb 2001 prohibits political parties, political associations, and candidates in parliamentary or presidential elections from accepting donations from impermissible or foreign sources.

The Act upholds a fundamental tenet of the political process - politics in Singapore should be for Singaporeans only. - CNA /ls

 

[Perspective]

About time. But this incident reveals that political-openness-wise the ROS is going backwards. They took 3 months to approve another similar organization called Think Centre and now 10 months. TC has been around 10 years ago.

 

[Ramseth]

10 months is nothing. TBT case 20 months still unresolved.

 

[Perspective]

Yeah and Chia Thye Poh was unresolved for 22 years. When we want to compare registrations, please, we compare registrations.

 

[Ramseth]

Yeah and Chia Thye Poh was unresolved for 22 years. When we want to compare registrations, please, we compare registrations.

Yes, yes. Your point is right. Compare registration to registration.

 

[sinren67]

I've no idea which direction SFD or TC2 is heading to and what will they be achieved, politically.

 

[Perspective]

Yes, yes. Your point is right. Compare registration to registration.

Sorry realized it was not a registration but a gazette as political association.

 

[scroobal]

They are now screwed. They cannot raise a penny directly or indirectly or receive travel, stipends, grants from any internal or external organisations unless they follow the rules in regard to Political donations. I doubt its going to last long as an entity because its no man's land and cannot reasonably function as an NGO without funding. Their only hope is raising substantial membership which is difficult as it would be perceived as political party by the general public.

It however can still serve as a platform for those who are prepared self fund the raising of their own profile. The invitations to attend overseas meetings and rub shoulders are also much better as registered entity.

The government I am sure is waiting for an opportunity to prosecute them as soon as they sniff the first sign of free coffee being received.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1035061/1/.html

Singaporeans For Democracy gazetted as political association

 

[Perspective]

They are now screwed. They cannot raise a penny directly or indirectly or receive travel, stipends, grants from any internal or external organisations unless they follow the rules in regard to Political donations..

I do not think it is something they did not expect. There might be other plans.

 

[Perspective]

It however can still serve as a platform for those who are prepared self fund the raising of their own profile. The invitations to attend overseas meetings and rub shoulders are also much better as registered entity.

The government I am sure is waiting for an opportunity to prosecute them as soon as they sniff the first sign of free coffee being received.

You know, I read the ST's version which had additional details and it surprised me. Not allowed to receive foreign funds and not being a party isn't new and hence not surprising. The latter, in fact, benefits the org and was self imposed by the Socratic Circle and Roundtable.

But these 2 items are new:

1) not being affiliated to any political party

2) not allowed to use its funds, premises and new media platforms in any election here

As I remember these never existed in the constitutions of all past NGOs including Think Centre. You may be right they are screwed. They basically take away all potential activist routes that this new org can walk on.

If half of the membership joins the same party, it is screwed. Similarly if it only collaborates with one party. For the second, it isn't one party but nothing on elections at all. And nothing using new media.

 

[methink]

Re: is SFD = SDP?

just look at what their committee members are made of? all sdp's partyless trolls!!

should SFD be instigated and manipulated by those SDP's partylesses into another SDP's propaganda, then SFD might as well just join SDP instead to make a mockery out of authentic democracy, free speeches and human rights.

Do you have anything against the SfD aims/constitution? What if it were pappies who are behind the formation of SfD instead? Your tune would change right?

State clearly whether you are against what SfD is trying to achieve? Partyless or otherwise.