- Joined
- Jul 31, 2008
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- 331
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Hello everyone, I am currently a student at the National University of Singapore. Please understand that due to my ongoing studies I cannot reveal my name, faculty or year to you. What I’m going to share with you is a very riveting experience that I recently had.
A few months ago I was approached on campus by a middle-aged man. I was having my lunch in the canteen and he came and sat next me. Although I found it slightly akward, he presented himself as being a late student that wanted to take up a degree at NUS and so I agreed to chat.
He started out by just casually asking me about my studies and what I learn about in my course. After about 10 minutes, things started getting weird.
The man kept asking me about whether politics are discussed in my class and what are my views on local and international issues. I replied most of them in a generic fashion, and he smiled at my every answer.
He then asked me about my lecturer, what his teaching style is like and what are the kinds of reading material he recommends us. At this point I started feeling quite uncomfortable and wanted to leave, but curiousity got the better of me and I wanted to know what this guy’s agenda really was because he mentioned my lecturer.
We had talked for about 25 minutes, and he asked me how I’m getting by financially. I told him that I’m alright, trying to give him as little information about myself as I could.
The man then popped the question, “How about I make you a good offer? I know you’re not doing well financially. I am from the Internal Security Department. We are interested in knowing more about what your lecturer is talking about in class.”
“I’m sorry, I’m don’t think I can do that sort of thing.” I replied.
“No don’t worry, nothing is going to happen to you or your lecturer. Everything will be kept under wraps. You’ll get $3000 for this simple project of reporting back to us” he said as he gave a light smile.
Let me tell you, $3000 for a student like myself is a huge amount. But I just couldn’t. For reasons I cannot explain here, I know why my lecturer was targeted and why I was approached for this “job”. But I just need to get this out and I’m almost on the verge of tears as I write this.
Singaporeans, let me remind all of you that this authoritarian state is playing a very sick game even in this day and age, even on the NUS campus. But that is all the more reason why need to stand up to them.
To any of my fellow students or students-to-be reading this, please continue speaking up in class. When you are approached by the government to do such dirty work, turn it down politely and keep your conscience clear.
Thank you.
NUS Student
http://www.temasekreview.com/2010/08/03/nus-student-isd-approached-me-to-spy-on-my-lecturer/
Nothing new. This same recruiting plan has been practiced over decades. Normally they target financially or acdemically challenged students.