Why I participated in the TBT protest, and why I pleaded guilty

[NgEjay]

NOTE: A fuller version of this article will appear at a later date, when the TBT trial has been concluded.

Written by Ng E-Jay
24 October 2008

In late December last year, the SDP announced on their web site that an application had been made for a permit to hold a peaceful protest near Parliament House on 15 March 2008. The purpose was to mark World Consumer Rights Day and highlight the plight of Singapore consumers in the face of rapidly rising inflation which is made worse by ill-timed Government policies. Exorbitant ministerial salaries are also a slap in the face of Singaporeans who are struggling to make ends meet whilst bearing the brunt of 7% GST, escalating food and fuel prices, and various fare hikes.

In January, an announcement was made that the permit application had been rejected.

Knowing these, I still decided to head down to Parliament House on 15 March 2008 to show my support for this cause. I took photographs of the event and was part of a group photo as well, but I did not hold placards or make a public speech.

In my opinion, this was a good opportunity not just to raise awareness about how poorly-timed Government policies are exacerbating the already dire inflationary situation, which is in fact a global phenomenon, but also to assert my own right to freedom of assembly and speech which is granted to all Singaporeans under Article 14 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

Unfortunately, twelve people were arrested that day and later, 18 of us were charged with one count of assembly without a permit, and one count of procession without a permit, except Francis Yong who was only charged with assembly. This is the “TBT 18“.

Naturally, my first instincts were to plead not guilty to both charges as I felt that I had not done anything morally wrong by participating in a peaceful rally. However, I later decided to change tactics upon consultation with my lawyer, Dennis Chua. We both agreed that a more logical solution for me would be to plead guilty to the assembly charge, rather than to waste two weeks in Court arguing that I did not really intend to participate in the protest, which would have been a twist of words given what I had blogged about on Sgpolitics.net previously. In fact, I personally believe that a key tenet in civil disobedience is that one should be proud to break an unjust law.

After my lawyer Dennis Chua put up a representation on my behalf, an offer was made by the DPP to have the charge of procession taken into consideration in return for a guilty plea on the charge on assembly that was to be entered before the trial began. We accepted that offer. It was also a relief that I could save the time and go back to my Ph.D. research work uninterrupted.

I believe my lawyer Dennis Chua has handled my case very professionally and for that I thank him deeply.

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Is Ng E-Jay's credibility affected after his apparent volte face (no doubt understandable and fine from a personal pov but volte face nevertheless)?

Perhaps it is noteworthy that he participated in the SDP PR campaign with requests to the Law Society, Legal community and public for help and assistance all the way up to the very day of the start of the trial itself.

[Written by Ng E-Jay
24 October 2008

Naturally, my first instincts were to plead not guilty to both charges as I felt that I had not done anything morally wrong by participating in a peaceful rally. However, I later decided to change tactics upon consultation with my lawyer, Dennis Chua. We both agreed that a more logical solution for me would be to plead guilty to the assembly charge, rather than to waste two weeks in Court arguing that I did not really intend to participate in the protest, which would have been a twist of words given what I had blogged about on Sgpolitics.net previously. In fact, I personally believe that a key tenet in civil disobedience is that one should be proud to break an unjust law.

After my lawyer Dennis Chua put up a representation on my behalf, an offer was made by the DPP to have the charge of procession taken into consideration in return for a guilty plea on the charge on assembly that was to be entered before the trial began. We accepted that offer. It was also a relief that I could save the time and go back to my Ph.D. research work uninterrupted.
.

 

[Avantas]

E Jay's credibility remains intact.

On the other hand, I think you have little credibility left.

What are your motives for persistently picking on E Jay ?

What have you done other than to smear him here ?

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

smear   /smɪər/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [smeer] Show IPA Pronunciation

–verb (used with object)
4. to sully, vilify, or soil (a reputation, good name, etc.).

12. vilification: a smear by a cheap gossip columnist.

Forumer's can draw their own conclusions as to whether the issue I have raised constitutes a "smear".

As for "persistently picking on E Jay", look Ng of his own free volition and choice has chosen to paste his reasons for his volte face in this forum, so does that mean it is wrong for me to raise a genuine valid question?

Oh and coming from you of all people I would say: "Pot calling the kettle black" would be appropriate.

E Jay's credibility remains intact.

On the other hand, I think you have little credibility left.

What are your motives for persistently picking on E Jay ?

What have you done other than to smear him here ?

 

[Wisely]

smear   /smɪər/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [smeer] Show IPA Pronunciation

–verb (used with object)
4. to sully, vilify, or soil (a reputation, good name, etc.).

12. vilification: a smear by a cheap gossip columnist.

Forumer's can draw their own conclusions as to whether the issue I have raised constitutes a "smear".

As for "persistently picking on E Jay", look Ng of his own free volition and choice has chosen to paste his reasons for his volte face in this forum, so does that mean it is wrong for me to raise a genuine valid question?

Oh and coming from you of all people I would say: "Pot calling the kettle black" would be appropriate.

Somehow I have this feeling that Ejay and this Avantas chap are related. The defensive-ness of Avantas and silence of Ejay is uncanny.

Not to mention Avantases writing style matches those in the Wayang Club blog.... and he and Ejay's blog (Sgpolitics) are always copying each other's blogposts.

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Perhaps, I do not know.

To be fair to Ng, he appears to have now publicly come out with his reasons for his apparent volte face. However this statement of his still raises the same "credibility" issue that I made in the other thread. Ng's present statement as it stands does not appear to adequately address the "credibility" issue.

Somehow I have this feeling that Ejay and this Avantas chap are related. The defensive-ness of Avantas and silence of Ejay is uncanny.

Not to mention Avantases writing style matches those in the Wayang Club blog.... and he and Ejay's blog (Sgpolitics) are always copying each other's blogposts.

 

[scroobal]

NOTE: A fuller version of this article will appear at a later date, when the TBT trial has been concluded.

Written by Ng E-Jay
24 October 2008

Here are my thoughts, first the positive
1. independent thought and action despite the expected peer pressure
2. the abililty to change your mind despite the pre-trial buildup having added further burden
3. getting a lawyer to provide objective advice

Next the negatives
1. the explanation above is terrible. Full of holes and excuses. Would have better to remain silent especially after all the bs pre-trial and loggerheaeds with law society
2. World Consumer Day carries as much political and social weight as a feather from the underside of a duck. Rising price and inflation at that time was affecting the whole world and still does now.
3. In politics, one must learn to be opportunistic and grab issues that affect singaporeans directly in an acute way. Learn from Tan Kin Lian.
4. Obviosuly the agenda's don't mix with the rest.

The PAP has always run roughshod over Singaporeans and political and social issues prop up every now and then. Just pick one. How World Consumer Day ever figured in the equation is beyond me.

If the 19 of you went for a bike ride at East coast and held a kenduri, that is political opportunism and Singaporeans will be waiting for the trial with bated breath to seek how the PAP, Ho PENG Kee and our frequently absent PM is going to explain the double standards.

At the end of the day, you did the smart thing.

 

[lockeliberal]

Dear Porifirio

I suspect that with your inconvieinient line of questioning, you will be soon accused of being a clone of either Melvin Tan or Andrew Loh or be threatened with public humiliation and bullying in no particular order.

Firstly the degree to which that Kim Jong Ill look alike should be subject or is subject to public questioning is relative to their fame and the amount of PR they have sought to garner for themselves and the cause they support. If one goes by the logic of Avantas they are immune from doubts and questions because they have walked the walk and talked the talk. In essence HERO's are beyond reproach in particular the TBT heros.
Secondly what does his and the actions of other less well known individuals speak for the entire TBT movement as a whole ?

The actions of civil disobedience are ultimately political. A set of goals that are attained through political pressure via a non parliamentary setting. As seen from the actions of the "reformasi" movement in Malaysia, civil disobedience requires "mass" and the oxygen of publicity to survive and to attract newer members.

The need for mass explains the need for the SDP to increase the base of its members who are willing able and committed to civil disobedience. A group that circulates, acts, and goes to jail together reinforces a perception of "them against us" or as you would put it a "manchian tendency to see everything in black and white." The need for mass or numbers above ten;s to hundreds explains also the need for this current batch of TBT protestors to serve as the committed cadre for greater and better things. You will note that for civil disobedience to grow and take root it cannot be the same old tired faces that keep on going to jail

The need for the oxygen of publicity explains the need to be as combative and to portray the fight as one of heros against the dark forces of the PAP. It also explains the sensitivity to comment or criticism and the constant wish to appear in a certain light.

The costs of civil disobedience will never be cheap. Manuals for civil disobedience available on line stress that going to court and jail is part and an end goal of any protest so as to garner positive publicity. However manuals also stress that not everyone is cut from the same cloth and not everyone would be willing to go to jail and for there to be unity. The comment's of Jufrie seem ludicrous and damaging to the group as a whole because from decrying the illegality of the "law". It has swung towards a weasel lawerly attempt to escape responsibility for one's actions as even acknowledged by the SDP. I believe that after the usual court room circus, PR on line and off, avantas and his blog cheerleading the gang of now 16, some will refuse to pay the fine and some will after being found guilty thus splitting the group again.

Those willing to go to jail will I suspect reinforce their credentials as a leading edge cadre whilst those who do not might have to take a more back seat. Whatever the case , there will be future attempts at civil disobedience and the next protest will I believe garner a less lenient response and charges in view of a "legal" way to protest. For example the current bunch who locked arms were not charged with resisting arrest.


Cheers

Locke

 

[Wisely]

Here are my thoughts, first the positive
1. independent thought and action despite the expected peer pressure
2. the abililty to change your mind despite the pre-trial buildup having added further burden
3. getting a lawyer to provide objective advice

Next the negatives
1. the explanation above is terrible. Full of holes and excuses. Would have better to remain silent especially after all the bs pre-trial and loggerheaeds with law society
2. World Consumer Day carries as much political and social weight as a feather from the underside of a duck. Rising price and inflation at that time was affecting the whole world and still does now.
3. In politics, one must learn to be opportunistic and grab issues that affect singaporeans directly in an acute way. Learn from Tan Kin Lian.
4. Obviosuly the agenda's don't mix with the rest.

The PAP has always run roughshod over Singaporeans and political and social issues prop up every now and then. Just pick one. How World Consumer Day ever figured in the equation is beyond me.

If the 19 of you went for a bike ride at East coast and held a kenduri, that is political opportunism and Singaporeans will be waiting for the trial with bated breath to seek how the PAP, Ho PENG Kee and our frequently absent PM is going to explain the double standards.

At the end of the day, you did the smart thing.

I agree it was smart of Ejay to plead guilty. Why court trouble in the first place?

 

[scroobal]

Dear Porifirio
The actions of civil disobedience are ultimately political. A set of goals that are attained through political pressure via a non parliamentary setting. As seen from the actions of the "reformasi" movement in Malaysia, civil disobedience requires "mass" and the oxygen of publicity to survive and to attract newer members.
Locke

This incident is not what I would call political. The issue for the protest has to be politically significant in the first place. I also sense that most of the participants have little understanding of politics but there is a genuine desire to do something. CSJ's intention however is consistent and clear - martyrdom in the eyes of western NGO's. In his mind , he probably see that as the best approach. I suspect that martyrdom is also the end goal rather than what it can achieve down the road.

Breaking an unjust law does not hold water unless there is a genuine event that caused grief to the people that warrants a protest in the first place.

How 18 people thought world consumer day is such an event is really a wonder when someone actually brought a can of abalone is quite interesting.

 

[lockeliberal]

Dear Scroobal

Ok this is probably going to get me flamed but what the heck. On first glance I did not doubt the rights of the TBT protestors to protest on World Consumer's Day because heck even CASE had the right to protest. Which was also basically the case that they the SDP were making unfairness of laws etc etc. biasness in favor of gov approved organizations etc etc etc etc.

But frak and here's where my toes started laughing. Do a google any google on " World Consumers Day 2008" and darn even the official Consumer International website has stated the theme as "marketing of junk food to kids." but they the TBT 18 and the SDP have to protest on that day on a theme contrary to the official theme as laid out for World Consumer's Day by Consumers International. CASE for what its worth did at the very least follow the official theme as did HK UK USA ok YOU get the drift. The SDP and the TBT tried to hijack it with their own message and to top it off, as you have pointed out someone brought along a tin of abalone as representative of the struggling working class. I wonder which marxist working class planet he or she came from :_)).




Locke

 

[scroobal]

" World Consumers Day 2008" and heck even the official Consumer International website has stated the theme as "marketing of junk food to kids." but they the TBT 18 and the SDP have to protest on that day on a theme contrary to the official theme as laid out for World Consumer's Day by Consumers International. CASE for what its worth did at the very least follow the official theme as did HK UK USA ok YOU get the drift. The SDP and the TBT tried to hijack it with their own message and to top it off , you have pointed out someone brought along a tin of abalone as representative of the struggling working class. I wonder which marxist planet he or she came from :_))
Locke

Like I said, the 18 really don't understand what they are doing. Singaporeans being asians tend not to be upfront with their views and prefer not to throw cold water on another's person's proposed actions.

Sometime ago, I was told to cut some slack when these guys and CSJ go on this road. The sad part is because no one tells them otherwise, they are still on this road.

As I stated before, old man has a thick hide. The only thing that gets his goat in a major way, is declining votes, loss of seats and screwing his party image during the hustings. You can see a different man, the serious yet worried look - post anson by elections syndrome.

Look at Jufrie's statement to the court when the charge was read out. He does not even know what to say to make a political point. A platform has been provided, might as well use it. Even the indian fortune teller's parrot outside koamal villas could have uttered something more punchy.

Not to worry, I am told that are some promising individuals that are keen to join the foray including an ex-SPH journalist.

Of course the other attitude is that you cannot criticise unless you come out with a plan on how to win an elections which is no different from what old man and GCT told Catherine Lim.

 

[Wisely]

Like I said, the 18 really don't understand what they are doing. Singaporeans being asians tend not to be upfront with their views and prefer not to throw cold water on another's person's proposed actions.

Sometime ago, I was told to cut some slack when these guys and CSJ go on this road. The sad part is because no one tells them otherwise, they are still on this road.

As I stated before, old man has a thick hide. The only thing that gets his goat in a major way, is declining votes, loss of seats and screwing his party image during the hustings. You can see a different man, the serious yet worried look - post anson by elections syndrome.

Look at Jufrie's statement to the court when the charge was read out. He does not even know what to say to make a political point. A platform has been provided, might as well use it. Even the indian fortune teller's parrot outside koamal villas could have uttered something more punchy.

Not to worry, I am told that are some promising individuals that are keen to join the foray including an ex-SPH journalist.

Of course the other attitude is that you cannot criticise unless you come out with a plan on how to win an elections which is no different from what old man and GCT told Catherine Lim.

They think as long as they show courage they are heroes who are immune to be criticized. Not listening often ends you up in a deep cesspool.

They want to show the rest of the opposition they got more guts. In the end they still have to plead guilty and look silly. Get a $600 fine. Who can't afford a $600 fine? Squabble in court and look sillier. Looking silly was what I think other oppositions wanted to avoid...... not the suit.

 

[jerry]

I believe my lawyer Dennis Chua has handled my case very professionally and for that I thank him deeply.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

How much the lawyer charge you, E Jay? Need to know how much to raise to break unjust laws

 

[methink]

How 18 people thought world consumer day is such an event is really a wonder when someone actually brought a can of abalone is quite interesting.

Why screw them over a can of abalone when things have been going up even for the middle class? The TBT campaign is for all classes of sinkies, right?

 

[scroobal]

Why screw them over a can of abalone when things have been going up even for the middle class? The TBT campaign is for all classes of sinkies, right?

So whose fault is it that the prices of food items were rising around the world?

Please don't tell me that you actually believe that the fucking old man can influence world prices? Take my advice, this old man has ruled this tiny island by fear and has absolutely no control over abalone from Australia, Mexico etc.

Don't believe everything that the PAP tell you? Think for yourself.

 

[cleareyes]

Pleading Gulity is a wise move. not only would u not need to waste time, u also lessen the possible punishment which is not really needed. i also spare urself the possiblity of been made a fool by the system, which itself would go all the way to crush those that would just cant stop arguing.
i know many would want to be a hero, but at times like this, its better to live and fight another day to gain victory than to die in a blaze of glory with nothing achieved.

 

[cleareyes]

smear   /smɪər/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [smeer] Show IPA Pronunciation

–verb (used with object)
4. to sully, vilify, or soil (a reputation, good name, etc.).

12. vilification: a smear by a cheap gossip columnist.

Forumer's can draw their own conclusions as to whether the issue I have raised constitutes a "smear".

As for "persistently picking on E Jay", look Ng of his own free volition and choice has chosen to paste his reasons for his volte face in this forum, so does that mean it is wrong for me to raise a genuine valid question?

Oh and coming from you of all people I would say: "Pot calling the kettle black" would be appropriate.

hahahahahahaha

looks like u have ben labelled and join the gang.

this is a sign of cyber hooliganism, dun let them get to u.

 

[methink]

Yes I dun believe everything the blooding fucking PAP tells me. For example GST is to help the poor. Or ERP is not for making a profit.

You are only going on one angle, that is world prices are going up and he has no influence over them. Would you agree the fucking old man could do more to stamp the rising tide? By increasing the GST, ERP charges, PUB utilities, MRT and bus fares, and other public amenities ...he has added oil to the fire!

 

[one2unite]

This incident is not what I would call political. The issue for the protest has to be politically significant in the first place. I also sense that most of the participants have little understanding of politics but there is a genuine desire to do something. CSJ's intention however is consistent and clear - martyrdom in the eyes of western NGO's. In his mind , he probably see that as the best approach. I suspect that martyrdom is also the end goal rather than what it can achieve down the road.

Breaking an unjust law does not hold water unless there is a genuine event that caused grief to the people that warrants a protest in the first place.

How 18 people thought world consumer day is such an event is really a wonder when someone actually brought a can of abalone is quite interesting.

You are nothing but a PAP propagandist out to discredit the growing movement against the greedy, corrupt PAP regime headed by a tyrant who insists on perpetuating a dynastic rule by placing an utterly incompetent son as the PM.

It's your PAP that is sucking up big time to foreign big businesses and the NGO groups funded by MNCs and the neocons.

The event was held on world consumers day to expose the double standard practised by the despotic regime in dealing with its own state-funded CASE that had organised a similar protest in 2007.

If your PAP thinks it has the support of the people, why can't it free the media to report on the aspirations and expectations of the masses? Why the need to have a former deputy PM to head the 154th mouthpiece with ISD operatives as "running dogs and poor prostitutes of the PAP"?