Welcome Back
It is time to kick start this blog once again! Just imagine how time flies....guess what's around the corner? The IBA(International Bar Association) conference in Singapore.
The date suggested is 14 - 19 Oct. Of their five days spent here, one day is set aside for the "rule of law" day. This presents a great opportunity to engage them of the situation in Singapore. More importantly, I would like to take this opportunity to focus and reflect on two important issues. For one I like the IBA to address the use of defamation suits by establishment leaders. The other is the impartiality
in hearing of such lawsuits.
Oh, and perhaps a last issue would be the misuse of the authorities for crushing dissent. Take for example in 2005, a group of 4 (four) protestors who demanded more transparency from public institutions were forced to disperse by a police riot squad.
I thought the legal maximum for public gatherings in Singapore is 5 (five)?
Other issues are secondary.
Unlike the IBA/World Bank meetings held around this time last year, things are looking up to be manifestly be different this year. No threats of caning for protesters. No deportations (keep your fingers cross) and no scuffles at the speaker's corner with police. A sign of hope there will be for a inclusive meaningful debate on such issues.
Will keep you posted.
Brendan Chong
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