Let's Go To Speakers' Corner

Give Vui Kong A Second Chance, 01 August 2010

2010-07-27T10:34:00.002+08:00

It’s been three years since then-19-year old Vui Kong was sentenced to death in Singapore.

He’s been sitting on death row since 2007 at Changi Prison awaiting the day he would be hanged.

For someone so young, that in itself is torture.

His family, particularly his brother Yun Leong and sister Vui Fung [picture right, campaigning in Sabah], has been campaigning tirelessly for Vui Kong’s sentence to be commuted and he be given a second chance.

The Singapore Anti-Death Penalty Campaign (SADPC) and The Online Citizen (TOC) lend our voices to the plea.

We would like to ask you, our readers and your friends, to help support the call as well.

SADPC and TOC will be holding a petition signing event at Speakers Corner on 1 August to garner signatures to appeal to the president to grant Vui Kong a reprieve. The signatures collected will be sent to the campaign in Malaysia to be delivered eventually to the president of Singapore, Mr SR Nathan.

Besides the signing of the petition, participants will also be able to say a message of support which will be recorded on video. We will use these for a second campaign clip. [Here's our first campaign video.]

Please do give an hour or so of your time to lend your voice to Vui Kong’s family and to Vui Kong who cannot speak for himself as he sits alone on death row.

The details of the event are as follow:

Event: Give Vui Kong A Second Chance

Date: 1 August 2010

Time: 4pm – 6pm

Venue: Speakers Corner (Hong Lim Park)

How to get there: Take the NEL to Clark Quay MRT station and use Exit “A”. It’ll bring you directly into Speakers Corner.

Programme:

1. Petition-signing, an appeal to the president of Singapore to grant Vui Kong’s clemency appeal.
2. Announcement of continuation of Facebook photo project
3. Recording of messages on video from participants
4. Short speeches
5. Taking of a group photo (6pm)

The clemency appeal must be submitted to the president by 26 August. And depending on how the president decides, Vui Kong could be hanged anytime after that.

This could be the final opportunity for us to do something to save Vui Kong.

Please come join us this Sunday.

Thank you.

Source: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2010/07/sadpc-toc-to-take-to-speakers-corner-1-august/

Pink Dot 2010; 15 May 2010

2010-05-11T10:16:00.001+08:00

Following its strong showing last year when 2,500 people turned up at Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park, Pink Dot Sg has planned another event this year at the same location on 15th May 2010.

Singaporeans are thus invited to come together in a show of unity and solidarity to celebrate the Freedom to Love. Pink Dot 2010 will be a peaceful gathering where Singaporeans will converge to form a giant human pink dot. The goal for 2010 will be to exceed last year’s turnout – the largest public gathering at Speakers’ Corner since inception in September 2000.

Pink Dot aims to drive awareness and foster deeper understanding of the basic human need to love and be loved, regardless one’s sexual orientation. The movement, comprising volunteers who care deeply about the place that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Singaporeans call home, seeks to underscore the importance of celebrating diversity in its myriad forms amid social prejudices that continue to exist today.

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Source: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2010/05/pink-dot-2010-come-show-your-support/

http://www.facebook.com/pinkdotsg?ref=mf

Ng Teck Siong Press Conference, 10 Apr 10

2010-04-09T10:56:00.002+08:00

Mr Ng Teck Siong, former Chairman of the Reform Party, intends to provide a formal response concerning remarks recently made by Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam that implied the Reform Party was an empty vessel devoid of leadership when Mr Jeyaretnam took over as Secretary-General last year.

Mr Ng Teck Siong intends to hold a press conference at Speaker’s Corner on Saturday evening (10 Apr) to make a public statement.

Details will be announced as soon as they are available.

Source: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2010/04/former-rp-chairman-refutes-kenneth-jeyaretnams-claims/

Lobby Mcdonalds to restore the PIG; 16 Jan 2010

2010-01-12T20:43:00.000+08:00

At Hong Lim Park Speakers Corner, a time slot was reserved for the support to get Mcdonalds to restore back the PIG to its rightful place in the Zodiac.
Please come to support. Bring your banners, posters or displays.

Date: 16 Jan 2010, Saturday.
Time: 2pm to 3pm.
Organiser: Thinkingloud
Source: ST Discussion Board, http://comment.straitstimes.com/showthread.php?p=386434
-------------------------------------------------
ST Singapore
Jan 9, 2010
McDonald's pulls pig toy
Its move in omitting pig character from zodiac animal set irks Chinese
By Leow Si Wan & Chuang Bing Han

Instead of a pig, a Cupid (third from right) completes the line-up of 12 soft toys in the McDonald's Doraemon collection for Chinese New Year. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

FAST-FOOD giant McDonald's has stirred up a controversy by omitting pig characters from its latest toy promotions.

The pig soft toy was expected to have been part of a 12-character Doraemon set depicting the animals of the Chinese zodiac calendar. Customers wanting the toy would have to pay $2 on top of making a food purchase.

But McDonald's decided not to include the pig toy to avoid offending Muslim customers, and had a Doraemon Cupid toy in its place instead.

The move has upset Chinese customers keen on collecting all 12 toys in the series. One of them, staff nurse Daphne Koh, 26, said: 'I was born in the Year of the Pig and would have collected the whole set. But without the pig, it makes no sense for me to do so.'

Retiree May Liaw, 55, who had wanted to buy a set to decorate her home for Chinese New Year, said: 'It is strange to have Cupid in place of the pig. The set is incomplete and I am not interested in individual pieces.'

Various online forums are also abuzz with discussions on whether the fast-food chain has overreacted.

JBJ Memorial Day, Jan 5 @ 7pm

2010-01-04T11:02:00.001+08:00

For any updates on this upcoming event, please refer to the facebook group In Memory of J B Jeyaretnam or the Reform Party’s website or facebook page. I will also update this blog post if there’s any news.

Update: James Gomez will be speaking at the event.

Source: http://jacob69.wordpress.com/2009/12/31/jbj-memorial-day-hong-lim-park-aka-speakers-corner-jan-5-7pm/

The Do Good Interview: Let's Go to Speakers' Corner

2009-12-17T10:11:00.000+08:00

In case you missed it.....

The Do Good Interview: Let's Go to Speakers' Corner
Written by Low Lai Chow, on Saturday, 5 December 2009
Published in : Outreach, Community
http://www.youth.sg/content/view/7538/66/

Remember Speakers' Corner (SC) at The Hong Lim Park? Ever since the space was opened up to the public to make speechs, hold demonstrations and put up public performances and exhibitions nine years ago in 2000, SC has since been keeping a quiet profile as less and less people take to the spot to rant voice their thoughts.

One man, who prefers to call himself The Hong Lim Gardener (right), continues to support free speech in Singapore by maintaining an events calendar, Let's Go to Speakers' Corner, to keep Singaporeans in the loop on SC happenings.

Youth.SG: Why bother?

Hong Lim Gardener: Whether you regard the easing in restrictions for Speakers' Corner use as political generosity or tokenism, every channel of expression (political, artistic etc) has the potential to garner attention to issues and change public mindsets and perceptions. As such, every attempt at utilising these channels, no matter how trivial or grand, deserves some attention. Hence this blog was created to serve as a shared calendar of events at Hong Lim Park.

Who's behind this?

It's just me and everyone who cares to update me :)

Why the persona of 'The Hong Lim Gardener'? Is it a deliberate choice to be anonymous?

Yes it was. Who I am is not important. Such matters only serve to distract from what is important.

Who is the blog for?

This blog is for everyone and anyone. It is as much for the organisers of events at SC as it is for those who do not have a means to follow what's happening everyday.

How did you get started?

The easing of registration rules for use of SC has I feel greatly reduced the stigma of the “demonstration”. Having not to deal with the police has greatly shed its austere façade that probably would put off a lot of people.

Did you face any difficulties?

The blog is straightforward and nothing cutting edge in terms of design. My main difficulty would be keeping myself up to date on the latest happenings at SC. National Parks aren’t going to alert me I can guarantee you that. But it really makes you wonder doesn’t it? Why there is no published list of SC usage to be found on the net.

Have you ever contacted National Parks on that?

No i have not. But if they intended the list to be public they would have carried it on their own site.

How has Speakers' Corner changed since its first day?

I haven’t been around long enough to comment meaningfully.

I'm sure you have met the speakers and organisers from Speaker's Corner events. What type of person does it take to speak at Speakers' Corner?

It takes someone courageous or just completely mad. And quite frankly, the two extremes are typical character types of SC speakers. An SC speech is daunting as you are virtually standing there naked and shouting over traffic noises to be heard. Stage presence is therefore key.

You may close the blog in a few months' time as you are receiving very little event notifications. Why do you think Speakers' Corner events are dwindling?

There was a natural spike in usage following the relaxation of usage terms. The global financial crisis and ultimate failure of structured products around the world as brought much focus on SC thanks to Tan Kin Lian. It really proves that SC still has a purpose even in this digital age of social networks and private interest groups. It is just like how we are now witnessing a revival in the concert scene. Digitalisation of music and its ubiquitous availability online forced artists to pay more attention to alternative revenue models. Demonstrations at SC are similar. You can never have a virtual protest that carries the power and verve. Yes there has been a steady decline in its use, but that does not mean it is dead and obsolete. Like all good things, they never go out of style.

Define success.

Success for this blog is that it eventually becomes sustained by the community and not by me. LCL

Access SC events calendar Let's Go to Speakers' Corner here. Find out more about The Hong Lim Park and the nittygritties on how to register as a speaker at its official Nparks home.

Lai Chow is the editor of Youth.SG. She is often mistaken for a man, 'nuff said.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Thousands to Gather at Speakers' Corner... To Eat

2009-11-26T12:41:00.002+08:00

Hong Lim food centre to relocate to Speakers’ Corner
Source: http://www.temasekreview.com/2009/11/26/hong-lim-food-centre-to-relocate-to-speakers-corner/

Singapore’s Speakers’ Corner will be more boisterous in the next few months not because there will be more Singaporeans speaking there, but due to the relocation of the nearby Hong Lim Food Centre in Upper Cross Street which will be closed for a facelift in March next year.

NEA said that “activities” at Speakers’ Corner will not be affected by the market’s move. Its boundaries will be “redrawn” next month.

Modeled after London’s Hyde Park, the Speakers’ Corner is the only place in Singapore where citizens can lawfully gather, speak and protest.

The ruling party decided to “relax” the rules last year to counter the civil disobedience movement launched by opposition groups such as the Singapore Democratic Party.

However, police installed CCTVs a few months ago at its premises purportedly for reasons of “public safety and security”.

Since then, the number of events at Hong Lim Park had dwindled as well as the participants.

A minibond rally called by former NTUC INCOME Mr Tan Kin Lian drew a paltry crowd of less than 200 while the usual attendance is twice the number.

Mr Tan still holds the record for the most number of rallies held at Hong Lim Park by a single person and number of participants with one rally attracting more than a thousand people.

Despite much fanfare, the authorities had ignored the hustlings at the rallies which have since fizzled out with some minibond holders remain uncompensated by the financial institutions.

The usefulness of Hong Lim Park to advance the political awareness and maturity of ordinary Singaporeans is very much limited by the general apathy pervailing the nation.

While there is much resentment and disgruntlement on the ground over some of the government’s policies such as its liberal immigration policy, the grousings are confined strictly to cyberspace.

Nobody has dared to step forward to organize rallies at Hong Lim Park to protest against the government openly in public.

The park is almost always deserted during the weekdays while it is used by the nearby Kreta Ayer Community Club for its activities on the weekends.

The three opposition MPs in parliament have been most reluctant to use the park to further their political agenda, preferring to make token speeches with little or no impact in parliament.

Speeches made there by some leaders like the Reform Party’s Kenneth Jeyaretnam during National Day attracted a small crowd of less than hundred people and usually the same familiar faces.

Ironically, Speakers’ Corner will see an increase in the crowd now with the relocation of a Food Centre there.

For most Singaporeans, food is still their primary obsession and interest rather than their civil and political rights if they are even aware of their existence in the first place.

Speakers' Corner Protest To Appeal President Obama

2009-11-12T10:43:00.001+08:00

To: President OBAMA

Through

American Embassy
27 Napier Road
Singapore 258508
Main Tel. No: (65) 6476-9100
Main Fax No: (65) 6476-9340

Mr President,

As you grace our country with your presence during these APEC meetings, we beseech you to take some time off your meeting schedule to meet with MAS Chariman Goh Chok Tong, Finance Minister Tharman and bank CEOs to discuss compensation measures for minibond holders and investors that have lost entire life savings due to your predecessor’s failure to bailout Lehman Brothers in 2008.

A total of S$375 million (US$258 million) worth of Lehman-linked structured products was sold to 8,000 retail investors who did not have the financial acumen to understand the risks of these complicated products. The total number of structured products, which value evaporated overnight, is closer to S$500 Million. Our misplaced faith in the US banking and financial regulatory system, together with predatory sales tactics, had left us exposed to the whims and fancies of ruthless bankers and the former Treasury Sec. Hank Paulson.

Minibonds investors in Singapore have been filing complaints and lawsuits against various financial institutions, but many lack the resources to proceed with the lengthy and costly litigation process.

The spillover damage has also been hefty. Eight town councils in Singapore – institutions entrusted with funds meant for the maintenance and running of Public Housing facilities – had about S$16 million invested in troubled structured products.

The effort of some (e.g. Great Eastern Life) to redeem the original capital injection value of these products is but a drop of water in an ocean of judiciary irresponsibility. While three of the US biggest banks have exited the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) – a fund meant to save financial institutions from collapse – and handed out US$29.7 billion in bonuses, Singaporean investors are left wondering where was the Lehman Brothers Rescue?

Here in Singapore, investors holding credit-linked notes linked to Lehman Brothers had received no coupon payments (as of Oct this year) toward the end of the grace period. Yet another event of default as US banks trade TARP funds for bonuses.

Many people have the mistaken impression that investors have been assisted by the Singapore to get a fair compensation. This is the impression is forged by the streams of feel good press statements that misguide the uninformed reader.

The truth is, Singaporean investors have been shortchanged. Less than 20% has been compensated, while our neighbours in Hong Kong and Taiwan are getting more headway as 777 Singaporean investors continue to be ignored by Prime Minister Lee who declined to meet the investors or to delegate his officials to resolve this issue. Not much else has transpired as Singaporeans are ignorant of their human or contractual rights and unable to seek redress outside of governmental assistance due to years of a nanny state under the Lees.

Former CEO of NTUC INCOME Mr Tan Kin Lian had been an earlier crusader for our rights and we thank him for it. It heartens me that our plight is not forgotten and that Mr Yap Keng Ho is reigniting the spirit of justice.

A few affected investors and I are standing behind Mr Yap’s open call for resolution and invitation to gather at Speakers’ Corner. In the spirit of American’s 1st amendment, we will gather at Hong Lim Park and make our demands heard. Demands that the US be held culpable for its fair share in this debacle.

Mr President, Although you did not preside over this debacle, the current injustice is within your reach to fix.

Yours Sincerely,
Anthony Lee

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Lehman Bonds' victims must use Obama this week to make demands

Minibond & other Lehman victims should Demand Obama to RePAY during APEC
Yes! I am calling on the minibond victims & other victims to get organized and protest at Speakers Corner where you can conduct demonstration lawfully. :-) Demand Obama to Repay You, yes with US tax payers' funds and not SGP tax payers funds.

I had disagreed to have Singaporean tax payers fund or SGP public funds or SGP Banks' funds to be scooped out to repay you. This is unfair for Singaporean public interest and not their fault at all. It is bank & MAS & Minister of Finance's fault (*** Loong Son).

Your money was sucked to the USA by Wall Street Scum Lehmen Bros. The USA should be made responsible to compensate you. You should list US secretary of finance & Obama as defendant if you want to file class action lawsuit - my suggestion.

When Obama found that your angers are against him, then he will check with famiLEE LEEgime officially to find out that you had been treated so unfairly. :-)

You have to push Obama because he can kick the famiLEE LEEgime for you, if there is a person that can do it for you, it would be Obama, not that I need to flatter him at all. That's the basic strategy I am offering you, you have a chance this week to exploit Obama.

Do it within the next few days!

KengHo Yap
http://uncleyap-news.blogspot.com/20...use-obama.html

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08 November 2009

Dear Yap Keng Ho

REGISTRATION FOR USAGE/ACTIVITY AT SPEAKERS’ CORNER

BOOKING ID: DM-08112009-2

DATE: 08/11/2009 to 20/11/2009

EVENT TYPE: Demonstration

Your application has been successfully registered.

We seek your kind cooperation in helping to keep Hong Lim Park litter-free.

Please print this page as proof of your registration and bring it on the day of your activity.

Yours sincerely,
National Parks Board

---
Source: http://forums.asiaone.com/showthread.php?t=24192

APEC DEMONSTRATION, 8 to 20 Nov 09

2009-11-09T18:44:00.005+08:00

Details: For APEC-related demonstrations
Organiser: Yap Kheng Ho
Details: TBA
Source: Sammyboy.com/showthread.php?t=42570

Come Make A Pink Dot, 16 May 09

2009-04-22T16:14:00.003+08:00

Organiser: Pink Dot SG
Date: 16 May 2009
What to wear: Pink (Caps, hats, glasses, sunglasses and accessories are recommended)

What to bring: Anyone who supports the freedom of LGBT Singaporeans to love

What to expect: Pink balloons will be given to early birds; the human pink dot will be formed by around 5 pm and a photograph will be taken from a vantage point nearby.

To pledge you attendence, please click here

For updates, please join Pink Dot Sg on Facebook

For queries, please email pinkdotsg@yahoo.com

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Source: http://pinkdot.sg/

When Sharks die, the oceans die, 18th April

2009-04-13T10:03:00.002+08:00

When Sharks die, the oceans die, 18th April
Venue: Hong Lim Park (Speakers' Corner) map
Time: Saturday, 2pm – 5pm

Why should you care that over one million sharks were killed last year alone for the sake of shark fin soup? Because this is not just about sharks.

When sharks die, the oceans die.

Latest research shows that when sharks are removed from the ecosystem, the entire marine food chain starts to collapse, and takes with it the food resources on which large populations of humans depend.

It all happens under the surface and out of sight, so we never get to see it. But now we can.

A ‘first-of-its-kind' ACRES Event.

Join ACRES for a revealing display of the devastating domino effect caused by the disappearance of sharks.

This event to launch ACRES' campaign against shark fin soup will be held at Hong Lim Park (Speaker's Corner) on 18 April 2009 from 2pm to 4pm .

It is a unique opportunity for animal lovers to show their support for the thousands of creatures threatened by the soup.

Why you need to be there.

If you have ever eaten shark fin, please come and discover why the practice is so destructive.

If you love nature and the earth, please come learn about this catastrophe under the sea.

Even if you couldn't care less about sharks or nature, please come find out how this will change your life. Because like it or not, all of us are eventually going to pay the price for Asia 's ravenous indulgence in this soup.

Source: http://www.acres.org.sg/events.htm

[New Event] NSP Public Forum

2009-01-21T11:06:00.003+08:00

The National Solidarity Party cordially invites you and your news team to attand our first major political outreach of the year.

TOPICS: NSP's impression of the 2009 Budget & Suggestions for the improvement of political space in Singapore. Note That food and drink will be provided.

For more detail feel free to contact us at 8382 3961 or email us at nsp-cec@yahoogroups.com for more detail.

Source: http://www.nsp.sg/events.php
==============================================
The Speakers include its president, Mr Sebastian Teo, and former NCMP Steve Chia.

The event begins at 6.30pm and is scheduled to end at 8.30PM this Friday (23 Jan) at Hong Lim Park.

The list of speakers is as follows:

Sebastian Teo
Steve Chia Kiah Hong
Yip Yew Weng
Bernard Chen
Elvin Ong
Ng E Jay
Seelan s/o Palay

Source: http://theonlinecitizen.com/archives/5205
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[New Event] Hong Lim Park Countdown

2008-12-26T11:05:00.002+08:00

Democracy Dogs anf Freedom Fries
Monday, 22 December 2008
Singapore Democrats

Fancy chowing down some Democracy Dogs with Freedom Fries on the side? And how about washing it all down with Justice Juice? That's exactly what is going to be served during the Hong Lim Park Countdown on New Year's Even at Speakers' Corner.

Starting at 6 pm we'll get a BBQ going to get the hotdogs ready for everyone on a first-come-first-served basis. Tickets? What tickets? All you need is an empty stomach and a ready voice for the sing-along after the grub.

We've also lined up a couple of speakers to honour the memory of the late J B Jeyaretnam as well as to talk about what lies ahead for Singapore in 2009. We're also inviting you to help us construct a candlelight display to signal our desire for a free Singapore. And while you're doing this why not post a message on our Wishes for 2009 board?

Come midnight, we'll be passing out glowing light-sticks while we sing and usher in the New Year. Bring along your torchlights and add to the atmosphere.In addition, Dr Chee Soon Juan's latest book A Nation Cheated and other publications will be on sale. Tak Boleh Tahan and democracy t-shirts will also be available.

So instead of going to some hotel and blowing a hole in your wallet on celebrations, why not join us at Hong Lim Park for a meaningful evening. It will be a time of reflection of the past and rejuvenation of our will for the future.

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Source: http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/1637-democracy-dogs-and-freedom-fries

[Event Update] Tan Kin Lian's Address to the Nation, 6 Dec 08

2008-12-05T10:37:00.004+08:00

Social Justice and Fairness: First-World Country in the 21st Century

Event: The Online Citizen’s 2nd anniversary celebration plus celebration of the United Nations’ 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

TOC’s focus will be on the poor and needy.

Title of Event: “Social Justice and Fairness: First-World Country in the 21st Century”.
Date: 6 December, 2008
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Venue: Speakers’ Corner, Hong Lim Park (Clark Quay MRT station, Exit A).

Who:
- 5 TOC members will be making speeches
- Group of volunteers collecting signatures of support for Mr Tan Kin Lian to contest the elections
- Members of U60 to give their support to the event
- Tan Kin Lian to update minibonds/structured products investors on the latest

What:
- TOC will give out namecards to its members as a form of acknowledgement for their contribution. A simple gesture.
- U60 leaflets will be given out
- U60 to provide banners for the event
- Promotional leaflets for Mr Leong Sze Hian’s latest book, “Issues That Matter – Uniquely Singapore: F1 or F9?”

Speeches:

Choo Zheng Xi will provide updates on TOC’s two years of existence
Leong Sze Hian will speak on HDB policies and how they are affecting the poor
Ravi Philemon on “distributive justice” and our education policy
Andrew Loh on Public Assistance and why the Government should do more and update on town councils’ replies to investments.
Tan Kin Lian on egalitarianism and why our elected leaders should represent the people.

Source: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2008/12/programme-for-speakers%e2%80%99-corner-event-tomorrow-%e2%80%93-saturday/

[New Event] Tan Kin Lian's Address to the Nation, 6 Dec 08

2008-12-04T10:44:00.002+08:00

Speaker's Corner 6 December, 5 - 7 pm

Social Justice and Fairness
First World Country in the 21st Century
How are our poor faring?

Speeches: Tan Kin Lian
1. Our society should be more egalitarian2, Elected leaders should represent the people

Leong Sze Hian:
1. HDB – how the poor are faring and affected by HDB policies

Ravi Philemon:
1. Distributive justice; especially about how our education system does not equip people to be self-reliant, but to be workers.

Others:
1. Tan Kin Lian – Update on investors' situation (if any)
2. Andrew Loh – Update on town councils' replies to residents' query

[New Event] PEACE VIGIL FOR SRI LANKA, 15 Nov

2008-11-11T17:57:00.004+08:00

PEACE VIGIL FOR SRI LANKA

Speakers Corner (Clarke Quay MRT Exit A)
Saturday, 15 November 2008
5pm - 7pm

The civil war in Sri Lanka is one of the world's deadliest ongoing armed conflicts, causing significant harm to the civilian population, environment and severe damage to the economy of the country. Now 25 years running, it has claimed at least 215,000 lives and displaced more than 1.5 million people.

The possibility of a lasting peace was raised when a cease-fire agreement was signed with international mediation in 2002. However on January 2, 2008 the Government of Sri Lanka formally announced unilateral withdrawal from the ceasefire agreement and since then, the conflict escalated to critical levels in recent months. Donor countries such as the United States, Canada, Norway and Japan have expressed deep regrets on this decision by the Sri Lankan government.

On September 9, 2008, the Government of Sri Lanka ordered all local and international aid agencies to leave the northern areas of conflict and take their equipment with them. UN agencies and international relief organisations including Oxfam, Save The Children and the Danish Refugee Council that have been delivering food and medical aid to nearly 200,000 refugees in the affected region have started to pull out.

History has demonstrated that such wars can never be won. The international community must take decisive steps to pressure the Government of Sri Lanka to abandon the path of militarism and opt for a negotiated political settlement. Our prompt intervention will avert the loss of many more precious lives.

Join us at Speakers Corner this Saturday, Nov 15 to light a candle and show your support for peace in Sri Lanka.

http://worldwithoutwar.sg
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http://singaporeindianvoice.blogspot.com/2008/11/press-release-peace-vigil-for-sri-lanka.html
Organiser: Seelan Palay

[New Event] High Notes Investor Meeting, 18 Oct

2008-10-15T10:37:00.003+08:00

Taken from: http://tankinlian.blogspot.com/2008/10/meeting-of-high-notes-investors.html

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Organisers have decided to call off the meeting at DBS headquarters tomorrow (Wednesday).

They are arranging a meeting at Speaker's corner on Saturday from 5 - 7 p.m.

Investor of the High Notes will be asked to sign a Collective Letter to DBS Senior Management requesting a meeting to address:

1) To review the Statement of Account for each of the High Notes as to the total amount collected, the amount paid out as commission, the premium collected from the list Credit reference list and the Credit Debt Obligations and the expenses incurred.

2) To discuss how DBS propose to remedy our investments.

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[Event Update] Gay Pride Parade, TBC

2008-10-13T20:14:00.003+08:00

Originally scheduled for 15 Nov 2008.

Date of event to be re-confirmed closer to the date.

p.s. Thanks Roy

[New Event] Tan Kin Lian Weekly Speeches at Speakers' Corner

2008-10-13T20:09:00.003+08:00

Taken from: http://tankinlian.blogspot.com/2008/10/weekly-speeches-at-speakers-corner.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weekly Speeches at Speaker's Corner
I have registered to speak at Speaker's Corner, Hong Lim Green as follows:

Date: Sat 18 Oct, 6 to 7 pm
Date: Sat 25 Oct, 6 to 7 pm
Date: Sat 1 Nov, 6 to 7 pm
Date: Sat 8 Nov, 6 to 7 pm

My speech will be short, for about 10 mins.

After hearing my speech, the investors can gather in groups (according to distributor, product or postal district) to exchange views and discuss collective action.
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p.s. Thanks Andrew for the heads up!

[Event Update] Petition to Singapore Government on Credit Linked Securities, 11 Oct

2008-10-08T12:18:00.001+08:00

Taken from : http://tankinlian.blogspot.com/2008/09/speakers-corner-saturday-11-october-5-7.html

Speaker's Corner, Saturday 11 October, 5 - 7 pm
CONFIRMED:Venue: Speaker's Corner, Hong Lim Green

Date: Saturday 11 October from 5 to 7 pm.

Topic: Petition to Singapore Government on Credit Linked Securities.

Speakers:
1. Tan Kin Lian
2. Leong Sze Hian

As a large crowed is expected, it may not be possible for some investors to hear the speakers. The authority allow a loud hailer to be used, but not a powered loudspeaker. I will keep my speech short and give a handout to people who are not able to hear me.

Signs will be put up for the attendees to meet other investors who have invested in similar products, e.g. Minibond, High Notes, Pinnacle Notes, Jubilee Notes. The main purpose of this event is to show a large gathering of investors.

[New Event] The Big Hong Lim Show, 5 Oct 08

2008-10-02T19:13:00.000+08:00

Event: The Big Hong Lim Show

Organisers - Clarence Chua, Kiezin Teng & Choo Zheng Xi (Facebook group admins of "Stand Up for Media Freedom on Campus")

Contact: kiezin@gmail.com

Agenda: A group of NTU students and alumni will be protesting against NTU’s recent censorship of a campus newspaper article

They will make a series of speeches mainly to:

1. Raise awareness on this issue for both the public and the university population

2. Talk about the experience of having a neutral news article cut for fear of its subject

3. State their values and stand on press freedom

4. What they have done thus far regarding this issue, and what they hope to see regarding higher levels of freedom of information in the future

5. Highlight how this incident has undermined the very education that the University hopes to provide to students

6. Engage university or school professors if possible

Sources: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2008/10/ntu-students-to-hold-stand-up-for-media-freedom-event-at-speakers-corner/
http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=39594160711

[New Event] In Memoriam: JB Jeyaretnam, 4 Oct 08

2008-10-02T19:10:00.000+08:00

Event: In Memoriam: JB Jeyaretnam

Agenda: In Memory of JB Jeyaretnam

Organisers: Melvin Tan & Jacob George

Details: Bring flowers & candles. Wear black. No speeches

Sources: http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=37798650773
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2008/10/remembrance/

31 registrations at Speakers' Corner

2008-10-02T03:29:00.002+08:00

If anyone has information on any of theses 31 registered events, please email me so that I can add them to the calender.

The attached report highlights that the demographic for attendees at speakers' corner events largely do not use the internet and get their information form the Mainstream media or through word-of-mouth.

Times are changing and I'm sure everyone is well aware of the benefits of using the Internet to spread information.

I hope this platform can help cross some of these informational divides. If successful, I will explore other means to keep interested parties informed of event changes in schedule.

_________________________________________________
31 registrations at Speakers' Corner one month after relaxed rules
01 October 2008 1746 hrs
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/379598/1/.html
SINGAPORE: It has been one month since rules were relaxed to allow public outdoor demonstrations at the Speakers' Corner and it seems the site, which is Singapore's version of London's Hyde Park, is seeing a little more activity.

Singapore's National Parks Board which took over the management of the Speakers' Corner from the Police said it received 31 registrations in September - of which 11 were indicated as public protests.

This is a far cry from the seven or so registrations received each month, over the past three years.

One group, called Hearers of Cries made history in Singapore on September 1. They were the first to hold a legal public outdoor demonstration here. Despite a brief appearance to raise awareness on the plight of abused maids, the group did manage to gain some exposure for its cause.

Some critics may want to see civil and political space in Singapore open up beyond the Speakers' Corner.

But this group said it's really up to Singaporeans to make Speaker's Corner a success.

Mike Goh, founder, Hearers of Cries, said: "We can complain that nobody goes there but if you really want to make it work, you can send an e-mail to inform your friends, relatives to lend support to go there or even advertise."

Observers said the new rules have given netizens a face.

Gillian Koh, senior research fellow, Institute of Policy Studies, said: “Now you can actually mobilise to make sure that there's an audience and that's what's different. Previously if you mobilised, it would be viewed as an illegal demonstration. Clearly the online activists are trying to see how they can make a real world impact.”

Speaking on the topic of Singapore's public transport system, bloggers of The Online Citizen - a socio-political website, attracted what could perhaps be one of the biggest crowds seen at the Speakers' Corner in recent years.

The website's editor Choo Zheng Xi said : "I think it's important for The Online Citizen not to barricade ourselves behind an online platform, but bring our discussions offline once in a while.

“Many of those we interacted with at the Speakers' Corner were passers-by or people who had heard of our event through the mainstream media or word of mouth, who actually don't use the internet. It's a different demographic out there."

“So perhaps the key is in Singaporeans taking full advantage of the liberalised rules.”

Before demonstrating, Singaporeans must register at the National Park's website at http://www.nparks.gov.sg/.

And those who've done so said it was a breeze and they might even make a re-appearance at the site. Now the true measure of success for this space is how it will impact the lives of singaporeans.

Observers said this should be a space where people can voice issues and educate fellow Singaporeans to make some real-world impact. - CNA/vm

Lets go to the park!

2008-09-29T12:40:00.000+08:00

In his 2008 National Day Rally speech, PM Lee announced new rules governing the space for political engagement and activism in the country. Part of these changes includes the opening of the Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park for Protests from 1 Sep 2008.

For Singapore citizens, there is no longer a need to apply for a police permit as the administration of Hong Lim Park is now under NParks.

According to the NParks website, Singapore permanent residents can also take part in a demonstration at Speakers' Corner and are required to apply for a police permit only if they want to organise a demonstration themselves or to speak at the Corner. Foreigners however will have to apply for a permit to conduct or take part in any activity at the Corner.

Whether you regard this as political generosity or tokenism, every channel of expression (political, artistic … etc) has the potential to garner attention to issues and change public mindsets and perceptions.

As such, every attempt at utilising these channels, no matter how trivial or grand, deserves some attention. Hence this blog was created to serve as a shared calendar of events at Hong Lim Park.

If you are planning an event or know of an event at Speakers’ Corner, please let me know so I can update it on the calendar.

I can be contacted at: letsgotospeakerscorner@gmail.com