Ng Teck Siong Press Conference, 10 Apr 10

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/

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

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

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

When Sharks die, the oceans die, 18th April

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taken from: http://tankinlian.blogspot.com/2008/10/weekly-speeches-at-speakers-corner.html
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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!

Lets go to the park!

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