"Malaysia PM Mahathir invited to speak at democracy conference by political activists
Five Singaporeans met Dr Mahathir Mohamad, including former student union leader Tan Wah Piow and historian Thum Ping Tjin.
Malaysian activist, Hishammuddin Rais, who was present and is also part of Tan’s organisation - Forces for the Renewal of Southeast Asia.
Dr Mahathir led the Pakatan Harapan coalition to victory for the first time in Malaysia’s history in May, defeating his former alliance, Barisan Nasional.
He was asked to give the keynote address at the yet-to-be-named conference but the 93-year-old returning PM’s attendance depends on his availability, his office said.
“As far as I’m concerned, the most important things that Tun Mahathir brought about through his victory is this positiveness and aspiration for a freer society,” Tan told media outside Dr Mahathir’s office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya.
"Personally, I am very grateful for this open, democratic space that Tun Mahathir’s government has opened and it’s a beacon for many who are struggling for democracy. Not just in Singapore but in other parts of Southeast Asia.”
Thum added that he had “urged (Dr Mahathir) to take the lead in lobbying for the promotion of democracy and freedom of expression and inquiry in Southeast Asia” during the meeting.
“I felt Malaysia is in a unique opportunity to really be a beacon of democracy in the region,” he said.
When asked what he thought the Singapore government’s reaction to the meeting would be, Tan replied: “I think they will be very concerned, not because I met with Dr Mahathir, but the fact that the prime minister is prepared to share his views about democracy and to enhance the development of democracy in the region.
“And that Malaysia is now shining this beacon which is probably stealing the limelight from Singapore. I think that’s what worries them. Singapore is becoming (an) outdated, archaic society with its dominant party controls.”"
I m not sure what to make of this initiative. Obviously i m encouraged by the fact that some "old" folks r still fighting for their long held belief that being a bit more open n accepting of diverse views in Sgp is a good thing.
Will asking Dr M to speak abt development of democracy necessarily means the initiative is targeting Sgp n in particular the ruling PAP? I m not so sure as PAP n its leadership r not corrupt or as thoroughly corrupted as Najib m his colleagues.
Anyway, this speech, if it happened, will b outside Sgp n the message is for Asean n wider audiences.
Most ordinary citizens n voters will probably just ask: Can the Gov provide me with law m order, promote racial n religious harmony, productive education, affordable housing n healthcare, n jobs so that i can seek "happiness" that is not strictly measured by material things!!
If the Gov can do that, vote u in.
If not, can someone else fill the void? If not, what to do?? Just stick with the devil u know n hope for the best!!
Five Singaporeans met Dr Mahathir Mohamad, including former student union leader Tan Wah Piow and historian Thum Ping Tjin.
Malaysian activist, Hishammuddin Rais, who was present and is also part of Tan’s organisation - Forces for the Renewal of Southeast Asia.
Dr Mahathir led the Pakatan Harapan coalition to victory for the first time in Malaysia’s history in May, defeating his former alliance, Barisan Nasional.
He was asked to give the keynote address at the yet-to-be-named conference but the 93-year-old returning PM’s attendance depends on his availability, his office said.
“As far as I’m concerned, the most important things that Tun Mahathir brought about through his victory is this positiveness and aspiration for a freer society,” Tan told media outside Dr Mahathir’s office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya.
"Personally, I am very grateful for this open, democratic space that Tun Mahathir’s government has opened and it’s a beacon for many who are struggling for democracy. Not just in Singapore but in other parts of Southeast Asia.”
Thum added that he had “urged (Dr Mahathir) to take the lead in lobbying for the promotion of democracy and freedom of expression and inquiry in Southeast Asia” during the meeting.
“I felt Malaysia is in a unique opportunity to really be a beacon of democracy in the region,” he said.
When asked what he thought the Singapore government’s reaction to the meeting would be, Tan replied: “I think they will be very concerned, not because I met with Dr Mahathir, but the fact that the prime minister is prepared to share his views about democracy and to enhance the development of democracy in the region.
“And that Malaysia is now shining this beacon which is probably stealing the limelight from Singapore. I think that’s what worries them. Singapore is becoming (an) outdated, archaic society with its dominant party controls.”"
I m not sure what to make of this initiative. Obviously i m encouraged by the fact that some "old" folks r still fighting for their long held belief that being a bit more open n accepting of diverse views in Sgp is a good thing.
Will asking Dr M to speak abt development of democracy necessarily means the initiative is targeting Sgp n in particular the ruling PAP? I m not so sure as PAP n its leadership r not corrupt or as thoroughly corrupted as Najib m his colleagues.
Anyway, this speech, if it happened, will b outside Sgp n the message is for Asean n wider audiences.
Most ordinary citizens n voters will probably just ask: Can the Gov provide me with law m order, promote racial n religious harmony, productive education, affordable housing n healthcare, n jobs so that i can seek "happiness" that is not strictly measured by material things!!
If the Gov can do that, vote u in.
If not, can someone else fill the void? If not, what to do?? Just stick with the devil u know n hope for the best!!
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