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ARDA calls on Singapore to respect freedoms

The Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia is dismayed that the former prime ministers of Singapore Goh Chok Tong and Lee Kuan Yew have bankrupted yet another opposition leader, Chee Soon Juan.

ARDA deplores the use of defamation suits by governments against politicians and activists as a way of silencing dissenting views. As a bankrupt, Dr. Chee Soon Juan is unable to contest in the upcoming elections.

Messrs Goh, Lee and other ruling-party leaders have successfully used the defamation laws in Singapore to ensure that the government’s authoritarian rule remains unchallenged.

The government’s repressive laws have severely stifled the civil and political space in Singapore. The Alliance also notes with alarm that Cambodia’s Hun Sen seems to be modeling their anti-democratic stance after Singapore. The democratization process in the city-state cannot move forward if the government and its leaders continue to resort to such autocratic measures to cripple its opponents.

Singapore is reputed to have one of the freest economies in the world, but yet is one of the most tightly controlled societies in Asia.

ARDA calls on the Singapore Government to respect the freedom of expression and assembly of its citizens. The Alliance will continue to support and help democrats in Singapore and the region in demanding for the authorities to respect and uphold democratic principles and freedoms.

Dr. Oyun Sanjaasuren
Vice Chair
ARDA