Voice of Humanity: Events in Myanmar and its Manifestations in SG: Part 2

"Are we too busy shuffling our heads back to work, pretending that such atrocities are not being committed?"

It appears so. To the general public in SG, maybe, it seems. Most of us are content to reading about world news, and let them resolve by themselves, devil may care. Bochap and back to work.

Some do it ever so efficiently.

It has come to my attention that Singapore's Police are rather adept at that.

Nevermind that Burmese in Singapore feel duty-bound to express their heartfelt disgust for the actions of the Junta, and render their support for fellow countrymen, who are dying by the days. The efficient Police Force have tried and are trying to stop people from heading toward the Myanmar embassy at St Martin Rd, largely by intimidation and threats to investigate upon them and demanding their NRIC for reference.

Supporters just want to voice their views and support via a silent protest to THEIR government. It has nothing to do with the government of Singapore or disturbance of peace. Supporters didn't only include Burmese, which the police have largely succeeded in preventing their entry through relentless intimidation. There were Indians, Bruneians, Malaysians and some Singaporeans, though as expected, few.

The only reason why the silent protest and the petition has taken place, is ironically, because of the Singapore Democratic Party, championed by Dr Chee Soon Juan.

I'm not a supporter of the touted democratic party and have largely been politically neutral (or apathetic, as most Singaporeans are). But I would that they have hit the right string on this issue, extending their aid and views toward the largely Burmese community and sentiment.
Ironic. But true.

Why are we made to FEAR our expression of compassion? Why do the police threaten with blunt, rude choice of words to the public that wishes to offer their views on a foreign issue and support by entering St Martin Rd to sign a petition?

I understand that the police have gone to the extent of video-camming each and everyone who has entered the compounds for security intelligence in case of "incidents". But isn't the painstaking efforts, by a FEW videocammers, on emotionally distraught, disheartened Burmese right into their faces a tad bit RUDE and intrusive?

As I walked out of the compounds, I saw the look on the police officers' faces. Some of them stared at us with the "Wait till you get it, you fools" contemptuous look as I walked out.

We know you're the boss, the ones with the baton.
In that case, I think we're the only ones with heart which you, I'm sad to say, don't have.

I'm Singaporean.
I am ashamed and I felt like leaving most of the time when I was there. And for most moments, I had nothing to say to the Burmese companions about the situation, merely offering my silent voice. And I hope the over-zealous law enforcers preserve some shame too.

The only probable reason why they didn't start arresting people would be: how would it make Singapore look like if it spilled to international attention? That would be the question their top levels have yet to find an answer to, and which is why the silent protest still goes unto its third day today.

Until the authorities know what to do with the sensitive issue, which has wiggled out through the compassionate voice of Burmese which is deserving of expression because EVERYWHERE in the world is doing so, Singapore has to follow in suit - in compromise of its "illegal assembly" iron-fist law, or rick losing face.

And through that, authorities have every right to threaten ensuing investigations and follow up. All because we preserve compassion and humanity.

I thought it would be more logical to allow people with such heartfelt pains to express them, than to keep them inside, till they pile up and take DRASTIC actions. In which case, the targets will not be anyone local. The SDP would obviously try to ride on this wave and succeed in winning popularity with a foreigner community, but to my understanding, the Burmese sentiments are non-political to the SG government. I therefore, don't think they warrant threats and intimidations.