QOTW8: Excuse me, are u a Democrat?

The blog that I have chosen is J B Jeyaretnam’s Blog (http://blog.jbjeya.org/ ). It was managed by both Uncle Yap and J B Jeyaratnam. Jeyaretnam was an ex politician and once held many honorable titles and occupations in Singapore. The first blog entry was in September 21, 2005.

The blog consist mostly of press statements or retorts to press statements that were published in the newspapers. Comments that were made by JBJ are usually of those opposing the current government in Singapore. He has selectively chosen certain press statements and dissected them individually showing his oppression by attacking each loophole in the press releases. The retorts have sometimes not even seemed to appear diplomatic. In any case, it seems almost obvious about his dissatisfaction with the Lee family.

Quote: “THIS IS THE UNIQUELY SINGAPORE DEMOCRACY -A SHAM OF DEMOCRACY” (J B Jeyaretnam)

Apparently, J B Jeyaretnam has repeatedly disrespectfully scrutinized MM Lee’s words. In one instance, he implied that MM Lee said that the younger generation should not be intimidated by him. But, he claims that MM Lee had also once said that he wouldn’t hesitate to use his hatchet on anyone who stands in his way. J B Jeyaretnam’s almost literal depiction of this particular statement has put MM Lee in a bad light. The entries in the blog continue with numerous amounts of retorts to whatever “loopholes” he has discovered in all the various statements made by the government and the Lee family. It is by far evidently clear that he has sheer discontent for the system and its operation. (Jeyaretnam, 2007)

With the introduction of blogs, Netizens are given an alternative outlet to voice out their opinions. The conventional “Speaker’s Corner” option was deemed inefficient and there were many complications before a person could actually hold a speech. Blog’s however, gave people the freedom of voicing their political opinions without much hindrance. (Giam, 2006)

So then, we ask ourselves, to what extent do blogs allow for greater democracy in Singapore? As mentioned, blogs are a convenient avenue for people to voice their opinions. But, the blogs with negative views or responses about the government, would they be held accountable for their opinions? Mrbrown a well known political blogger, was targeted for his controversial letter he wrote to the TODAY newspaper on 30 June. It appears that though his criticisms about the government were made in a relaxed, informal manner, the MICA (Ministry of Information, Communications & the Arts) said that his comments has clearly misrepresented the truth, altering it in a way to make the substantiations for the price increases following the Elections seemingly invalid and uncalled for. MICA claimed that he wouldn’t have received such hostility if he had posted his opinions only in his blog, which they deem have a less and more limited niche audience. But then, who’s to say if he wouldn’t have receive the equal actions taken against him if he were just to publish it in his blog? Also, the numbers for people who read blogs for current events and information, especially from the younger generation, has been ever increasing since the birth of blogs. (Giam, 2006)

Though politicians and Netizens have used blogs to facilitate and propagate their messages, we will never know to what extent of “democracy” is permitted before the government decides to take action against them be it publicly or in a discreet manner.


References:

Giam, G. (2006). Review- The politics of Singapore’s new media in 2006. Retrieved Friday, March 23, 2007 from http://theonlinecitizen.com/2006/12/31/review-the-politics-of-singapores-new-media-in-2006/

Jeyaretnam, J B (2007). Fight on Singaporeans! Down the FamiLee Regime! Retrieved Friday, March 23, 2007 from http://jbjeya.org/blog///index.php?m=200509