Siew Kum Hong is not reappointed as NMP

July 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Breaking News 

SEE ALSO: NMP Results Are Out by Mr Siew Kum Hong, 06 July 2009

Excerpts From: We-Are-Aware.sg, 07 July 2009

Siew Kum Hong is not only a friend of AWARE but has emerged as a key spokesperson representing the ideals of many who stood up on May 2nd. It is with great disappointment that we recently learned he would not be reappointed for a second term as Nominated Member of Parliament.

There is, of course, much speculation that his failure to be reappointed was because of his involvement in AWARE. The more extreme conspiracy theorists have mused whether his ensuing popularity – bordering on hero worship (some went so far as to call him “Singapore’s Obama”) — made him a threat to the usual power structures.

There is no doubt that in the aftermath of AWARE, Siew Kum Hong was mercilessly attacked by the astroturfers for his role as advisor to the Old Guard – a role he has repeatedly emphasised is something he did in his personal capacity.

Of course even without being involved in the AWARE Saga, Kum Hong was already in the cross hairs of Christian Fundamentalists over his stance on section 377A of the Penal Code regarding homosexual anal sex. He has argued eloquently in parliament for its repeal and even though he was gracious in defeat pundits continued to state — nonsensically — that the very suggestion the law should be changed was an act of treason.

This was not his only issue – he has spoken in favour of a number of reforms. But it is the one that most captured the public’s imagination in recent months, after AWARE was accused of having a “Gay Agenda.”

Well what’s done is done and just as we wish the newcomers well, we are now eagerly looking forward to seeing how Kum Hong will continue to contribute to civil society.

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Comments

2 Comments on Siew Kum Hong is not reappointed as NMP

  1. Francis Chua (SIN) on Wed, 8th Jul 2009 6:09 pm

    2. The popular perception is what Mr Siew Kum Hong has done wrong not to be appointed for a 2nd term as NMP. I think the main reason is to give as many newcomers as possible a chance to participate in the parliamentary proceedings as NMPs, given the famed logical thinking processes of the Parliamentary committees where I think prejudice and bias are least likely to have taken root. Metta (With loving-kindness).

  2. Francis Chua (SIN) on Wed, 8th Jul 2009 8:06 pm

    3. In addition, I think NMPs who are ordinary Singaporeans with no outstanding achievements are needed to reflect views on the ground, that of the ordinary Singaporeans. Afterall, the Parliament is not a place solely for those with outstanding achievements, but a place for Singaporeans from all walks of life.

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