Local Protest for Myanmar Nationals for Work Permit renewal
To make a stand in expressing ones view is a human right, it cannot and should not be quelled by any social or political agenda; period. It's even more basic than education and access to shelter. What kind of society do we live in, when to express one's malcontent is subjected as a criminal act?
This to me is distressing enough, however when i compare the below situation to the violence some police use to stop peaceful activism, i can't seem to find the words to express my absolute disgust.
What have we come to?
What needs to be done?
When?
Your choice.
For, one i hope this inspires you in someway to speak up for the dis empowered. Below is the Straits Time report on local activist protesting unfair treatment of fallow nationalist
2 arrested for protest
 |  | The two activists stood outside the Ministry of Manpower's building in the city's business district for about an hour before they were handcuffed by police without showing any resistance. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM |
Seelan Palay and Chong Kai Xiong stood outside the Ministry of Manpower's building in the city's business district for about an hour before they were handcuffed by police without showing any resistance.
They wore red T-shirts and held a banner that read 'Stop ill-treatment of Burmese activists'.
The protest was in support of two Myanmar nationals, Moe Kyaw Thu and Win Kyaw, whose work permits have not been renewed by Singapore, effectively forcing them to leave, Palay said.
He said the two men were among 40 Myanmar nationals who took part in a protest against their country's ruling junta during a summit of Southeast Asian leaders hosted by Singapore in November 2007.
'We can't just stand by as Singaporeans, as personal friends, and watch them being expelled one by one,' he said.
Moe Kyaw Thu told AFP that he was required to leave Singapore by January 27. Win Kyaw could not be contacted for comment on Monday.
The Ministry of Home Affairs did not immediately reply to emailed queries from AFP on the case of the Myanmar nationals. A few others who took part in the same protest in 2007 have also had their work permit renewals turned down.
Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng in September defended the government's decision not to renew the visas of some Myanmar nationals working or studying in the city-state, saying they were 'undesirable' people.
Singapore has eased rules governing protests in a designated public park but it remains illegal elsewhere to hold a public gathering of five or more people without a police permit.
Singapore is home to an estimated 30,000 Myanmar nationals, many of them drawn by jobs as labourers that pay far above what they could earn in their poverty-stricken homeland. -- AFP.
Activist Knowledge
With Obama days away from taking office, Gaza still in turmoil and the economy crumbling with all governing bodies using masking tape to hold as much together as possible, we are at the start of the 2009. Almost at it's 2nd week, what have we achieved so far as aspiring Pathways?
Deepening Knowledge for sure, but with a sense of autonomy, do we meld what we know into a daily ritual, a disciplined routine? For me, a resounding, Almost. The traveling and holiday mood has disrupted my musing schedule for change, but has not stopped me from opening up my world and eyes to the different Activist Cultures, America had to offer.
I met up with a good friend over there in Seattle. She is pursuing her Master's in Non-Profit Leadership and Management in University of Washington. I know, incredible they offer that over there. I asked,"why not do it in Singapore or at least in South East Asia?" Her response was filled subtle disappointment, "there is non there, Dennet. Doing it in Seattle, allows me to work with world class Philanthropic Organizations and Foundations. The dream being Bill & Malinda Gates Foundation."
I went WOW. I remember thinking to myself, why not have the same or at least similar opportunities here in Singapore and the local region? Is it not fundamental that we get proficient expert talent to educate us the finer points of, Volunteer Leadership, Funding drives and public relations that leave the all in contact breathless and emotionally connected to the initiative concerned?
With all, i have learned from her about the profile and creatively industrious minds behind social activism, i proceeded to venture out on my own and do some case studies... (i am compiling my learning and materials into a slide show.)
I stumbled into a rustic bookstore near Pioneer Square in Seattle. I wish i had the brains to take more photos of the place, all that i took was a single picture of the most interesting section of books they had. (most interesting in my own humble opinion)
The Activist Section!!! Oh my god.... they had their very own section in the store... Two large bookshelves dedicated to improving Activist knowledge. I was astounded, flabbergasted. I have seen the future of Pathway and it's purpose to fuel EnoughTalk. The dream of starting my very own Scholastic and Creative Center for Activist and the general public seemed more real, and much more achievable from that moment on.....
So my plan is not only to live the activist life, but to enrich this region will all knowledge and opportunity to make a difference in this region. But Rome wasn't built in a day, and i will start laying bricks. The first of which is this post.
I urge you guys to start burning the flame bigger and brighter. BE the light unto darkness, we can and we will.
Love
D
