Of late, I have been wondering about the greatness of some leaders to remind myself that all is not lost in the brave pursuit for a renewed, revived and reformed Malaysia. With the dearth of genuine leaders of caliber, I was greatly encouraged when someone told me about Dr. Lim Hock Siew, a Singaporean who holds the record of being the second longest serving political prisoner. Yup- you read it right. While many may wax lyrical about Singapore, the untold story is that they have their own version/practice of ISA.
Dr Lim, a founding member of Singapore’s ruling PAP, was incarcerated for 19 years without trial from 1963 to 1982 on “suspicions” of being a “communist”. Singapore’s longest political prisoner is Mr Chia Thye Poh, who spent 32 years behind bars, longer than Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Syi.
When I first watched the following video, I was awestruck by this humble, gentle-looking elderly person - soft spoken and yet radiating a strength from his eyes and not by sheer force of personality. I had to turn up the volume of my speakers and at certain times was miffed by the sound of laughter that drowned the sincere voice of a giant called Dr. Lim.
The video was taken of Dr Lim during the book launch of the “Fajar Generation”, a book relating the history of the University Socialist Club and the politics of post-war Malaya and Singapore.
In the video, Dr Lim first described the ordeals he had been through as a political detainee, including being placed in solitary confinement in the most “hideous” prison in Singapore – the Central Police Station:
“That was a place not fit to keep animals let alone human beings. The place was so dark, so stinky and so ill-ventilated that you cannot stand inside for more than 24 hours but I was locked in there for 24 hours a day and the whole place was infested with bugs. I had a lot of bugs for company, no reading material and the light was so dim that I could hardly see the crease of my hand.”
written by Jit Dharma, November 21, 2009 12:12:14
most people are an amoral vacuum. Racists in particular. They are incapable of revealing
anything but skin-slanted opinions, hence Singapore must be seen in 'conrtext' to be
understood. So, context will provide a better justification for brutality ? .. Please lah!
Why apologise for the powerful? So they can sleep better? So you can feel better?..
Idiots.
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written by ksauyong, November 20, 2009 15:08:32
Singapore goverment does not do so now. They only sue the pants off their opponents, as the Ministers are all smart and educated.
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written by batsman, November 20, 2009 15:06:23
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written by hitam had, November 20, 2009 14:01:23
Et tu Singapore?
Dr. Lim was supposedly arrested for opposing the entry of Singapore into Malaysia and being pro-communist. Detained without trial under the Malaysian ISA; when Singapore was in Malaysia and no resolution even after Singapore was expelled from Malaysia, until 1982.
Ironic and tragic.
Pax.
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written by Vic, November 20, 2009 13:44:28
Timing is of the essence here and one should compare the used of the ISA within that particular period.
Age of the writer here is of concerned too that is why one need to understand that situation deffers.
Lastly lets not get too emotional and personal on this subject which will led to evil feeling. Remember, the is no absolute right and wrong. Having said all these, BN is not only abusing ISA but is LAWLESSNESS to the CORE.
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written by Jit Dharma, November 20, 2009 11:58:02
that the people live in fear. This is what the shining streets and skyscrapers are built on. The
powdered bones and souls of brave men and women. God help us all, they are unrepentant
and their crimes unpunished. And our fearful silence makes us all accomplices to these
crimes. Our easy lives, makes us all cowards and criminals.
Rapists and child molesters don't do 32 years in prison. This is why I always say Lee Kuan
Yew is scum. No two ways about it.
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written by batsman, November 20, 2009 10:41:37
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written by budakindia, November 20, 2009 10:07:45
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written by masterwordsmith, November 20, 2009 08:17:59
According to http://www.hakammalaysia.org/?p=77, the longest serving serving ISA detainee is Loh Ming Liang of Johor who experienced detention without trial for 16 years.
Hakam also reported:
It is widely recognised that the longest-serving detainee under detention without trial was Chia Thye Poh of Singapore. He had been deprived of his personal liberty by the Singapore government for a total period of 32 years. He was detained in the detention camp in Singapore for 23 years, and personal liberty was subsequently restricted for a further period of 9 years on Sentosa Island, making a total of 32 years.
In an interview, Chia Thye Poh revealed that, after his release from detention, he immediately issued a statement condemning the draconian ISA, and advocated the repeal of the ISA.
As a victim of such inhumane legislation, Chia was fully aware that such unjust law had been invoked to trample underfoot human dignity, and to instil fear in the minds of the people. Chia opined that the ISA was the product of former western colonialism. It was resorted to by the powers-that-be to dampen the spirit of the people in the colonies fighting for independence.
I share your view (and hope that as many Malaysians do as well) that the ISA MUST be abolished. Certain leaders have advocated a review of this draconian law which may even have the undesirable opposite effect.
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written by educationist, November 20, 2009 06:16:56
not that it matters, the iSA is a draconian law that should be abolished!!
It has been misused countless times to suppressl egitimate political dissent!!
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for responding from my heart, it's what stops me from becoming a psychopathic
slime ball, and cheap political thug. The subject is Singapore' s and Lee's
abuse of the ISA. I can't help but notice how many comments are qualified with
remarks about UMNO and the Malaysian political situation. What the fack has the
Malaysian political situation got to do with Lee's assoholic tendencies, for Fack's
sake? So hard to say that the slimeball has feet of clay? Chauvinists, fack them!!!!!!