Freedom to know
| AN OUTSIDERS VIEW |
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| Ken Fuller |
Aecent events in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia give the distinct impression that commitment to freedom of assembly, expression and association, and to even the most banal norms of liberal democracy, are less firmly entrenched in the region than its leaders might claim.
In Singapore, British author Alan Shadrake (knowing neither him nor his writings, I have no interest to declare) was deported following five weeks in prison. His “crime” was contempt of court, having published a book critical of the city-state’s policy on executions.
In Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra’s Puea Thai Party inflicted heavy defeat upon the Democrats. The former enjoys the support of the rural and urban poor, while the latter represents the interests of the well-heeled sections of society.
Rather than accepting their defeat with good grace, the Democrats have asked the Electoral Commission to dissolve Shinawatra’s party on the grounds that “banned” politicians were involved in its successful campaign. Should this move be successful, it will be the third time that a Shinawatra party has been dissolved..... MORE
Source: The Daily Tribune
URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110719com4.html
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