Yushui Village in Lijiang, Yunnan, with snow mountain backdrop and cascading waterfalls.
6/04/2012
Vellama Marie Muthu versus the Attorney General
The hearing in court on the interpretation of the Constitution on by election could prove to be another highlight on the local changing political landscape. It was a case that needed not be, but after the challenge by the Attorney General against a court’s interpretation of the Act, it is now a case to be watched. The judiciary system, judicial justice and the political system will now be put under the spot light.
It was quite puzzling why the AG would want to stop the court from giving a ruling on a matter of law, on what the Constitution really meant on the expediency to hold a by election. I thought a clear and unmistakable court ruling on this piece of law will be good for everyone, a removal of an ambiguity and more transparency.
Now this case has taken a life of its own and many issues will be put out to air. The PM is now being summoned by the court under Justice Philip Pillai to make an appearance to explain the advice given to him by the AG. Not only the Sinkies will be watching this case with renewed interests, the world will also be watching this development, and the court’s ruling eagerly waited as a measure of the country’s standing and its claim to the rule of law. It has become a test case for democracy, transparency and rule of law.
A more interesting headline will be ‘Cleaner versus the Prime Minister.’
好戏还在后头 versus big wet blanket ? .... Move along , nothing to see here ... Ah gong is watching
ReplyDeleteNo case anymore lah. Election done and over with. PM Lee drama a bit, but finally got election lah. PAP out lah.
ReplyDeleteBut good publicity for Singapore and its rule of law that even the people down the socio-economic ladder have a voice, and the constitutional right to be represented.
Very easy for the PAp to leverage this case into a "win win" for all, and come out looking like a good, strong party qualified to govern Singapore.
This is how I'd do it:
Let the case go to court, with glee. The govt-press can use this: "See how transparent, fair and just we are in Singapore. Even our PM, Lee Kuan Yew's son, can be called into court to answer the constitutional questions raised by a humble cleaner". See how independent our judiciary is and how they flawlessly uphold the constitution".
Then after the drama has died down, introduce a constitutional amendment or a statute law. Reason: too many elections are expensive. The law will therefore be related to the cost and expense, and thus the strain on the PUBLIC PURSE. A responsible government tries to prevent "unnecessary spending."
Mark my words. Matilah will be right again ;-)
Got Law?
P.S. But this is the way for the average citizen to do it. IMO every citizen has the duty to be vigilant and where possible FORCE THE GOVERNMENT to abide by the constitution.
ReplyDeleteAs I have said before: the way to change is through the courts.
I applaud Ms Muthu and Mr Ravi, and all the supporters for their efforts.
Next case I'd like to see: All new citizens must serve NS :-)
Hear ! Hear ! 👍
ReplyDeleteRegistration for NS
ReplyDeleteUnder the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents are liable for National Service (NS). Upon reaching the age of 16 ½ years, all male Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (including those whose Singapore citizenship is a second citizenship), have to register for NS.
This requirement applies also to male children who are granted PR status under their parents’ sponsorship. Source
Fuck them. Take the matter to court.
They not only started on the wrong foot, the AGC shot its own foot, the PM stuck a foot into his mouth, and now hoping to drag the whole judiciary into the mud.
ReplyDeleteMaybe, it is just me wondering why there is such a FUNNY CASE.
ReplyDeleteHAD THE JUDICIARY FULFILLS IT'S DUTY TO IMPARTIALLY AND CLEARLY DEFINE THE MATTER WITH REGARD BY-ELECTION AND ENFORCES IT, there is NO NEED for any citizen to ask for it. AND THERE IS ALSO NO CASE FOR IT EXCEPT TO HAVE THE ONE THAT FLOUTS AND ACTED AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION.
What a shame to have a cleaner to get the JUDICIARY to work!
patriot
Till today, still wondering what the fxxk must the AG try to stop the court for an interpretation. It is just a clarification of a law.
ReplyDeleteI think the AG had wrongly advised the PM on this issue and not ended with an issue.
Whatever the case, you guys are speculating about "he said, she said". The toothpaste is out of the tube already -- you can't put it back.
ReplyDeleteI make the point that it is the duty of courageous citizens to hold the govt's feet to the constitutional fire. ALL GOVERNMENTS in every cuntree will try to by-pass the constitution for "expediency". That, is a given...because absolute power is ALWAYS at some time or other wielded UNLAWFULLY.
You are dealing with human beings here, folks: imperfect, easily corruptible and irrational. And they have absolute power...
Got vigilance?
Redbean,
ReplyDeleteAs to why AG is so anxious to keep his master happy and secure is because allowing lesser mortals to question the master open the pandora's box to teardown the unfair advantage of PAP party that is oppo to constitution law for gerrymandering. That will be the next on the menu to abolish gerrymandering.
How about a greedy old man who gobble so many area in his GRC but yet unable to serve them ?
I see no upside for the Pretend Action Party.
ReplyDeleteOnly downside.
How such a "talented" party can be so clueless to the pending public relations disaster is beyond me.
Wonder if I should worry about the safety of my CPF money in the hands of such talents?
The Dog Whisperer (Caesar Milan) is in Singapore!!
ReplyDeleteTo give expert advice to our leaders on how to manage the difficult "dogs" in Hougang?
Ag gave wrong advice to govt?
ReplyDeleteIs that the reason why the AG is being changed?
Looks like someone got fixed without knowing and when his guards were down.
ReplyDelete