On Otto, part 2

The mainstream press was a little slow to respond to the Otto Fong story. And when they did, they each took quite different positions. Full essay.

On Otto, part 1

Otto Fong, a science teacher at premier school Raffles Institution, writes an open letter on his blog saying he's gay. At once, the school and the Ministry of Education swing into damage control mode. But what damage? Full essay.

Fun with FOI

Living in this political cocoon that is Singapore, not many people have heard of a concept called a Freedom of Information Act. Here are three examples of citizens in other countries attempting to use it to effect, not that they always succeed. Full essay.

Rock, jazz and songbirds silenced

Singapore's cityscape is one of the most changeable in the world. We demolish and rebuild all the time. Sometimes protests are made when historical buildings are demolished, but more often, small things that don't seem that important, or are part of our everyday lives are lost too. Full essay.

"It's a matter of time," says Lee Kuan Yew

In the latest interview with the International Herald Tribune, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew brings up the subject of homosexuality once again. Meanwhile a pastor fulminates against gay people. Full essay.

Towards a human rights mechanism

There have been sketchy reports about Asean setting up a human rights commission. Will Singaporeans benefit from it? How can we ensure that? Full essay.

Why would anyone rescue Singapore?

Lee Kuan Yew said our armed forces can withstand an attack for 2 - 3 weeks, but not a siege. Our survival depends on "an international environment which says that borders are sacrosanct and there is the rule of law." Meaning: we hope a powerful country would rescue us. Full essay.