![](https://i.imgur.com/CLvY2jA.png")
10 hours ago
The pro-Palestine activists posted their side of the story regarding the incident at Minister Shanmugam's Meet-the-People Session
Here is the link to the Google Document with their account of what happened that night:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zmOI...it?tab=t.0
Summary of "The Parts He Left Out"
This document is a personal account from individuals who attempted to meet Minister K. Shanmugam at his Meet-the-People Session (MPS) to discuss concerns about the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). It describes their experiences and criticisms of how the meeting was handled.
Core Points:
1. Purpose of the Visit:
The individuals went to the MPS to express concerns about how POFMA is being used, particularly against activists.
They acknowledged they were not residents of the constituency but were willing to wait their turn.
2. Encounter with Shanmugam:
Initially, they were told he could not see non-residents, but they insisted that other MPs do engage non-residents on broader issues.
When he did meet them, they felt they were treated with hostility—surrounded by security personnel and volunteers who recorded them, making them feel intimidated.
3. Issues Raised During the Discussion:
They argued that POFMA is being used to stifle free speech and is disproportionately enforced.
They questioned why certain entities (e.g., the Israeli embassy, CNA) were not issued POFMA orders despite spreading what they viewed as misleading information.
Shanmugam asserted that POFMA is fair and does not stifle free speech, claiming people can fight POFMA without legal assistance.
4. Conflict and Aftermath:
Tensions escalated, leading to the individuals expressing frustration, including calling Shanmugam a "coward."
They claim the Minister and his team used recording tactics to intimidate them while prohibiting them from recording the interaction.
A CNA reporter appeared to take photos of them without their consent, adding to their sense of being targeted.
5. Conclusion:
The authors feel vilified and harassed following the event, believing their concerns were dismissed and misrepresented.
They criticize what they see as a disproportionate response to their activism and express disappointment in how political engagement is handled in Singapore.
Key Themes:
Freedom of Speech & POFMA Enforcement
Intimidation & Power Imbalance in Political Engagement
Double Standards in Political Discussions
Frustration with Lack of Transparency and Accountability
Here is the link to the Google Document with their account of what happened that night:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zmOI...it?tab=t.0
Summary of "The Parts He Left Out"
This document is a personal account from individuals who attempted to meet Minister K. Shanmugam at his Meet-the-People Session (MPS) to discuss concerns about the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). It describes their experiences and criticisms of how the meeting was handled.
Core Points:
1. Purpose of the Visit:
The individuals went to the MPS to express concerns about how POFMA is being used, particularly against activists.
They acknowledged they were not residents of the constituency but were willing to wait their turn.
2. Encounter with Shanmugam:
Initially, they were told he could not see non-residents, but they insisted that other MPs do engage non-residents on broader issues.
When he did meet them, they felt they were treated with hostility—surrounded by security personnel and volunteers who recorded them, making them feel intimidated.
3. Issues Raised During the Discussion:
They argued that POFMA is being used to stifle free speech and is disproportionately enforced.
They questioned why certain entities (e.g., the Israeli embassy, CNA) were not issued POFMA orders despite spreading what they viewed as misleading information.
Shanmugam asserted that POFMA is fair and does not stifle free speech, claiming people can fight POFMA without legal assistance.
4. Conflict and Aftermath:
Tensions escalated, leading to the individuals expressing frustration, including calling Shanmugam a "coward."
They claim the Minister and his team used recording tactics to intimidate them while prohibiting them from recording the interaction.
A CNA reporter appeared to take photos of them without their consent, adding to their sense of being targeted.
5. Conclusion:
The authors feel vilified and harassed following the event, believing their concerns were dismissed and misrepresented.
They criticize what they see as a disproportionate response to their activism and express disappointment in how political engagement is handled in Singapore.
Key Themes:
Freedom of Speech & POFMA Enforcement
Intimidation & Power Imbalance in Political Engagement
Double Standards in Political Discussions
Frustration with Lack of Transparency and Accountability
