Topic: Remembering Said Zahari – Exploring His Journalistic, Literary, and Political Contributions

Speakers:
Dr Azhar Ibrahim, Deputy Head of the Department of Malay Studies at NUS, focusing on religion, society, social control, and sensory studies.
Fadli Fawzi, a lawyer with a range of interests spanning religion, history, politics, and law.

Date: Friday, 4th May 2018
Time: 7.30 to 10.00 p.m.
Venue: The Agora, 28 Sin Ming Lane #03-142 Midview City, Singapore 573972

About the Session:
In April, we commemorate the 2nd anniversary of Said Zahari’s passing. Join us as we delve into his remarkable life and multifaceted contributions. Said Zahari, affectionately known as Pak Said, was a mentor, comrade, friend, and kindred soul to many. He was unjustly imprisoned for 17 years without trial starting in 1963 due to his unwavering commitment to freedom and democracy. Despite his hardships, Pak Said remained vibrant and full of life, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him. This session aims to explore his impact and legacy through his journalistic, literary, and political endeavors.

Excerpt from “Remembering Said Zahari – Patriot and Freedom Fighter”:
“To many of us, Pak Said Zahari was a mentor, a comrade, a friend, a kindred soul. He was locked away for 17 years without trial from 1963 for his belief in freedom and democracy. But Said, as he is lovingly known to many of his friends from all walks of life, young and old, never lost his zest for living. Ever smiling, earnest in thought and words, this giant of a man will always remain in our hearts.”

Join us as we pay tribute to a remarkable individual who has left an enduring impact on our society.

Topic: Operation Coldstore in the Context of the Cold War
Speaker: Dr P J Thum
Date: Friday, 23rd February 2018
Time: 7.30 to 9.30 p.m.
Venue: The Agora, 28 Sin Ming Lane #03-142 Midview City, Singapore 573972

About the Session: Operation Coldstore is often perceived as a local event driven by domestic factors, involving power struggles between anti-colonial factions. However, this operation occurred within the broader context of the Cold War and global power rivalries, which significantly influenced Singapore’s political landscape. In this presentation, PJ Thum explores the international dimensions of Singapore’s anti-colonial movement and the background leading up to Operation Coldstore. He delves into perspectives from the colonial powers, local collaborators, and the anti-colonial left.

About the Speaker: Dr. Pingtjin (PJ) Thum is a Research Fellow in History and the coordinator of Project Southeast Asia at the University of Oxford. His research centers on decolonisation’s enduring impact on governance and politics in Southeast Asia. His recent work includes “The Malayan Vision of Lim Chin Siong: unity, non-violence, and popular sovereignty” published in Inter-Asia Cultural Studies. PJ is also the creator of the podcast “The History of Singapore” (www.thehistoryofsingapore.com) and serves as the Managing Director of New Naratif (www.newnaratif.com), a member-supported platform for research, journalism, art, and community engagement across Southeast Asia.

Topic: Forgotten Victims of the Death Railway
Speaker: Professor Emeritus David Boggett
Date: Saturday, 24 September 2016
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: The AGORA, 28 Sin Ming Lane #03-142 Midview City, Singapore 573972

Synopsis: The haunting legacy of the World War II Death Railway, often known from the film “Bridge over the River Kwai,” primarily focuses on the captured Allied soldiers’ ordeal. Yet, an underrepresented truth lies in the Asian victims who have faded into the shadows. Beyond the Western narratives that romanticize the railway’s notoriety as a “killing field” for Allied prisoners of war (POWs), a larger number of Asian civilians were conscripted to work on the Siam-Burma Death Railway. Their plight, arguably even graver than that of the Allied prisoners, has been overshadowed and underestimated in historical discourse.

While post-war Allied estimates suggested around 270,000 Asians were coerced into working on the Railway, closer examination of available documentation raises concerns about its accuracy. The actual figures may have exceeded 500,000, with mortality rates ranging between 25% and 50%.

About the Speaker: Professor David Boggett holds the title of Professor Emeritus at Kyoto Seika University in Japan, where he dedicated over 30 years to teaching Japanese and Asian history. He enriched his students’ understanding through field trips to Kanchanaburi, a focal point of the Death Railway’s tourism. His contribution includes around ten scholarly papers that shed light on the plight of Asian workers on the railway.

Join us for a compelling exploration as Professor David Boggett unravels the forgotten stories of the Asian victims entwined in the tragic narrative of the Death Railway. With his expertise and insights, he will broaden our understanding of this historical chapter, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of this wartime tragedy.

Topic: ISA Detentions and Restrictions: From “Communists” to “Terrorists”

Speakers:

• M Ravi
• Dr James Gomez
• Teo Soh Lung
  

Moderator: Kirsten Han
Date: Saturday, 10 September 2016
Time: 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Location: The AGORA, 28 Sin Ming Lane #03-142 Midview City, Singapore 573972

Description:
Join us for a thought-provoking session as we delve into the changing landscape of ISA detentions and restrictions, exploring its transformation from targeting “Communists” to dealing with “Terrorists.” Changing Worlds #18 aims to foster a comprehensive discussion on the effectiveness, legality, and implications of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the context of combating extremism.

Distinguished speakers will guide us through an exploration of three pivotal areas:

• The ongoing debate surrounding the potential abolition of the ISA
• The constitutional dimensions of excluding ISA detentions from judicial review
• An in-depth examination of recent ISA detentions related to terrorism activities

This engaging forum will address key questions, including:

• What are the arguments for and against the continued use of the ISA?
• Should the ISA be abolished?
• Is it constitutionally justifiable to exclude ISA cases from judicial review?
• How does the ISA’s evolution reflect on Freedom of Religion and Belief, and Freedom of Expression?
• How has the application of the ISA evolved over time?
• To what extent is the ISA an effective tool for countering terrorism? What insights do recent detentions provide?

Our esteemed speakers bring diverse perspectives to the discussion:

M Ravi, a prominent human rights lawyer, has championed causes challenging the mandatory death penalty, advocating for freedom of assembly, expression, and LGBT rights.

Dr James Gomez, an academic and political commentator, has been a staunch advocate for civil and political liberties in Singapore. He brings valuable insights from his involvement with political NGOs and electoral politics.

Teo Soh Lung, a founding member of Function 8, is dedicated to facilitating the sharing of social, political, and economic experiences through her work.

Kirsten Han, a seasoned freelance journalist and writer, will serve as the moderator, guiding the conversation with her expertise.

Join us for an illuminating discussion that traverses the historical context, legal dimensions, and societal implications of ISA detentions, contributing to a deeper understanding of this critical issue. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a dynamic Q&A segment, enriching the dialogue with diverse perspectives and thoughtful inquiries.

Topic: Protecting Our Judiciary and Free Speech On the Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill

Speakers:

• Peter Cuthbert Low
• Sui Yi Siong

Date: Saturday, 30 July 2016
Time: 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Venue Sponsor:
Location: Wee Kim Wee Centre, Singapore Management University
University Lounge, Level 6 Administration Building
81 Victoria Street, Singapore 188065

Description:
Join us for an enlightening session as we delve into the critical topic of safeguarding the integrity of our judiciary and upholding the principles of free speech. This edition of Changing Worlds will focus on the intricacies surrounding the Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill and its implications on legal discourse and public expression.

We are honored to present two distinguished speakers who will share their insights and expertise on this matter:

Peter Cuthbert Low, the founder of Peter Low LLC, boasts an illustrious career with a background that spans State Counsel and Deputy Public Prosecutor roles before transitioning to private practice. Having served as the President of the Law Society of Singapore, Peter is recognized both locally and globally as a champion of human rights and a resolute advocate for public interest litigation. His commitment to upholding justice through litigation has a storied history dating back to the 1980s.

Sui Yi Siong, a rising Legal Associate at Harry Elias Partnership LLP, has been actively contributing his legal insights through various articles focusing on sub judice contempt of court. His fresh perspective and dedication to legal discourse bring valuable insights to the table.

We invite you to engage with our speakers as they navigate the complexities of the Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill and its multifaceted impact on our judicial system and the broader realm of free expression. The session promises a robust discussion on preserving the sanctity of our judiciary while ensuring the vitality of open dialogue and public discourse. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the Q&A segment, enriching the dialogue with diverse perspectives and thoughtful inquiries.

Topic: Cause Lawyering, Mdm Vellama, and By-Elections

Guest of Honour: Mdm Vellama d/o Marie Muthu

Speakers:

• Professor Kevin Y L Tan (Moderator)
• M Ravi
• Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss

Date: Saturday, 21 May 2016
Time: 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Venue: AGORA, Block 28 Sin Ming Lane, #03-142 Midview City, Singapore 573972

Description:
Join us for an insightful session as we delve into the compelling narrative of Mdm Vellama d/o Marie Muthu, a courageous individual who stood up against the tide to challenge a significant political decision. With the discussion framed by the theme of “Cause Lawyering, Mdm Vellama, and By-Elections,” we will uncover the legal significance of Mdm Vellama’s case and explore the broader concepts of cause lawyering and its essential role in our society.

In 2012, a crucial political incident led to the vacancy of the parliamentary seat for Hougang SMC. What followed was a display of remarkable determination by Mdm Vellama, who took her challenge to the High Court, sparking a journey that brought about significant changes in Singapore’s political landscape. Through her actions, she paved the way for the revival of by-elections, which had been absent for two decades.

Our distinguished speakers will unravel this fascinating tale:

• Mdm Vellama will recount her journey and the courage that propelled her to stand up against adversity.
• Professor Kevin Y L Tan, a renowned expert in constitutional law, will expound on the legal implications and significance of Mdm Vellama’s case.
• M Ravi, a prominent human rights lawyer, who passionately advocated for Mdm Vellama in her legal pursuit, will provide valuable insights into the broader realm of cause lawyering and its pivotal role in shaping our society.

Be part of this engaging dialogue as we explore the driving forces behind change, the impact of individual courage, and the importance of cause lawyering in shaping our nation’s path forward. The speakers will graciously engage with questions from the audience, making this an enriching and interactive session.