WFDA Statements

The World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) notes with alarm the escalating judicial persecution of one of our Steering Committee members, Dr. Chee Soon Juan of Singapore. In particular, we are gravely concerned at the new criminal charges laid against him, for which his trial begins tomorrow, 16 March.

The case began as a result of Dr. Chee's public criticism of Singapore's strongman Lee Kuan Yew and then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, political speech that would have been protected in any democratic state. After a summary procedure in which he was not allowed to retain counsel, he was assessed punitive damages of US$300,000. As a result, he was declared bankrupt by the High Court on 10 February, depriving him of certain civil rights, notably the right to stand for office. This is evidently the purpose of the entire exercise, to silence his voice and remove his ability to lead the opposition Singapore Democratic Party. Moreover, his state of bankruptcy has created limits on his right to travel abroad, which has already interfered with important regional networking activities, such as the first meeting of the Community of Democracies Non-governmental Process International Steering Committee (held last week in Mali), of which he is one of the members representing Asia.

At the bankruptcy hearing, Dr. Chee read a public statement of protest at the fact that he has not been able to receive a fair trial, citing the pattern of such cases against numerous opposition figures. This further exercise of the right to free speech has now resulted in new criminal charges of contempt of court being filed against him by the attorney-general on 24 February, and his first hearing is scheduled for 16 March. Since there is no maximum penalty stipulated for contempt of court, Dr. Chee faces a clear threat of imprisonment.

We call on the judiciary of Singapore to live up to its proper mission to uphold the rule of law by protecting the basic human rights of all Singaporean citizens, including the right to free speech and participation in public affairs. In particular, it should immediately cease this politically-motivated persecution of Dr. Chee and restore all his civil rights, including the right to stand for office and the unfettered right to international travel.