The Online Citizen, 28 Apr 2014
Blogger Ravi Philemon has done what the prime minister should have done – to reach out to both sides of the divide in the controversy over the holding of an Independence Day celebratory event at Ngee Ann City on 8 June. [See here: "Dialogue between organisers and protesters of Philippine".]
When the event was first announced by the Pilipino Independence Day Council Singapore (PIDCS), all hell seemed to break loose then. Criticisms came fast and furious, especially online from protesters who felt the Filipinos should not hold their celebrations at such a public venue. These criticisms however were then followed by equally strong reactions from those opposed to the protest itself.
The protesters were soon labelled “trolls”, and those who reportedly and allegedly made threatening phone calls to the organisers were quickly labelled “a disgrace to Singapore” by the Prime Minister himself.
The Acting Manpower Minister preferred to accuse the protesters of “bigotry” and who “peddle hate”. Full story
Related:
Dialogue between organisers and protesters of Philippine Independence Day celebration best way forward - Raviphilemon.net
