Two events held at Hong Lim Park at same time on Saturday
By
27 Sep 2014 22:06
One was the YMCA Proms @the Park, which received approval to hold their event on Sep 9, according to NParks and the police. The other event, a protest rally against the CPF scheme, had its permit approved on Sep 22.
SINGAPORE: Hong Lim Park saw two events held at the same time today, resulting in some unsavoury scenes.
A group protesting against the CPF scheme were seen marching round a YMCA carnival at the Park. They held placards and shouted slogans, frightening those at the carnival and disrupting performances, including those by special needs children.
The YMCA said it had received approval for its event in April. A joint statement from the National Parks Board (NParks) and the police said the application to use the Park was first received from YMCA and approval was given to YMCA on Sep 9. Meanwhile the application from the anti-CPF protest organiser Han Hui Hui, who is also a blogger, was received on Sep 22. It was approved on the same day.
The YMCA event was attended by the elderly and disabled, with performances by children. The general secretary of YMCA Singapore, Mr Lo Chee Wen, said the YMCA Proms @ the Park is an annual event held at public parks in Singapore. Last year, it was held at the Botanic Gardens. The event aims to promote corporate social responsibility by matching organisations with voluntary welfare organisations.
Participants of the protest rally ended up marching around the YMCA event at least four times. The protestors also got close to Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, who attended the YMCA event. Mr Teo gamely greeted them and shook hands with some, despite having vulgarities hurled at him by the CPF protestors.
In a joint statement, the police and National Parks Board said:
"Speaker’s Corner in Hong Lim Park is designated by the Government as an area for public speaking and demonstrations. Application to use the park was first received from YMCA and approval to use the park was given to YMCA on Sep 9. Ms Han’s application was received on Sep 22 and approval was granted to Ms Han on the same day.
In anticipation of the crowd this afternoon, NParks demarcated and allocated space for both events. There are two lawns at Hong Lim Park, and each event was allocated a lawn. NParks and SPF approached Ms Han to request her cooperation to speak at the allocated space.
We regret to note that Ms Han did not heed our advice and continued to hold her event at the same lawn as YMCA. Ms Han’s group encroached into the YMCA event area, holding placards and shouting slogans, disrupted performances and frightened participants, including special needs children who were performing at the charity event. The Police will be conducting investigations into this incident."
In response to media queries, the Ministry of National Development said: "Multiple events have been held on the same date at Hong Lim Park previously. For example, Pink Dot 2013, anti-haze speech and protest against LTA cross island MRT Line events happened on Jun 29 2013."
Special needs children heckled as Hong Lim Park rallygoers disrupt charity carnival
Published on Sep 27, 2014 11:20 PM
Blogger Han Hui Hui (with loudspeaker)
and blogger Roy Ngerng (carrying state flag) with supporters at a
protest rally on Sept 27, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI
A protest rally on Saturday turned chaotic as it jostled for
space with a charity carnival at Hong Lim Park, with protesters heckling
special needs children and confronting a Minister of State.
Police will be conducting investigations into the incident, they said in a joint statement with the National Parks Board (NParks).
The rally's organiser, blogger Han Hui Hui, 22, had led the group gathered to hear her speak about the CPF in marching around the park, together with blogger Roy Ngerng, 33, who is facing a defamation suit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The march began after Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck arrived at the event for YMCA beneficiaries, attended by 900 people.
The marchers, several of whom waved Singapore flags, paused in front of the stage, chanting and continued chanting "Vote them out, PAP" and "Return our CPF" just as a group of special needs children was about to start a dance item. The visibily shocked performers from the group Y Stars stopped briefly. Videos of the encounter uploaded on social media drew swift criticism from netizens.
Several protestors also went up to Mr Teo, with one shouting: "Teo Ser Luck, Return our CPF."
"They have their views, which they want to share, and which they voiced out in a different way," Mr Teo told reporters later.
"Of course, we hope that things could be done in a more friendly manner," he added.
In their statement, NParks and the police said the YMCA had earlier applied and got approval to use the park. Ms Han's application was received on Sept 22 and approval was granted the same day.
NParks demarcated and allocated space for both events. "There are two lawns at Hong Lim Park, and each event was allocated a lawn. NParks and SPF approached Ms Han to request her cooperation to speak at the allocated space," the statement said. "We regret to note that Ms Han did not heed our advice and continued to hold her event at the same lawn as YMCA.
"Ms Han's group encroached into the YMCA event area, holding placards and shouting slogans, disrupted performances and frightened participants, including special needs children who were performing at the charity event."
Ms Han told reporters: "We actually planned not to do anything physical to them. We just wanted to spread our message across."
But Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said of the episode in a Facebook post: "I am appalled. We now heckle special needs children? Vile. Total and absolute disgrace."
Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said on Facebook: "One may hold different viewpoints and try to seek attention to one's cause. But to do so with no regard or respect to the elderly and special needs children present is most unbecoming.
"To cause alarm and distress to special needs children, and disrupting their routine cannot be right no matter how righteous you think your own cause may be. This cannot be the type of behaviour that represents Singaporeans."
Police will be conducting investigations into the incident, they said in a joint statement with the National Parks Board (NParks).
The rally's organiser, blogger Han Hui Hui, 22, had led the group gathered to hear her speak about the CPF in marching around the park, together with blogger Roy Ngerng, 33, who is facing a defamation suit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The march began after Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck arrived at the event for YMCA beneficiaries, attended by 900 people.
The marchers, several of whom waved Singapore flags, paused in front of the stage, chanting and continued chanting "Vote them out, PAP" and "Return our CPF" just as a group of special needs children was about to start a dance item. The visibily shocked performers from the group Y Stars stopped briefly. Videos of the encounter uploaded on social media drew swift criticism from netizens.
Several protestors also went up to Mr Teo, with one shouting: "Teo Ser Luck, Return our CPF."
"They have their views, which they want to share, and which they voiced out in a different way," Mr Teo told reporters later.
"Of course, we hope that things could be done in a more friendly manner," he added.
In their statement, NParks and the police said the YMCA had earlier applied and got approval to use the park. Ms Han's application was received on Sept 22 and approval was granted the same day.
NParks demarcated and allocated space for both events. "There are two lawns at Hong Lim Park, and each event was allocated a lawn. NParks and SPF approached Ms Han to request her cooperation to speak at the allocated space," the statement said. "We regret to note that Ms Han did not heed our advice and continued to hold her event at the same lawn as YMCA.
"Ms Han's group encroached into the YMCA event area, holding placards and shouting slogans, disrupted performances and frightened participants, including special needs children who were performing at the charity event."
Ms Han told reporters: "We actually planned not to do anything physical to them. We just wanted to spread our message across."
But Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said of the episode in a Facebook post: "I am appalled. We now heckle special needs children? Vile. Total and absolute disgrace."
Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said on Facebook: "One may hold different viewpoints and try to seek attention to one's cause. But to do so with no regard or respect to the elderly and special needs children present is most unbecoming.
"To cause alarm and distress to special needs children, and disrupting their routine cannot be right no matter how righteous you think your own cause may be. This cannot be the type of behaviour that represents Singaporeans."
--------
Sep 27, 2014
Special needs children heckled as Hong Lim Park rallygoers disrupt charity carnival
By Walter Sim
A protest rally on Saturday turned chaotic as it jostled for space with a charity carnival at Hong Lim Park, with protesters heckling special needs children and confronting a Minister of State.
Police will be conducting investigations into the incident, they said in a joint statement with the National Parks Board (NParks).
The rally's organiser, blogger Han Hui Hui, 22, had led the group gathered to hear her speak about the CPF in marching around the park, together with blogger Roy Ngerng, 33, who is facing a defamation suit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The march began after Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck arrived at the event for YMCA beneficiaries, attended by 900 people.
The marchers, several of whom waved Singapore flags, paused in front of the stage, chanting and continued chanting "Vote them out, PAP" and "Return our CPF" just as a group of special needs children was about to start a dance item. The visibily shocked performers from the group Y Stars stopped briefly. Videos of the encounter uploaded on social media drew swift criticism from netizens.
Several protestors also went up to Mr Teo, with one shouting: "Teo Ser Luck, Return our CPF."
"They have their views, which they want to share, and which they voiced out in a different way," Mr Teo told reporters later.
"Of course, we hope that things could be done in a more friendly manner," he added.
In their statement, NParks and the police said the YMCA had earlier applied and got approval to use the park. Ms Han's application was received on Sept 22 and approval was granted the same day.
NParks demarcated and allocated space for both events. "There are two lawns at Hong Lim Park, and each event was allocated a lawn. NParks and SPF approached Ms Han to request her cooperation to speak at the allocated space," the statement said. "We regret to note that Ms Han did not heed our advice and continued to hold her event at the same lawn as YMCA.
"Ms Han's group encroached into the YMCA event area, holding placards and shouting slogans, disrupted performances and frightened participants, including special needs children who were performing at the charity event."
Ms Han told reporters: "We actually planned not to do anything physical to them. We just wanted to spread our message across."
But Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said of the episode in a Facebook post: "I am appalled. We now heckle special needs children? Vile. Total and absolute disgrace."
Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said on Facebook: "One may hold different viewpoints and try to seek attention to one's cause. But to do so with no regard or respect to the elderly and special needs children present is most unbecoming.
"To cause alarm and distress to special needs children, and disrupting their routine cannot be right no matter how righteous you think your own cause may be. This cannot be the type of behaviour that represents Singaporeans."
Special needs children heckled as Hong Lim Park rallygoers disrupt charity carnival
Published on Sep 27, 2014 11:20 PM
Blogger Han Hui Hui (with loudspeaker)
and blogger Roy Ngerng (carrying state flag) with supporters at a
protest rally on Sept 27, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI
A protest rally on Saturday turned chaotic as it jostled for
space with a charity carnival at Hong Lim Park, with protesters heckling
special needs children and confronting a Minister of State.
Police will be conducting investigations into the incident, they said in a joint statement with the National Parks Board (NParks).
The rally's organiser, blogger Han Hui Hui, 22, had led the group gathered to hear her speak about the CPF in marching around the park, together with blogger Roy Ngerng, 33, who is facing a defamation suit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The march began after Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck arrived at the event for YMCA beneficiaries, attended by 900 people.
The marchers, several of whom waved Singapore flags, paused in front of the stage, chanting and continued chanting "Vote them out, PAP" and "Return our CPF" just as a group of special needs children was about to start a dance item. The visibily shocked performers from the group Y Stars stopped briefly. Videos of the encounter uploaded on social media drew swift criticism from netizens.
Several protestors also went up to Mr Teo, with one shouting: "Teo Ser Luck, Return our CPF."
"They have their views, which they want to share, and which they voiced out in a different way," Mr Teo told reporters later.
"Of course, we hope that things could be done in a more friendly manner," he added.
In their statement, NParks and the police said the YMCA had earlier applied and got approval to use the park. Ms Han's application was received on Sept 22 and approval was granted the same day.
NParks demarcated and allocated space for both events. "There are two lawns at Hong Lim Park, and each event was allocated a lawn. NParks and SPF approached Ms Han to request her cooperation to speak at the allocated space," the statement said. "We regret to note that Ms Han did not heed our advice and continued to hold her event at the same lawn as YMCA.
"Ms Han's group encroached into the YMCA event area, holding placards and shouting slogans, disrupted performances and frightened participants, including special needs children who were performing at the charity event."
Ms Han told reporters: "We actually planned not to do anything physical to them. We just wanted to spread our message across."
But Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said of the episode in a Facebook post: "I am appalled. We now heckle special needs children? Vile. Total and absolute disgrace."
Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said on Facebook: "One may hold different viewpoints and try to seek attention to one's cause. But to do so with no regard or respect to the elderly and special needs children present is most unbecoming.
"To cause alarm and distress to special needs children, and disrupting their routine cannot be right no matter how righteous you think your own cause may be. This cannot be the type of behaviour that represents Singaporeans."
Police will be conducting investigations into the incident, they said in a joint statement with the National Parks Board (NParks).
The rally's organiser, blogger Han Hui Hui, 22, had led the group gathered to hear her speak about the CPF in marching around the park, together with blogger Roy Ngerng, 33, who is facing a defamation suit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The march began after Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck arrived at the event for YMCA beneficiaries, attended by 900 people.
The marchers, several of whom waved Singapore flags, paused in front of the stage, chanting and continued chanting "Vote them out, PAP" and "Return our CPF" just as a group of special needs children was about to start a dance item. The visibily shocked performers from the group Y Stars stopped briefly. Videos of the encounter uploaded on social media drew swift criticism from netizens.
Several protestors also went up to Mr Teo, with one shouting: "Teo Ser Luck, Return our CPF."
"They have their views, which they want to share, and which they voiced out in a different way," Mr Teo told reporters later.
"Of course, we hope that things could be done in a more friendly manner," he added.
In their statement, NParks and the police said the YMCA had earlier applied and got approval to use the park. Ms Han's application was received on Sept 22 and approval was granted the same day.
NParks demarcated and allocated space for both events. "There are two lawns at Hong Lim Park, and each event was allocated a lawn. NParks and SPF approached Ms Han to request her cooperation to speak at the allocated space," the statement said. "We regret to note that Ms Han did not heed our advice and continued to hold her event at the same lawn as YMCA.
"Ms Han's group encroached into the YMCA event area, holding placards and shouting slogans, disrupted performances and frightened participants, including special needs children who were performing at the charity event."
Ms Han told reporters: "We actually planned not to do anything physical to them. We just wanted to spread our message across."
But Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said of the episode in a Facebook post: "I am appalled. We now heckle special needs children? Vile. Total and absolute disgrace."
Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said on Facebook: "One may hold different viewpoints and try to seek attention to one's cause. But to do so with no regard or respect to the elderly and special needs children present is most unbecoming.
"To cause alarm and distress to special needs children, and disrupting their routine cannot be right no matter how righteous you think your own cause may be. This cannot be the type of behaviour that represents Singaporeans."
Special needs children heckled as Hong Lim Park rallygoers disrupt charity carnival
Published on Sep 27, 2014 11:20 PM
Blogger Han Hui Hui (with loudspeaker)
and blogger Roy Ngerng (carrying state flag) with supporters at a
protest rally on Sept 27, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI
A protest rally on Saturday turned chaotic as it jostled for
space with a charity carnival at Hong Lim Park, with protesters heckling
special needs children and confronting a Minister of State.
Police will be conducting investigations into the incident, they said in a joint statement with the National Parks Board (NParks).
The rally's organiser, blogger Han Hui Hui, 22, had led the group gathered to hear her speak about the CPF in marching around the park, together with blogger Roy Ngerng, 33, who is facing a defamation suit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The march began after Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck arrived at the event for YMCA beneficiaries, attended by 900 people.
The marchers, several of whom waved Singapore flags, paused in front of the stage, chanting and continued chanting "Vote them out, PAP" and "Return our CPF" just as a group of special needs children was about to start a dance item. The visibily shocked performers from the group Y Stars stopped briefly. Videos of the encounter uploaded on social media drew swift criticism from netizens.
Several protestors also went up to Mr Teo, with one shouting: "Teo Ser Luck, Return our CPF."
"They have their views, which they want to share, and which they voiced out in a different way," Mr Teo told reporters later.
"Of course, we hope that things could be done in a more friendly manner," he added.
In their statement, NParks and the police said the YMCA had earlier applied and got approval to use the park. Ms Han's application was received on Sept 22 and approval was granted the same day.
NParks demarcated and allocated space for both events. "There are two lawns at Hong Lim Park, and each event was allocated a lawn. NParks and SPF approached Ms Han to request her cooperation to speak at the allocated space," the statement said. "We regret to note that Ms Han did not heed our advice and continued to hold her event at the same lawn as YMCA.
"Ms Han's group encroached into the YMCA event area, holding placards and shouting slogans, disrupted performances and frightened participants, including special needs children who were performing at the charity event."
Ms Han told reporters: "We actually planned not to do anything physical to them. We just wanted to spread our message across."
But Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said of the episode in a Facebook post: "I am appalled. We now heckle special needs children? Vile. Total and absolute disgrace."
Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said on Facebook: "One may hold different viewpoints and try to seek attention to one's cause. But to do so with no regard or respect to the elderly and special needs children present is most unbecoming.
"To cause alarm and distress to special needs children, and disrupting their routine cannot be right no matter how righteous you think your own cause may be. This cannot be the type of behaviour that represents Singaporeans."
Police will be conducting investigations into the incident, they said in a joint statement with the National Parks Board (NParks).
The rally's organiser, blogger Han Hui Hui, 22, had led the group gathered to hear her speak about the CPF in marching around the park, together with blogger Roy Ngerng, 33, who is facing a defamation suit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The march began after Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck arrived at the event for YMCA beneficiaries, attended by 900 people.
The marchers, several of whom waved Singapore flags, paused in front of the stage, chanting and continued chanting "Vote them out, PAP" and "Return our CPF" just as a group of special needs children was about to start a dance item. The visibily shocked performers from the group Y Stars stopped briefly. Videos of the encounter uploaded on social media drew swift criticism from netizens.
Several protestors also went up to Mr Teo, with one shouting: "Teo Ser Luck, Return our CPF."
"They have their views, which they want to share, and which they voiced out in a different way," Mr Teo told reporters later.
"Of course, we hope that things could be done in a more friendly manner," he added.
In their statement, NParks and the police said the YMCA had earlier applied and got approval to use the park. Ms Han's application was received on Sept 22 and approval was granted the same day.
NParks demarcated and allocated space for both events. "There are two lawns at Hong Lim Park, and each event was allocated a lawn. NParks and SPF approached Ms Han to request her cooperation to speak at the allocated space," the statement said. "We regret to note that Ms Han did not heed our advice and continued to hold her event at the same lawn as YMCA.
"Ms Han's group encroached into the YMCA event area, holding placards and shouting slogans, disrupted performances and frightened participants, including special needs children who were performing at the charity event."
Ms Han told reporters: "We actually planned not to do anything physical to them. We just wanted to spread our message across."
But Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said of the episode in a Facebook post: "I am appalled. We now heckle special needs children? Vile. Total and absolute disgrace."
Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said on Facebook: "One may hold different viewpoints and try to seek attention to one's cause. But to do so with no regard or respect to the elderly and special needs children present is most unbecoming.
"To cause alarm and distress to special needs children, and disrupting their routine cannot be right no matter how righteous you think your own cause may be. This cannot be the type of behaviour that represents Singaporeans."
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