The White Elephant Saga

Categories: Singapore

Today brings the conclusion of the White Elephant saga. No party will be charged instead they will be let off with a stern warning. The culprit was said to have broken "a law requiring people to obtain a permit before putting up posters or exhibits for public display. The placard however did not cause public annoyance or a nuisance." The MP for the area was quoted as saying "There was no criminal intent. I'm glad the authorities decided to exercise discretion and not prosecute." [The Straits Times, October 7, 2006 print edition]. The saga started when white elephant placards was put up just before the Community Development, Youth, and Sports Minister passed by on a constituency visit to signal what residents felt about the unopened Buangkok MRT station. This prompted a police report to be made.

It is sad that the police were brought in because at a time when Singaporean were urged to make a difference and be heard, such symbolism was strongly discouraged. Such a "subtle" way of making statement when frowned upon is certainly regrettable. Must all discerning voice be made at the Speakers' Corner? Certainly we do not want any street demonstration - peaceful or otherwise. So what avenue of expression is left which can have an impact with the authority without any unrest? And the placard, if not for the hidden message, gives a nice decoration to the place too. One wonders if similar warnings be meted out if the placard were that of some political figure or party symbol.

However all is not lost. This being a test case of such protest, a line had been drawn. Future like-minded people who wants to stage similar protest will know where they stand as far as the law goes.

Laughing stock placard, next?