Ten reasons why Singaporeans are protesting more regularly now:
1. Government does not listen - our government does not seem to listen these days and waste alot of time and energy on useless National Conversation which does not yield much result. The people want to see real tangible changes not just rhetoria and bite-size implementation.
2. People's power - the people know that a massive show of unity and people's power are more impactful than regular incessant dissent made online. Policy makers are known to amend unpopular policies when there is a good crowd protesting publicly as the news will travel widely via social media and even international news.
3. Driven to the edge- many people are driven to the edge these days due to the many adverse government policies. For example, the 71-year-old uncle drew graffiti on several bus stops even though he knew that he would be arrested afterwards. Abject desperation drives people to do silly things...
4. Lack of options - there's really not many other options when one is trapped by a bad policy. Your MP can't help you and no one else can give you a helping hand. Joining a protest with other people caught in similar plight looks like a fresh option.
5. Online dissent limited impact - Singaporeans like to voice their displeasure online against the government for the past decade but it's very limited and not damaging enough than a public visible protest. There's only so much you can shout and rant online.
6. Legitimate place for protest - Hong Lim park is a government-approved place for protest and no one will get arrested so long the organisers abide by the rules and regulations of the Nparks. However, its my personal belief that Singaporeans have to learn to voice their grievances outside the park for greater effect. This will of course be illegal and protestors will be arrested on the spot.
7. Unity is strength - power's power displayed worldwide from the Arab Spring to the Ukraine revolution has shown that whenever people unite together as one voice, things will happen. We have being too disunited and quiet for too long...there is no time to lose anymore.
8. Leadership without fear - activists such as Roy and Leong have stood up and serve the people well with their fearless leadership. With such strong leaders, the people feel safe following them.
9. Lack of opposition voice - the voice of our opposition parties is still rather muted and many of the people's grievances do not get enough air time from them. A combination of opposition voice and people's power may be the right solution to crack open the tyrannical grip of the government.
10. Voice of the masses - many ordinary people took the opportunity to voice out their grievances at speaker's corner in front of hundreds and thousands of people. Its probably the only time they could have this precious opportunity and many grasp it with open arms. How often do you have this one chance to speak in front of thousands with the press facing you?
Gilbert Goh