The Hong Lim Affair – More than Uniquely Singapore

Let me put a positive spin to this sordid affair and turn it into a splendid affair. Too many negative views had been expressed in the media and it is timely that we look at in from a different angle. The two events staged at Hong Lim were incompatible in many ways and no responsible person in his right mind would put the two together. It was light oil and fire, a potent combination for an explosive incident to happen. The beautiful thing about this affair is that all ends well. 

Mind you, the little annoyance and the very sensitive nature of the special needs children, and only one needed comforting can be considered a very successful story. Just ignore the noises generated by those with vested interests to say the things that needed to be said, the YMCA event went off almost without a hitch other than the 5 min interruption when the minister arrived at the scene. Even then, there was not pushing and shuffling or any threats of physical violence to anyone. No one feel unsafe or that they were exposed to any danger. The guests of YMCA were children and senior citizens, hundreds of them. And at and around the stage, there were hundreds of eager and excited parents and their little ones participating in putting up dance items and performances. 

At the other corner, the protestors were screaming at the top of their voices to get themselves heard as they competed against the sounds from the YMCA event. Many did not notice that at times both parties waited and took turns to speak, alternating, without anyone coordinating and guiding them. There were some sorts of courtesy and sharing of time between them. You could not have a better arrangement anywhere among competitors. 

And the uncles and aunties were taking shelters from the blazing sun under the big tents of YMCA. They treaded carefully and avoided disturbing the guests of YMCA in their tents. And YMCA staff accommodated them without chasing them away, out into the hot sun. 

The participants of the two events blended together as one, in the same limited space, and no one could tell which event they were attending. With a few thousands of them there, fighting for space under the afternoon heat, no tempers were flared. Come, come, think about it, think about how two unrelated groups could co exist together in such a situation without any trouble? 

And when the protestors were marching around the big tent housing the YMCA guests, they did not brush or knock onto them as they went past each other. And some of the children joined the fun marching with them. 
Credit must go to the participants of the two events. There was a lot of self discipline and mindfulness with both sides accommodating each other and not to offend the other party. The protestors were noisy and loud as what a protest should be, but absolutely no violence or brashness. The YMCA event was louder but like what a children party should be.