Siew Kum Hong is not only a friend of AWARE but has emerged as a key spokesperson representing the ideals of many who stood up on May 2nd. It is with great disappointment that we recently learned he would not be reappointed for a second term as Nominated Member of Parliament.
There is, of course, much speculation that his failure to be reappointed was because of his involvement in AWARE. The more extreme conspiracy theorists have mused whether his ensuing popularity – bordering on hero worship (some went so far as to call him “Singapore’s Obama”) – made him a threat to the usual power structures.
There is no doubt that in the aftermath of AWARE, Siew Kum Hong was mercilessly attacked by the astroturfers for his role as advisor to the Old Guard – a role he has repeatedly emphasised is something he did in his personal capacity.
Of course even without being involved in the AWARE Saga, Kum Hong was already in the cross hairs of Christian Fundamentalists over his stance on section 377A of the Penal Code regarding homosexual anal sex. He has argued eloquently in parliament for its repeal and even though he was gracious in defeat pundits continued to state – nonsensically – that the very suggestion the law should be changed was an act of treason.
This was not his only issue – he has spoken in favour of a number of reforms. But it is the one that most captured the public’s imagination in recent months, after AWARE was accused of having a “Gay Agenda.”
Well what’s done is done and just as we wish the newcomers well, we are now eagerly looking forward to seeing how Kum Hong will continue to contribute to civil society.
But first perhaps a short break is in order. We have it on good authority that he intends to use some of his free time to reconnect with his Wii (specifically – Guitar Hero World Tour: Metallica) but we are sure that he will be courted from all sides to quickly return to public life.
Related:
[...] From: We-Are-Aware.sg, 07 July [...]
Mr Siew Kum Hong is a young man of his own independent style & he is surely bold enough & mindful enough to stand up & speak out loud & clear in Singapore community/society! For one very obvious wholesome deed, he stood firmly with Singapore women (AWARE) on 2nd May 09 as a personal capacity to right the wrong.
I am sure he will find enough living space to continue to address what he believes in life especially about Singapore “minority or multi-minority” whom are badly needed for greater living space other than the legal aspect or issue. It is similar to handicap or elderly minority where the present government or governance & social community/society had been emphaising. Is PAP is pushing him hard enough to be one of an official MP in future? Or, PAP is trying to silent the storm arising in a tea cup?
[...] 9 NMPs Appointed – A Singaporean: MPs, NCMPs & NMPs – The need for a credible voice? Or a perpetuation of the current ‘incredible’ voices? – We Are AWARE: Siew Kum Hong is not reappointed as NMP [...]
I’m sorry that you were not re-elected Siew Kum Hong. We can easily conclude why, but I will always remember you for having done the right thing by standing on the side of justice and truth.
[...] a credible voice? Or a perpetuation of the current ‘incredible’ voices? – We Are AWARE: Siew Kum Hong is not reappointed as NMP – Dee Kay Dot As Gee: On Siew Kum Hong not appointed as NMP for second [...]
[...] if the lair had a Wii set-up with Guitar Hero: Metallica and surround sound. Sure it’s nice that Siew Kum Hong is into Metallica. But the Feminist Mentor rocking out in some kind of Goth outfit in a basement [...]