Aware: DR NOBODY Dr Thio who?

Tussle For Aware
DR NOBODY Dr Thio who?

She burst onto the Aware stage at the press conference of the new guard, claiming to have 'mentored' most of them. But most of the old guard don't even remember who she was SHE gave herself the grand title of 'Feminist Mentor', claiming to have been involved with Aware in its early days. 26 April 2009

SHE gave herself the grand title of 'Feminist Mentor', claiming to have been involved with Aware in its early days.

But at yesterday's press conference, few claimed to know her.

On Thursday night, Dr Thio Su Mien, a former law dean, made a surprise appearance at the press conference of the new exco at Raffles Town Club.

She sat at one end of the table, denying suggestions that she was the mastermind of the takeover at Aware.

Her appearance added a new twist to the already convoluted saga.

Dr Thio is the mother of Nominated Member of Parliament Thio Li-ann, who has spoken up strongly against homosexuality in Parliament.

'I'm not sure. I know who are the founding members of Aware and I don't remember seeing Dr Thio at any of the meetings or her name mentioned,' said former president Dr Kanwaljit Soin, who was a founding member of the 24-year-old Aware.

She added to laughter: 'But I'm not known for a good memory. I have not heard of Dr Thio as a feminist but, you know, we do have closet feminists.'

The microphone was passed to founding member Ms Lai Ah Eng.

Laughter

'I do not recall... what's her name...' began Ms Lai earnestly, before turning to the rest of the panel, which broke out in laughter.

When reminded, Ms Lai prepared to continue what she was trying to say, but was interrupted by Dr Soin.

'Should we delete that?' she said, turning to legal advisor Dr Mark Goh in mock horror.

'No, we should leave that!' came the reply.

Ms Lai went on to explain that she was not familiar with Dr Thio, although she has read articles written by her.

Panel members mentioned that they have heard her name before, here and there, but no way was she the Feminist Mentor she claimed to be.

'I know of her... I might have met her at one or two social occasions, but I don't know her,' said Dr Soin.

'It is important to have a institutional memory of Aware, of what Aware did in the past 24 years, instead of allowing one particular item, as raised by Dr Thio, to be the sole criteria by which Aware is judged,' said Ms Lai.

The answers were quickly snuffed out by MrGoh, who interjected halfway, saying that the panel was not here to discuss Dr Thio.

Despite further probes by the media, the topic quickly moved on to other related matters.

'As a staunch Roman Catholic, I'm disturbed by this act that seems to be motivated by Christians...' said veteran member Corrina Lau, rebutting Dr Thio's stance that the old exco was pro-homosexuality.

'Christianity is about love.'

http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=27932.4