AWARE Readers' checklists for rivals

May 1, 2009
AWARE'S EMERGENCY MEETING TOMORROW
Readers' checklists for rivals
Is new guard believable on inclusiveness?

AS A longstanding, if temporarily lapsed, associate member of the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware), I read new executive committee (exco) president Josie Lau's letter on Tuesday, 'What being inclusive means', with interest.

Ms Lau rightly notes that Aware is a secular and inclusive organisation. Words now need to be matched with deeds. I would be grateful if Ms Lau could answer the following questions:

# Aware has always tried to reflect the cultural diversity of Singapore society. How many women from minority communities are on the new exco?

# Aware has always been open to people with a wide range of religious beliefs, including free thinkers. Do members of a single religious group now constitute a majority on the new exco?

# Aware has always been an autonomous organisation, with its officers acting independently of any other organisation. Are the majority of the new exco members connected to any single organisation, religious or otherwise?

# Aware has always abided by a fundamental Singapore value that has again been reinforced by government ministers this week - separation of religion and politics. Has any religious organisation to which new exco members are affiliated actively solicited its members to join Aware and vote at either the annual general meeting or extraordinary general meeting?

Clear, straightforward answers to these questions from Ms Lau will enable Aware members, and Singaporeans in general, to decide for themselves on the issues involved.

Philip Holden

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