Concerns about both old and new guard

Concerns about both old and new guard

I HAVE three comments on the Aware saga.

First, Aware has often come across as a disgruntled women's group with an edgy proposition. For all the good work it has done in tackling violence against women, it has equally got into a spot over sensitive issues like homosexuality.

When you view that position beside growing vociferous pro-homosexual lobbying by other minority groups, you start to wonder if indeed the out-of-bounds markers on homosexuality have moved so far in conservative Singapore that the usually silent majority is striking back.

Second, I find the heavy hand of religion in organisational politics, especially in secular organisations, disturbing. Religious motivations are just a step away from racial motivations and this must be addressed.

Lastly, I sincerely hope that what happened at Aware does not lead to insecure office-bearers tightening their grip on organisational politics by instituting stricter membership rules and voting procedures. Or power-hungry individuals or groups adopting a similar aggressive strategy that brought the new Aware team to power. Let common sense prevail.

Anand A. Vathiyar

http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=27763.2