In an earlier commentary published at SGPolitics.net titled “Dr Chee’s response leaves CJ, AG and Law Minister in the dust“, Ng E-Jay suggested that sometimes, civil disobedience is the only option for activists.

Given that the mainstream media is controlled by the ruling party, which has complete dominance of Parliament, and that the few Opposition MPs in Parliament are frequently reluctant to speak up vociferously on the pressing issues of the day or stand firm when they are challenged by the ruling elite, it should not come as a surprise that sometimes, the only way for activists to make their voices heard loud and clear is to peacefully engage in civil disobedience and non-violent action.

New media experts may ask: with the Internet, isn’t it  now very easy to make our voices heard loud and clear without disobeying state laws?  A clear indication of the web’s potential is in the numerous instances where mainstream media had to respond to online activism.  Highlighted during IPS’ 4th March seminar as examples of the interplay between activism and media reporting were TOC’s Jurong GRC by-election survey and public transport protest, as well as the Wayang Party Club’s investigation of MP Charles Chong’s “lesser mortals” comment as examples of where new media directly engaged in the offline political agenda. 

Perhaps a deeper look at civil disobedience is needed at this point.  By definition, it is a form of protest in which protestors deliberately violate a law.  Classically, they violate the law they are protesting, such as segregation or draft laws, but sometimes they violate other laws which they find unobjectionable, such as trespass or traffic laws.  Most activists who perform civil disobedience are scrupulously non-violent, and willingly accept legal penalties. The purposes of civil disobedience can be as follow (not mutually exclusive):

• to publicise an unjust law or a just cause;
• to appeal to the conscience of the public;
• to force negotiation with recalcitrant officials; to “clog the machine” with political prisoners;
• to get into court where one can challenge the constitutionality of a law;
• to put an end to one’s personal complicity in the injustice which flows from obedience to unjust law

Relying on new media alone may achieve the first 2 objectives.  Civil disobedience could be double-edged sword if used in these instances.  It could further your agenda if the public sympathise with those arrested or are inspired by the protestors’ bravery.   Conversely, it could backfire if the public view the disobedience as distasteful or a mere public nuisance.  Worse, public opinion could be against you if your non-violent protest is seen to have tarnished the nation’s image (e.g. some will remember Seattle for the ‘wrong’ reasons).  For the remaining 3 objectives, it appears that civil disobedience is a necessary means.

Bottomline(s):
- Be clear on your specific objectives
- Civil disobedience is an option
- There is no money-back guarantee on its use
- Be prepared to accept legal penalties

For myself, I prefer to rely on the online space for the moment.  If my words do not appeal to the hearts and minds of fellow Singaporeans, neither will my arrest.

Comments

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