While walking around Chinatown Point, we spotted quite a large crowd of people gathering at Hong Lim Park [Speakers’ Corner] and we found out that there was a protest about the population white paper going on.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
Well, due to our curiousity, we decided to check it out.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
Despite the light drizzle, the number of people present were quite significant. This was a picture that we took from across the road. A number of people could be seen walking towards the tentage with their umbrellas.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
To be really honest, the turnout was above expectations. According to the main organiser of the event, Mr. Gilbert Goh initially expected that only about 200+ people would come for the protest. However, officials estimated that about 4000+ people were present.
The crowd of people whom gathered at the top to listen and hear what the speakers had to say about the population white paper.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
The crowd of people whom were on the muddy ground, braving the rain, and listening to what the speakers had to say about the population white paper.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
Even crowds of people gathered at the overhead bridge to watch the protest going on.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
Here’s a shot of the crowd of people whom gathered just outside the MRT Station.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
The crowd of people whom gathered at the indoor sheltered area to watch and listen the speakers whom shared about their thoughts and opinions on the population white paper.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
The crowds of people whom gathered together to protest peacefully against the population white paper consisted of Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans. People of all ages from young to old and even those whom are disabled were there to stand against the population white paper.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
Hong Lim Park Speakers’ Corner was definitely packed and we saw for ourselves how united everyone was and voiced out their displeasure over the population white paper. Despite the rain, everyone whom was there were unwavered and they stood firm on the muddy grounds.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
Though we didn’t spot any mainstream media while we were there, we did spot some foreign news media such as CNBC and Reuters whom were there to cover the event.
CNBC covering the event.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
Reuters covering the event.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
Here are some other interesting sights that we saw during the protest as well:
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
The pictures does gives you a perspective of what went on during the peaceful protest and some say it is a historical moment for Singapore where Singaporeans stood united with a common voice to sound off their displeasure over the population white paper.
12 speakers from varying backgrounds spoke to the large crowds and some of the speakers included current and former opposition party members. Even Tan Kin Lian and Tan Jee Say were there to speak during the event.
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
The event ended with everyone singing the Singapore National Anthem [Majulah Singapura]. Earlier during the event, the crowd even sang the song, “Count On Me Singapore” and took the Citizen’s Pledge.
Well, the atmosphere was rather electrifying. We saw crowds of people cheering, jeering, and tearing. I guess what the speakers spoke about has really hit the nail on the spot and truly, we personally disagree with the population white paper. Anyhows, we saw for ourselves how Singaporeans can be united against a common cause; putting aside our differences, and standing up for our future generations of children and grandchildren.
A picture of the finale!
From Population White Paper Protest 2013 |
Stay tuned to more updates from us!
God bless!