Blogger arrested for posting racist online content
He claims that he wrote it only for friends and will apologise online
A LOCAL blogger who ranted about a commuter's behaviour on an MRT train was arrested on Tuesday night.
Police said the 24-year-old Chinese man was taken from his home at Paya Lebar Way at about 9.45 pm for 'posting contents in his blog which may wound the racial feelings of another person'.
A computer, believed to be used to post the suspect's blog, was seized for investigations, which are ongoing.
The case came to the attention of police on May 19 when they received two reports complaining of the alleged posts by the suspect.
According to a report in The New Paper on Wednesday, the blog was apparently sparked off by the suspect seeing a man of another race sitting on the floor of an MRT train.
The blogger, an undergraduate, allegedly wrote: 'There he sat, unaffected by his surroundings, smelling like he didn't shower (sic) in years and wore some really scary dirty clothes...'
He went on to make other offensive comments about that racial group in his tirade, drawing flak from local netizens, who called him a racist.
One net-user wrote: 'Stupidity has nothing to do with race at all. Just look to that blogger for proof that stupidity transcends all races.'
Added another: 'Some things, once said, cannot be retraced. Don't even make such stupid remarks in the first place.'
Under Section 298 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, anyone with delibrate intention of wounding the religious or racial feelings of any person, causes any matter however represented to be seen or heard by that person, can be jailed up to three years, or fine, or both, if convicted.
Deputy Commander of Central Police Div HQ, Superintendent Lee Ping Yue, in a statement late on Tuesday, said that police take a serious view of such irresponsible blog postings in a multi-racial society like Singapore and 'will expend all efforts in tracking the perpetrators'.
Interviewed by TNP earlier on Tuesday before his arrest, the blogger said he was sorry for what he had written and would be more mindful of what he said he says in his blog in future.
He said he was shocked by the furore over his blog entry, which he said was only intended for his close friends. He added that he was surprised that the entry, which was written two months ago, started circulating only days ago.
'I am a very expressive person - my style of writing is over the top. I write this way to make my entries more punchy and exciting,' he told TNP.
He denied being a racist and maintained that he did not harbour any ill will towards the racial group he wrote about.
But he let on that he was in particularly bad mood the day he wrote the blog entry.
'I meant what I wrote in a different way. If people read it in another way, there is nothing much I can do,' he said, adding that he planned to put up an online apology for his comments.
He has removed the post and password-protected his blog, which was featured on blog aggregator Tomorrow.sg, and linked to several popular online forums.
Sedition Act: Past Cases
*Last month: Ong Kian Cheong, 49, and wife, Dorothy Chan Hien Leng, 44, charged under Sedition Act and Undesirable Publications Act for allegedly distributing evangelistic publication that cast Prophet Muhammad in negative light
*2006: 21-year-old accounts assistant given stern warning for putting up offensive cartoon of Jesus on blog
*2005: 27-year-old man becomes first since 1966 to be jailed - for a month - under the Sedition Act for posting racist comments online. In connected case, 25-year-old given day's jail and fined maximum $5,000. Later that year, 17-year-old blogger given probation.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Lastest%2BNews/Singapore/STIStory_239545.html
Article taken from http://forums.vr-zone.com/archive/index.php/t-278640.html
Please feel free to post your reflections on this news article.
Thank You!! ^^
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Consumable Items and merchandise
Nowadays, with the simple push of a button, you will be able to find lots of information about various types of food.
If you go onto some websites, they even tell you the nutritional value and the ingredients in some foods.
If you have a health condition, you can also go online to check out the foods that are beneficial, and foods that you should stay away from.
Thus, many people around the world go online to check the nutritional content of the food that they are eating. This will allow them to make choice decisions, so that they do not regret buying food.
This website shows pictures of food, it contains creative designs that you can look through
http://www.metro.ca/conseil-expert/fromager/valeur-nutritive-fromages.en.html This is an example of the nutritional content of food that you can find online.
Cute right!
Regarding my absence
I am extremely sorry for my absence on the 22nd of April, 2011. Due to the presence of a holiday, i neglected my responsibilities and I forgot to put up my entry. However, I did prepare the work beforehand on Thursday, the 21st of april. I am terribly sorry that I did not post on friday because I was forgetful and irresponsible. I am very ashamed of myself and I will do my best to remember to post next time. I know that I have caused my groupmates to lose trust in me, and I will make sure that I try my best next time. I hope that with this absolutely sincere apology, you will try, no matter how hard it is, to forgive me.
Rei
Cute right!Regarding my absence
I am extremely sorry for my absence on the 22nd of April, 2011. Due to the presence of a holiday, i neglected my responsibilities and I forgot to put up my entry. However, I did prepare the work beforehand on Thursday, the 21st of april. I am terribly sorry that I did not post on friday because I was forgetful and irresponsible. I am very ashamed of myself and I will do my best to remember to post next time. I know that I have caused my groupmates to lose trust in me, and I will make sure that I try my best next time. I hope that with this absolutely sincere apology, you will try, no matter how hard it is, to forgive me.
Rei
Hobbies
Have you ever wanted to steer an airplane or car? Now with technology, you can! Introducing to you the remote control model cars and air planes. It is a hobby of many, from the young to the old. Did you know that there are professionals teaching classes on how to do tricks with your remote control airplane? These planes are quite expensive though. The airplanes can be the exact replica of a real airplane (e.g. SQ A380) , but of course in miniature. Check out this link to see the different types of remote control airplanes. http://www.bananahobby.com/. Now look at this video of the world largest remote control airplane. http://www.metacafe.com/watch/804337/worlds_largest_model_rc_plane/ . Go to 2.06min to see the plane fly.
See how interested people are in this hobby? The remote control car can also do the same. See a remote control car drifting in this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggqg6q5xegE. I hope you have learnt something in this post. :)
-Gabrielle ^^ (Sorry for posting on Saturday instead of Thursday because I couldn't make it home before on Friday and Thursday )
See how interested people are in this hobby? The remote control car can also do the same. See a remote control car drifting in this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggqg6q5xegE. I hope you have learnt something in this post. :)
-Gabrielle ^^ (Sorry for posting on Saturday instead of Thursday because I couldn't make it home before on Friday and Thursday )
Friday, 22 April 2011
WS 1a) News Article 1
SINGAPORE: Racist bloggers jailed
Two men arrested under the Sedition Act for posting comments against Muslims and Malays on Internet blogs
The Straits Times
Saturday, October 8, 2005
By Chong Chee Kin
The two young men who posted inflammatory racist and vicious remarks about Muslims and Malays on the Internet were given landmark jail sentences yesterday.
Animal shelter assistant Benjamin Koh Song Huat, 27, was convicted of two charges under the Sedition Act and jailed for one month.
Nicholas Lim Yew, 25, an assistant marketing manager, was convicted of one charges under the Act and given a 'nominal' jail term of one day and fined the maximum of $5,000.
Both pleaded guilty to all charges.
Senior District Judge Richard Magnus noted that the remarks posted by Koh were 'particularly vile'.
In imposing sentence, the judge reached back into the past and also noted current terrorism fears to point out the need for 'especial sensitivity of racial and religious issues in our multi-cultural society'.
Using the 1964 race riots to make a point, he said: "Young Singaporeans, like the accused persons before this Court, may have short memories that race and religion are sensitive issues."
'They must realise that callous and reckless remarks on racial or religious subjects have the potential to cause social disorder, in whatever medium or forum they are expressed.'
He added that it is every Singaporean's duty to respect other races and religions.
This is 'only appropriate social behaviour, independent of any legal duty, of every Singapore citizen and resident,' he said.
This is the basic ground rule of living here, he said, and the Sedition Act was meant to draw a 'red line on the ground' against such behaviour. Crossing this line harms not just a racist group, but the very fabric of society, and this was why a deterrent sentence was needed.
The case, which became a major talking point and even drew comments from the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last month, is being seen as a watershed moment in the arena of Internet expression.
It was sparked by a letter to The Straits Times from Madam Zuraimah Mohammed, who asked if cab companies allow uncaged pets to be transported in taxis, after she saw a dog on a taxi seat.
She was concerned because many Muslims in Singapore are forbidden by their faith to come into contact with a dog's saliva.
In response, Koh posted 'highly inflammatory' remarks on his blog, or online journal.
'He spewed vulgarities at the Muslim Malay community, derided and mocked their customs and beliefs and profaned their religion,' Deputy Public Prosecuter Amarjit Singh said.
One comment compared the Muslims religion to Satanism, while others were so extreme they cannot be printed.
Lim posted similar, but less extreme, comments on an online dog lovers' forum.
'He (Lim) derided the practices of their faith, preached intolerance of their beliefs and used highly insulting words against their community,' DPP Singh said.
He stressed that the prosecution was not trying to police andd regulate the Internet, but certain basic rules had to be followed to maintain order in Singapore's multi-ethnic society.
After noting that both Koh and Lim had taken actions to reduce the offensiveness of their acts by posting apologies on the Internet and in court, the judge closed with a stern waring.
'Bloggers who still have similar offending remarks are well advised to remove them immediately,' he said.
'The Court will not hesitate to impose... stiffer sentences in further cases.'
Article taken from http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=31206
Please feel free to post your reflections about this article :)
Thank You!!
Two men arrested under the Sedition Act for posting comments against Muslims and Malays on Internet blogs
The Straits Times
Saturday, October 8, 2005
By Chong Chee Kin
The two young men who posted inflammatory racist and vicious remarks about Muslims and Malays on the Internet were given landmark jail sentences yesterday.
Animal shelter assistant Benjamin Koh Song Huat, 27, was convicted of two charges under the Sedition Act and jailed for one month.
Nicholas Lim Yew, 25, an assistant marketing manager, was convicted of one charges under the Act and given a 'nominal' jail term of one day and fined the maximum of $5,000.
Both pleaded guilty to all charges.
Senior District Judge Richard Magnus noted that the remarks posted by Koh were 'particularly vile'.
In imposing sentence, the judge reached back into the past and also noted current terrorism fears to point out the need for 'especial sensitivity of racial and religious issues in our multi-cultural society'.
Using the 1964 race riots to make a point, he said: "Young Singaporeans, like the accused persons before this Court, may have short memories that race and religion are sensitive issues."
'They must realise that callous and reckless remarks on racial or religious subjects have the potential to cause social disorder, in whatever medium or forum they are expressed.'
He added that it is every Singaporean's duty to respect other races and religions.
This is 'only appropriate social behaviour, independent of any legal duty, of every Singapore citizen and resident,' he said.
This is the basic ground rule of living here, he said, and the Sedition Act was meant to draw a 'red line on the ground' against such behaviour. Crossing this line harms not just a racist group, but the very fabric of society, and this was why a deterrent sentence was needed.
The case, which became a major talking point and even drew comments from the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last month, is being seen as a watershed moment in the arena of Internet expression.
It was sparked by a letter to The Straits Times from Madam Zuraimah Mohammed, who asked if cab companies allow uncaged pets to be transported in taxis, after she saw a dog on a taxi seat.
She was concerned because many Muslims in Singapore are forbidden by their faith to come into contact with a dog's saliva.
In response, Koh posted 'highly inflammatory' remarks on his blog, or online journal.
'He spewed vulgarities at the Muslim Malay community, derided and mocked their customs and beliefs and profaned their religion,' Deputy Public Prosecuter Amarjit Singh said.
One comment compared the Muslims religion to Satanism, while others were so extreme they cannot be printed.
Lim posted similar, but less extreme, comments on an online dog lovers' forum.
'He (Lim) derided the practices of their faith, preached intolerance of their beliefs and used highly insulting words against their community,' DPP Singh said.
He stressed that the prosecution was not trying to police andd regulate the Internet, but certain basic rules had to be followed to maintain order in Singapore's multi-ethnic society.
After noting that both Koh and Lim had taken actions to reduce the offensiveness of their acts by posting apologies on the Internet and in court, the judge closed with a stern waring.
'Bloggers who still have similar offending remarks are well advised to remove them immediately,' he said.
'The Court will not hesitate to impose... stiffer sentences in further cases.'
Article taken from http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=31206
Please feel free to post your reflections about this article :)
Thank You!!
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Online Reading (Ebooks!!)
Fretting over the cost of a storybook? Or you simply do not have the time to go out and buy? Do not worry so much :)Now that technology is very advanced, we have the right solution for you. That is... Ebook!! Here, let me list you some advantages of using Ebook:
1. When you need certain information, you can download it immediately, by downloading an Ebook.
2. Ebooks take up less space. You practically don't need any space to store them. You don't need a library or room for them. You can store hundreds and thousands of Ebooks in your computer.
3. Ebooks are portable. You can carry a whole library of hundreds of books with you on your laptop without worrying about the weight.
4. With todays technology, you can read Ebooks anywhere, on the bus, train, airplane, or while standing in line.
5. Ebooks are more safely stored and carried from one place to another, than ordinary books. They also withstand time more than books.
6. Ebooks can show links for more easy access to information and related websites.
7. Ebooks are searchable. You can easily search for any information in an Ebook, instead of turning page after page.
8. Ebooks can be interactive and contain audio, video and animations, which can enhance the message that the author is trying to convey.
9. As Ebooks are delivered through the internet, there are no packing and shipping expenses.
10. Font in Ebooks can be resized, making it easier to read for people with disabilities.
Isn't this amazing? As an avid reader, I seldom have time to go to bookstores to buy storybooks and therefore, I simply multitask my doing online homework while reading on the internet.
- Cheryl <3
3. Ebooks are portable. You can carry a whole library of hundreds of books with you on your laptop without worrying about the weight.
4. With todays technology, you can read Ebooks anywhere, on the bus, train, airplane, or while standing in line.
5. Ebooks are more safely stored and carried from one place to another, than ordinary books. They also withstand time more than books.
6. Ebooks can show links for more easy access to information and related websites.
7. Ebooks are searchable. You can easily search for any information in an Ebook, instead of turning page after page.
8. Ebooks can be interactive and contain audio, video and animations, which can enhance the message that the author is trying to convey.
9. As Ebooks are delivered through the internet, there are no packing and shipping expenses.
10. Font in Ebooks can be resized, making it easier to read for people with disabilities.
Isn't this amazing? As an avid reader, I seldom have time to go to bookstores to buy storybooks and therefore, I simply multitask my doing online homework while reading on the internet.
- Cheryl <3
Monday, 18 April 2011
Lessons tied with IT
Ever sat in a boring lesson with the teacher droning on monotonously about algebraic sums? I bet all students share the same sentiment as me, wanting to scream and run out of the classroom to the nearest MRT station to go home. Well, never fear! With IT, there will never be a boring lesson again! (Or, maybe not.) Anyway, IT enhances our learning and piques our interest. It helps teachers catch their students' attention and hook them straightaway. It is also more environmentally friendly, because teachers can assign homework online and save paper. Also, students won't have another good excuse like, 'my dog ate my homework' to give the teacher because it is assigned online. Well, there you have it! My post on IT is complete. Look forward to more posts on lessons using IT! Ciao for now!
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Fashion :D
Hi everyone, Syafiqah here! I'm posting now instead of Monday because I will be back from school late on Monday and I will probably have lots of homework to catch up with due to my absense from school on Friday :/ So anyway, I will be talking about fashion. That's very tough to talk about, seeing that the link is to Techonology but I will try my best! :D I will relate this to online shopping. :)
I buy things online most of the time. This is because I'm too lazy to get out of the house to buy new clothes so I sit in front of my computer and type away. Since I am interested in Korean clothing, for some reason, I search online for Korean clothing I can buy online. There is so much variety! This online shopping website is one that I visit often. http://www.koreanfashion.com.sg/
There are many things that appeal to me in that website. The best thing is, I don't have to queue and wait in line to buy the things that I want. All I have to do is add things to my 'cart' and click 'buy'! It's that simple!
There are cons about buying things online as well, though. At times when I buy clothes, it is too big for me :/ That is very frustrating because I think the shirt or something is really cute >:( It's really saddening. At times, it takes quite long for the clothes to be delivered. For the Korean fashion website, it takes 1-2 days for the item to be delivered but if you buy things in person, you can take the clothing home immediately.
It's up to you, online shopping or going out to buy your clothes? :P
-SYAFIQAHLOVESPS3 (who is going to sleep now) It's 9.47 :D
I buy things online most of the time. This is because I'm too lazy to get out of the house to buy new clothes so I sit in front of my computer and type away. Since I am interested in Korean clothing, for some reason, I search online for Korean clothing I can buy online. There is so much variety! This online shopping website is one that I visit often. http://www.koreanfashion.com.sg/
There are many things that appeal to me in that website. The best thing is, I don't have to queue and wait in line to buy the things that I want. All I have to do is add things to my 'cart' and click 'buy'! It's that simple!
There are cons about buying things online as well, though. At times when I buy clothes, it is too big for me :/ That is very frustrating because I think the shirt or something is really cute >:( It's really saddening. At times, it takes quite long for the clothes to be delivered. For the Korean fashion website, it takes 1-2 days for the item to be delivered but if you buy things in person, you can take the clothing home immediately.
It's up to you, online shopping or going out to buy your clothes? :P
-SYAFIQAHLOVESPS3 (who is going to sleep now) It's 9.47 :D
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