Hong Lim Exclusive
Speaker’s Corner
Hong Lim is the traditional site for our citizens’ exercise of the constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. During the Japanese Occupation, Hong Lim Park was the site for storytelling, and as noted in our sister article, it was the site of many a political rally during the 1950s and 60s.
This storied history survives through to today and at our new home, the AGC enjoys a prime spot to spy on enjoy observe the goings on.
A Cause for Celebration?
Among the recent happenings, one particularly stood out to the author in terms of its message. Most events organised at Hong Lim are rallying points in furtherance of a cause, but this event appeared to celebrate no more (and no less) than being Singaporean. This is the “Stand up for the Rest” event organised by civil society group Stand up for Singapore held on Labour Day 2013. Yes, it was the “other” May Day event, perhaps less well known then the White Paper protest. A non-political event by young people, the event was simply to get people to be happy together and raise cupcakes, not fists, in solidarity. To see Hong Lim more Disney than dissatisfied was quite a welcome sight, peppered with balloon animals, a bouncy castle, ball pit – memories of Fun Dazzle anyone? Or am I too old/young? – and face-painting.
As our society matures, perhaps it is time to think about what sort of Hong Lim, and by extension, what kind of Singapore, we want.
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L-R: Fun for young and old - a group of elderly ukulele players charmed the crowd while babies hung out in the ball pit.