Defender of Democracy Award for Dr Chee
Dr Chee Soon Juan has been given the 2003 Defender of Democracy Award by the Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA). Dr Chee was informed on 1 May 2003 of the PGA’s decision to award him the prize in a letter by the organization’s President, Mr Kenneth Dzirasah (see below).

The PGA is an international association made up of parliamentarians from across the world. It is supported by the United Nations, European Commission, the Governments of Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom as well as private foundations and universities (see website at www.pgaction.org). Its stated goal is to strengthen individual legislators’ capacity to pursue international peace, social justice and development.

In his letter to Dr Chee, Mr Dzirasah said that the “PGA admires your lifelong commitment to promoting democracy in your country.” The award ceremony will take place in Washington DC on 16 September 2003. [Singapore Democrats]

Last night I was talking to a friend of mine about the general state of affairs in Singapore. I told her how there is only one party that has been ruling since independence etc. etc.

cypher: Only one party has been in power since independence here and they are quite authoritarian...
friend: ic, what is the name of that party
cypher: PAP, Peoples Action Party
friend: hmmm, Peoples Action Party. How ironic...

Well said my friend, well said...