AWARE exco says centre's services unaffected by new security system

By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 24 April 2009 1908 hrs

SINGAPORE: The new exco of the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) has given the assurance that the services which the organisation provides to the public at its office in Dover Crescent will not be affected by the installation of a new security system.

On Thursday night, the exco ordered the centre's locks to be changed, drawing huge objections from members of the Old Guard.

The new exco said only eight members will be able to access the centre after opening hours using the new electronic keys. They also defended their decision to fire the centre's manager, Schutz Lee.

AWARE vice president, Charlotte Wong, told Channel NewsAsia on Friday that Ms Lee would not take instructions from them.

While they prefer to discuss with Ms Lee about her job performance privately, the former manager had wanted them to explain their reasons in front of several members of the Old Guard on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, online forums are abuzz with activity. Netizens have started a petition, encouraging others to support their campaign against the new exco.

According to the new exco, all the online chatter about the issue is taking focus away from the real work they want to do. They said it is extremely distracting and they just want to concentrate on achieving their objectives.

But the Old Guard members in AWARE said what has happened with the group is a threat to Singapore's pluralistic society.

A statement just released on Friday said the Old Guard members are glad that the "truth is finally out" – that the new AWARE exco members had a "planned takeover... guided by a feminist mentor".

It added that "this cannot be the way forward for Singapore", which "cannot have people acting like moral vigilante running around and taking over established organisations".

The Old Guard, in a statement read by member Margaret Thomas on Friday evening, also challenged Dr Thio Su Mien, who has said she is the "feminist mentor" to the new exco, to form her own organisation to offer her points of view.

They also said the challenge should have been "done properly" by writing in to AWARE or by inviting the organisation to discuss the programmes.

Separately, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Hwee Hua is of the view that the AWARE saga is not a national dispute and should not upset the balance and tenor of Singapore's open, tolerant and secular society.

In an email response to Channel NewsAsia, Mrs Lim said the dispute in AWARE is an internal matter, something which the members themselves would have to address.

She stressed that AWARE members should not allow these disagreements to become a vehicle for contentious, divisive views to be pushed aggressively.

Mrs Lim, who is also Second Minister for Finance and Transport, said this would polarise society and have a very adverse effect on Singapore's social fabric.

Also asked about his take on the issue is Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean who stressed the need for all interest groups in Singapore to put their points of view across in a tolerant way and not force their views on others.

Mr Teo did not touch on the specifics, but said that Singaporeans need to learn to live with others who have different views.

- CNA/so

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/424660/1/.html