About 300 turn up for ‘alternative’ National Day party at Hong Lim Park
About 300 people turned up at Hong Lim Park's Speaker's Corner Friday for what was touted by organisers as the "alternative" way of celebrating Singapore's National Day.
Organised by non-profit society Transitioning.org led by Gilbert Goh, the afternoon event scheduled speeches from opposition political figures like Tan Jee Say and Dr Ang Yong Guan as well as bloggers Ravi Philemon and Leong Sze Hian.
Billed more as a party than a protest, the crowd at the event was far smaller than the two rallies organised by Goh's group at the same venue earlier this year to object to the government's immigration policies. Those protests drew thousands of people, among the largest in the city-state in decades.
"We hope today's event can bring everyone together and give Singaporeans an alternative way to celebrate National Day, to celebrate inclusiveness," Goh said.
The speakers took turns on stage to give speeches which mostly attacked the government's population policy and the lack of inclusiveness in Singapore society but care was also taken to keep the content fairly light-hearted and celebratory.
Journalism undergraduate and pageant finalist Jeraldine Phneah used her speech time to push for the re-introduction of dialects into mainstream media, while Dr Paul Tambyah spoke about the importance of National Service in bringing the country together and the need for new migrants to serve their duty to Singapore.
A minute's silence was also slated as tribute to the late beloved President Ong Teng Cheong.
Among the attendees of the event was Citi and his two daughters Lakshana and Tarini, aged 8 and 10, respectively. The parent said he decided to go to the Hong Lim Park event after years of unsuccessfully balloting for the National Day Parade.
"We try to get tickets every year, but we never get chosen, and I still want my kids to be able to go out and have fun and celebrate Singapore's birthday," Citi said.
Balloon artist and face painter Chan Mee Lee offered face painting services for free at the event, explaining this was "because I'm a Singaporean".
Her biggest wish for Singapore this year was "less stress for everyone".
