As you know, the ANU is on Wednesday of this week conferring an honorary doctorate on the former Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew. This has produced a storm of protest, both within our College and outside it. The essence of the protest is that it does not sit easily with a College and a University that values human rights and academic freedom to honour a person, whatever his tangible achievements in nation-building in Singapore, whose regime was associated with the erosion of those values and the suppression of freedom of speech and expression.
It is a matter of particular concern that, because Mr Lee Kuan Yew is to be awarded an honorary LLD, there may be an assumption in relevant communities that the ANU College of Law is somehow implicated in the decision, whether by way of initiation or endorsement.
In fact, neither I, as Dean of the ANU College of Law, nor, to the best of my knowledge, anyone else in the College, was consulted on the proposal or took part in the decision. Indeed, I was unaware of the decision until I received an invitation to the ceremony. As I understand it, the decision was a decision of the ANU Council, following a proposal from the Chancellor.
Given that the decision is a fait accompli and, in the nature of things, effectively irreversible, it is a matter for individuals now to determine how they wish to respond. Many have registered their protests with the Vice Chancellor, who has forwarded them to the Chancellor. I have informed the Vice Chancellor that I will not be participating in the degree ceremony. I have also informed him that neither do I expect many, if any, colleagues in the ANU College of Law to participate, if only because of our College Advisory Board meeting that day.
I believe that the decision to honor Mr Lee Kuan Yew was driven in part by the desire to strengthen our ties with the National University of Singapore, with whom we are a partner in the International Association of Research Universities. May I say that, whatever one thinks of the decision, and whatever criticism one makes of it, the controversy surrounding it should not be taken to detract from our good relations and connections with the National University of Singapore, with whom we continue to explore opportunities for fruitful collaboration.
Professor Coper (Dean of the law faculty at the ANU) has responded to recent inquiries regarding the decision to bestow LKY with the Doctorate of Laws by denying any Law faculty involvement with the decision. …
Dear Students
I am copying to you an email I have just sent to my colleagues here.
In a nutshell, the purpose of the email is to make it clear that the recent decision of the ANU to award an honorary doctorate of laws (Hon LLD) to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, former Prime Minister of Singapore, was a decision of the ANU Council, not a decision of the ANU College of Law. In fact, the College was neither consulted about, nor had any part in, the decision. Had the College been consulted, it is clear from the protests lodged with the Vice Chancellor that many colleagues would have opposed the decision.
I re-emphasise the point made in the attached about how much ANU values its relationship with the National University of Singapore, with Singapore itself and with its people. Nothing in the current controversy detracts from that.
Suriyon Raiwa says much of what I feel about the LKY degree conferring. As a graduate and former staff member of ANU I am disgusted. Free speech and expression of ideas, informed discussion and debate have never been of concern to LKY. Once again the filthy dollar is justification for any deviant behaviour. ANU must be hoping to get more full fee paying students. I would rate Mugabe and Yew as similar, it is just a matter of ‘degree’ and circumstances.
China won the bid over India and South Korea over Myanmar’s A’s 1 and 3 is that because China’s help in the security of Myanmar is legit and both countries considered each other pohpoh (brothers). What the essence of brotherhood if the materials needed by the other for boosting its prosperity is unattainable because of the other adamant to share its resources such as energy. China influence over Myanmar is tremendously important in the continuation of junta in power.
We may criticise Lee for many of his acts against the opposition and perhaps we should. As someone who grew up in Singapore, I greatly regret the fact that 140 years of British colonial rule did not result in much appreciation of human rights among the population. In fact the British were just as ruthless in crushing critics and opposition, among them a member of my family. Perhaps Lee learnt his tactics from them.
Forget criticising Lee. He is just receiving ‘another’ one of these things. All criticism should be directed towards ANU’s so-called leadership. I was at a forum late last year when ANU’s VC talked of academic freedom. Clearly from this decision such freedoms apply to Canberra based academics only, and not colleagues globally! This is just another case of university ‘leadership’ ignorance and arrogance. No consultation with ANU staff, alumni and students seems to have taken place. How democratic!
It may be that US presidents’ individual terms are limited to eight years, but George XLI begat George XLIII and in general the class of political yeoman that has evolved in the US to serve the interests of the plutocrats is not unlike an hereditary “elite”.
The PATRIOT Act, the MCA (which effectively has suspended habeas corpus, the now routine spying on American citizens by the NSA and the FBI, the elimination of congressional review of federal judicial appointments, the numerous “signing statements” of George XLIII wherein he makes plain his intent to ignore the very law he is “signing”… it is easily seen that the present Neocon regime is engaged in a frontal attack on the Constitution and further, proclaims the the “unitary executive” is above it.
So, yes, you do need say more.
Khun Sawarin,
“Stop reading” is strange advice from an “intellectual”. Other than changing the subject, what has your random list of nations to do with the United States sickening gyre?
Khun Simpleton,
Years ago I made the mistake of referring to a Canadian as an American and was met with a very insulted Canuck. “The world considers ‘America’ to refer to the United States!” quoth he, and he then made plain that he would not be tarred with that brush.
If that is your point.
On the whole I do not understand your point, although your sputtering rage and hostility are not lost. I’m afraid your criticism is too simple for me. I don’t understand your references to Hobbes, Hegel, black gold mysteries, your preference for regression, or disdain for post-modernism. Whatever that is. Sorry. Thanks for making the effort however.
The BTS case is not a real nepotism issue, and despite the Post report it is hardly a new story. Kerree Kanjanapas launched his scheme more than a decade ago as part of his family run business, with the idea that he could flip it on the stock market to get back his own investment and keep control if it to earn whatever more of the profits that he could, including , from the beginning, controlling the advertising by his own private company, and taking advantage of real estate along the route. The banks and other key investors were in trouble on the project from the beginning but had their own little side deals to earn back fees etc, as well as their own real estate projects. Suffice it to say no investor had the public interest first in mind on this project.
This is how family businesses work and probably should work — at least until they fail! It is only nepotism to those in the company who are not family and don’t get to be boss. They may be publicly listed but the behavior is nothing strange or unexpected, except perhaps to unwitting investors from the public.
I’m not disputing a large part of your analyses of the US government.
But there are significant – you could say “qualitative” – differences between it and the kind of state here in Thailand.
Just a few obvious points, pertaining to the current discussion.
There’s no Less Majeste law in the US.
You can criticise, mock, comdemn Bush as much as you like. And in any case he couldn’t stay in power for more than 8 years.
Also he is not the ‘power above the constitution’ (my phrase) who could openly or secretly support an overthrown of a constitution, an elective parliament and government, with impunity, indeed without even the possibility of just being MENTIONED what he does !
Need I say more?
P.S. I’m just saying what Bush is not. I’m not refering to anyone. And I’m defenitely not making an argument either for or against the suggested boycott.
You act as if those poor Thai academics could only enjoy serious discussions at conferences like these.
Chances are the material they get from a simple Google search is more useful, detailed, uncensored and truthful than anything that ever will be presented there.
What part of America are you from? Brazil? Canada? Guatemala? Cuba?! The US is so corrupt it has even corrupted your location!
Also, for Hobbes speech is simply an environmental reaction and that the notion of collective freedom or liberty (except in the cases of physical movement) is the most ominous oppression of the truth. Who is more right than Hobbes?! Hegel! Your havin’ a larf!
At least in Thailand there is obvious censorship. Look at this from the glass half full scenario! Thai corruption is not riddled with loop-hole black gold legal agreements and is there for all to see! (or not). The censored materials become mysterious and prized, unlike here where most things are accessible and we are a beige desensitized. That is what attracted me to Thailand and South East Asia at large to begin with.. the mystery.
Maybe my views are regressive for the development of Thai people, but is it not for Thai people to decide that they are victims and to rise up and overthrow whoever they collectively feel is oppressing their desire for balanced intellectualism? “National self determination” I seem to remember worked its way into the charter that nobody pays any attention too.
If not, surely this provides further food for the department of Thai studies!? Please not more post modern political correctness!!!
I am an Ameican and the past six years of American history have taught me that all governments are corrupt. “My” government is composed of war criminals. In time no one will anymore bat an eyelash at that statement than they do presently at the statement that the Third Reich was composed of war criminals.
Every few weeks I read in the Thai papers that the US is expressing its opinions on the government of Thailand, or about Thais human rights record. The brazen absurdity of such statements coming from a nation presently engaged in an aggressive war, a nation which has murdered at least a half million, more probably a million wholly innocent Iraqis and totally destroyed a nation turns my stomach.
Would any of you consider boycotting an academic conference in the United States to express your revulsion with my criminal nation? How about the US’ junior, but equally guilty partners, the UK and Australia?
Apparently no problem there either, eh?
If you can contribute to Thai studies by meeting with your colleagues wherever they meet, under whatever corrupt regime they are forced to, then go and do so.
Speak freely where and when you can. There is no need for you to call down the wrath of corrupt regimes upon your own heads. Neither is there a need for you to be overly concerned about the imagined effects your presence or abscence will have anywhere on this earth, certainly not in Thailand.
😉 Hi Warren.
I think it is nice of you to share with us all your stories and photos. I don’t mind getting posted, because it is cool to know that there are such great activities~Vespa Scooter Club exist for Lao ppl and bringing together all sort walk of life, creating, sharing and strengthening beautiful friendships on this little planet of ours…Like the aussies would say “Good On ya mate” 🙂
[…] It is an identifiable structure of supposedly vested interests (even though families are as divided within as they are between). I wonder whose interests are at work in the publication of the story. I don t believe it is the Cambodian … – more – […]
[…] elite. Engagement, free movement of people, goods and information is the real threat to the regime, but the tide is already beginning to turn with the US … – more – […]
Provided a great launch pad at Changi for migrants to get back to wherever they migrated from? Provided a beacon of security in a region that doesn’t always agree with our (formerly?) monoistic culture … ?
Thankyou for providing a secure hub and being a beacon for the benefits of colonialism!
Despite this obvious gratitude, the ANU giving your hero LKY a honorary degree for being so great is some strange disrespect!
The ANU giving a degree to LKY highlights the ever increasing polarity between virtue and economics.
I am tired of Australians, dissing my Singapore government. They have done so much for us Singaporeans and they including Mr Lee deserve the recognition.
By race I am Indian making me a minority in Singapore. But that has never stopped me from progressing in bureaucratic Singapore. I can’t say the same for the minorities in Australia who despite having degrees can’t get jobs.
So Australia before you make so much of noise as you always do and start fixing your own problems first.
It should be an honour to ANU that Mr Lee has accepted the degree.
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“Frankly very disturbing”
(the attached message)
Dear Colleagues
As you know, the ANU is on Wednesday of this week conferring an honorary doctorate on the former Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew. This has produced a storm of protest, both within our College and outside it. The essence of the protest is that it does not sit easily with a College and a University that values human rights and academic freedom to honour a person, whatever his tangible achievements in nation-building in Singapore, whose regime was associated with the erosion of those values and the suppression of freedom of speech and expression.
It is a matter of particular concern that, because Mr Lee Kuan Yew is to be awarded an honorary LLD, there may be an assumption in relevant communities that the ANU College of Law is somehow implicated in the decision, whether by way of initiation or endorsement.
In fact, neither I, as Dean of the ANU College of Law, nor, to the best of my knowledge, anyone else in the College, was consulted on the proposal or took part in the decision. Indeed, I was unaware of the decision until I received an invitation to the ceremony. As I understand it, the decision was a decision of the ANU Council, following a proposal from the Chancellor.
Given that the decision is a fait accompli and, in the nature of things, effectively irreversible, it is a matter for individuals now to determine how they wish to respond. Many have registered their protests with the Vice Chancellor, who has forwarded them to the Chancellor. I have informed the Vice Chancellor that I will not be participating in the degree ceremony. I have also informed him that neither do I expect many, if any, colleagues in the ANU College of Law to participate, if only because of our College Advisory Board meeting that day.
I believe that the decision to honor Mr Lee Kuan Yew was driven in part by the desire to strengthen our ties with the National University of Singapore, with whom we are a partner in the International Association of Research Universities. May I say that, whatever one thinks of the decision, and whatever criticism one makes of it, the controversy surrounding it should not be taken to detract from our good relations and connections with the National University of Singapore, with whom we continue to explore opportunities for fruitful collaboration.
Regards
Michael
“Frankly very disturbing”
Professor Coper (Dean of the law faculty at the ANU) has responded to recent inquiries regarding the decision to bestow LKY with the Doctorate of Laws by denying any Law faculty involvement with the decision. …
Dear Students
I am copying to you an email I have just sent to my colleagues here.
In a nutshell, the purpose of the email is to make it clear that the recent decision of the ANU to award an honorary doctorate of laws (Hon LLD) to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, former Prime Minister of Singapore, was a decision of the ANU Council, not a decision of the ANU College of Law. In fact, the College was neither consulted about, nor had any part in, the decision. Had the College been consulted, it is clear from the protests lodged with the Vice Chancellor that many colleagues would have opposed the decision.
I re-emphasise the point made in the attached about how much ANU values its relationship with the National University of Singapore, with Singapore itself and with its people. Nothing in the current controversy detracts from that.
Regards
Michael Coper
ANU honours Lee Kuan Yew. Why?
Suriyon Raiwa says much of what I feel about the LKY degree conferring. As a graduate and former staff member of ANU I am disgusted. Free speech and expression of ideas, informed discussion and debate have never been of concern to LKY. Once again the filthy dollar is justification for any deviant behaviour. ANU must be hoping to get more full fee paying students. I would rate Mugabe and Yew as similar, it is just a matter of ‘degree’ and circumstances.
The Economist on Burma’s pipeline possibilities
China won the bid over India and South Korea over Myanmar’s A’s 1 and 3 is that because China’s help in the security of Myanmar is legit and both countries considered each other pohpoh (brothers). What the essence of brotherhood if the materials needed by the other for boosting its prosperity is unattainable because of the other adamant to share its resources such as energy. China influence over Myanmar is tremendously important in the continuation of junta in power.
“Frankly very disturbing”
We may criticise Lee for many of his acts against the opposition and perhaps we should. As someone who grew up in Singapore, I greatly regret the fact that 140 years of British colonial rule did not result in much appreciation of human rights among the population. In fact the British were just as ruthless in crushing critics and opposition, among them a member of my family. Perhaps Lee learnt his tactics from them.
“Frankly very disturbing”
Forget criticising Lee. He is just receiving ‘another’ one of these things. All criticism should be directed towards ANU’s so-called leadership. I was at a forum late last year when ANU’s VC talked of academic freedom. Clearly from this decision such freedoms apply to Canberra based academics only, and not colleagues globally! This is just another case of university ‘leadership’ ignorance and arrogance. No consultation with ANU staff, alumni and students seems to have taken place. How democratic!
Thai studies boycott? An update
Khun Somsak,
It may be that US presidents’ individual terms are limited to eight years, but George XLI begat George XLIII and in general the class of political yeoman that has evolved in the US to serve the interests of the plutocrats is not unlike an hereditary “elite”.
The PATRIOT Act, the MCA (which effectively has suspended habeas corpus, the now routine spying on American citizens by the NSA and the FBI, the elimination of congressional review of federal judicial appointments, the numerous “signing statements” of George XLIII wherein he makes plain his intent to ignore the very law he is “signing”… it is easily seen that the present Neocon regime is engaged in a frontal attack on the Constitution and further, proclaims the the “unitary executive” is above it.
So, yes, you do need say more.
Khun Sawarin,
“Stop reading” is strange advice from an “intellectual”. Other than changing the subject, what has your random list of nations to do with the United States sickening gyre?
Khun Simpleton,
Years ago I made the mistake of referring to a Canadian as an American and was met with a very insulted Canuck. “The world considers ‘America’ to refer to the United States!” quoth he, and he then made plain that he would not be tarred with that brush.
If that is your point.
On the whole I do not understand your point, although your sputtering rage and hostility are not lost. I’m afraid your criticism is too simple for me. I don’t understand your references to Hobbes, Hegel, black gold mysteries, your preference for regression, or disdain for post-modernism. Whatever that is. Sorry. Thanks for making the effort however.
Blood and marriage in Cambodia
Jon,
The BTS case is not a real nepotism issue, and despite the Post report it is hardly a new story. Kerree Kanjanapas launched his scheme more than a decade ago as part of his family run business, with the idea that he could flip it on the stock market to get back his own investment and keep control if it to earn whatever more of the profits that he could, including , from the beginning, controlling the advertising by his own private company, and taking advantage of real estate along the route. The banks and other key investors were in trouble on the project from the beginning but had their own little side deals to earn back fees etc, as well as their own real estate projects. Suffice it to say no investor had the public interest first in mind on this project.
This is how family businesses work and probably should work — at least until they fail! It is only nepotism to those in the company who are not family and don’t get to be boss. They may be publicly listed but the behavior is nothing strange or unexpected, except perhaps to unwitting investors from the public.
Thai studies boycott? An update
John Francis Lee, why don’t stop reading and try going to live in
one the following countries;
Vietnam, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Chagos Island, Palestine, North Korea, Haiti, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq.
Then, come back to talk ‘liberty’ again.
Thai studies boycott? An update
Re: Khun John Francis Lee,
I’m not disputing a large part of your analyses of the US government.
But there are significant – you could say “qualitative” – differences between it and the kind of state here in Thailand.
Just a few obvious points, pertaining to the current discussion.
There’s no Less Majeste law in the US.
You can criticise, mock, comdemn Bush as much as you like. And in any case he couldn’t stay in power for more than 8 years.
Also he is not the ‘power above the constitution’ (my phrase) who could openly or secretly support an overthrown of a constitution, an elective parliament and government, with impunity, indeed without even the possibility of just being MENTIONED what he does !
Need I say more?
P.S. I’m just saying what Bush is not. I’m not refering to anyone. And I’m defenitely not making an argument either for or against the suggested boycott.
Thai studies boycott? An update
You act as if those poor Thai academics could only enjoy serious discussions at conferences like these.
Chances are the material they get from a simple Google search is more useful, detailed, uncensored and truthful than anything that ever will be presented there.
Thai studies boycott? An update
An American, John Francis Lee?
What part of America are you from? Brazil? Canada? Guatemala? Cuba?! The US is so corrupt it has even corrupted your location!
Also, for Hobbes speech is simply an environmental reaction and that the notion of collective freedom or liberty (except in the cases of physical movement) is the most ominous oppression of the truth. Who is more right than Hobbes?! Hegel! Your havin’ a larf!
At least in Thailand there is obvious censorship. Look at this from the glass half full scenario! Thai corruption is not riddled with loop-hole black gold legal agreements and is there for all to see! (or not). The censored materials become mysterious and prized, unlike here where most things are accessible and we are a beige desensitized. That is what attracted me to Thailand and South East Asia at large to begin with.. the mystery.
Maybe my views are regressive for the development of Thai people, but is it not for Thai people to decide that they are victims and to rise up and overthrow whoever they collectively feel is oppressing their desire for balanced intellectualism? “National self determination” I seem to remember worked its way into the charter that nobody pays any attention too.
If not, surely this provides further food for the department of Thai studies!? Please not more post modern political correctness!!!
Yours truly,
Simpleton P. Latin.
Thai studies boycott? An update
I am an Ameican and the past six years of American history have taught me that all governments are corrupt. “My” government is composed of war criminals. In time no one will anymore bat an eyelash at that statement than they do presently at the statement that the Third Reich was composed of war criminals.
Every few weeks I read in the Thai papers that the US is expressing its opinions on the government of Thailand, or about Thais human rights record. The brazen absurdity of such statements coming from a nation presently engaged in an aggressive war, a nation which has murdered at least a half million, more probably a million wholly innocent Iraqis and totally destroyed a nation turns my stomach.
Would any of you consider boycotting an academic conference in the United States to express your revulsion with my criminal nation? How about the US’ junior, but equally guilty partners, the UK and Australia?
Apparently no problem there either, eh?
If you can contribute to Thai studies by meeting with your colleagues wherever they meet, under whatever corrupt regime they are forced to, then go and do so.
Speak freely where and when you can. There is no need for you to call down the wrath of corrupt regimes upon your own heads. Neither is there a need for you to be overly concerned about the imagined effects your presence or abscence will have anywhere on this earth, certainly not in Thailand.
Tutu on South Africa’s Burma vote
Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s PA says he does not claim to be an expert
http://him.civiblog.org/blog/_archives/2007/1/30/2686857.html
Lao explorers reach Vietnam on Italian Scooters
😉 Hi Warren.
I think it is nice of you to share with us all your stories and photos. I don’t mind getting posted, because it is cool to know that there are such great activities~Vespa Scooter Club exist for Lao ppl and bringing together all sort walk of life, creating, sharing and strengthening beautiful friendships on this little planet of ours…Like the aussies would say “Good On ya mate” 🙂
Cheers!
Blood and marriage in Cambodia
[…] It is an identifiable structure of supposedly vested interests (even though families are as divided within as they are between). I wonder whose interests are at work in the publication of the story. I don t believe it is the Cambodian … – more – […]
Tutu on South Africa’s Burma vote
[…] elite. Engagement, free movement of people, goods and information is the real threat to the regime, but the tide is already beginning to turn with the US … – more – […]
“Frankly very disturbing”
wait, no, no, i think its perfectly alright to give him a degree – a degree of law, since he’s manipulated the law so well!
ANU honours Lee Kuan Yew. Why?
Kamal,
What has bloody gahmen done for Australia lah?
Provided a great launch pad at Changi for migrants to get back to wherever they migrated from? Provided a beacon of security in a region that doesn’t always agree with our (formerly?) monoistic culture … ?
Thankyou for providing a secure hub and being a beacon for the benefits of colonialism!
Despite this obvious gratitude, the ANU giving your hero LKY a honorary degree for being so great is some strange disrespect!
The ANU giving a degree to LKY highlights the ever increasing polarity between virtue and economics.
Thankyou for contributing to the divide!
ANU honours Lee Kuan Yew. Why?
I am tired of Australians, dissing my Singapore government. They have done so much for us Singaporeans and they including Mr Lee deserve the recognition.
By race I am Indian making me a minority in Singapore. But that has never stopped me from progressing in bureaucratic Singapore. I can’t say the same for the minorities in Australia who despite having degrees can’t get jobs.
So Australia before you make so much of noise as you always do and start fixing your own problems first.
It should be an honour to ANU that Mr Lee has accepted the degree.