POWER
(Teo Soh Lung (f), May 1990 Singapore prison)
There were communists in the 60s
And euro-communists in the 70s
The marxists came in the 80s
Who will be coming in the 90s?
One by one they became prisoners -
Professionals, politicians, workers and students,
Without a trial they were imprisoned
At St John, Whitley and Changi Prison.
Pages of the local press
Were splashed with news of mass arrests.
There were photographs and written confessions,
And prisoners appeared on television.
Tales of clandestine plans shocked the nation,
Could anyone contemplate overthrowing the government?
Gripped with fear for their own security,
The people were silent and shunned publicity.
The chicken is slaughtered to tame the monkey,
People are arrested to tame society.
Will such practices ensure forever
That rulers retain perpetual power?
~~~
Dr Michael Jeyakumar MP, and 5 others
have been detained since July 2 for allegedly amongst others,
possessing t-shirts with faces of communists leaders on them!
***
