[Bw] Forum Blackout Official Statement (6/6/2013)

[Bern]

In solidarity with our friends from Pink Dot SG, Gay SG Confessions, Sayoni and many more, Blowing Wind Forum staged a 24-hour online blackout on June 6th, 2013 in protest of MDA's new internet censorship regulation.

You can read more about it by visiting here.

This is NOT a political movement.
 

Why are we doing this? Why do we stick our heads out, do we have no fear? Do we have nothing better to do? Some of you may ask.

 

This is not a community service.

 

Make no mistake, we are not brave martyrs.

We are selfish people. As a matter of fact, we are scared. We are afraid and are only acting out of fear. Fear that what we currently take for granted will be taken away from us, fear that our right to exist in this common solace we call the internet may cease to exist. We fear how the absolute power, bestowed by the new MDA regulation (which has taken effect since 1st June) threatens our freedom to read and be heard. We fear that MDA, now unbridled by law to scrutinize internet sites with liberty to impose licensing at will, along with its vague description of the 'right things Singaporeans are allowed to read' can deny our very own existence.

We feel threatened because there's a possibility of losing what we are currently enjoying - freedom of speech and the freedom to express over the internet: our freedom to exist.

Despite assurances that only websites focusing on reporting news will be affected.

Why the broad definition? What is the true agenda?

To call a blackout.
This may mean nothing to you. But for people who live in this little red dot along with its flaws and its anti-gay laws; this is what we call home. If we go down trying to protect what this forum stands for, so be it.

Let me reiterate, BW is not delving into politics.The forum will stay neutral. We are not and never will be affiliated with any political party, take up any political stance, or become a political commentary site.

This is not a political movement. This is what it feels like if you are not able to read or know.