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Success of Facebook page on Tin Pei Ling ‘inspired TRS set-up’

SINGAPORE — The Facebook page “Petition to remove Tin Pei Ling as a MP” was started by Yang Kaiheng and his then-girlfriend Ai Takagi, he testified on Wednesday (April 6).

SINGAPORE — The Facebook page “Petition to remove Tin Pei Ling as a MP” was started by Yang Kaiheng and his then-girlfriend Ai Takagi, he testified on Wednesday (April 6). 

The success of the page — centred on criticisms against the newly elected Member of Parliament in the 2011 polls — was what inspired the couple to start sociopolitical site The Real Singapore (TRS), which has since been shut down, Yang, 28, added.

Taking the stand for the first time, Yang, who faces seven sedition charges relating to articles published on the site, said: “Due to the lack of media freedom in Singapore, we thought a website with freedom of speech is good for us.”

When they started the Facebook page, criticisms against Ms Tin were swirling in cyberspace over perceptions of her immaturity, among other things. The following that their page garnered made them see online platforms as a “useful avenue for a business venture”, the court was told.

Yang said he had spearheaded the design of TRS’ website headings and logos before it was launched in June 2012. He also sought advice from friends in IT and start-up circles on the revenue-generating potential of different online platforms.

But his involvement waned after mid-2012 when school work and his commitments in a gaming club took precedence, Yang said. He subsequently offered “ad hoc assistance” to Takagi, who took on the role of running the site, he added.

The trial was adjourned after Yang’s brief 10-minute testimony on Wednesday, after he requested to spend time with his wife who had a “hospital emergency” on Tuesday. Takagi, whom Yang married last year, has pleaded guilty to identical charges for sedition. She was sentenced to 10 months’ jail last month.

Yang’s hearing resumes on Thursday, with him returning to the stand. If found guilty, Yang could be fined up to S$5,000 or jailed for up to three years on each charge.

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