We Are Not The Enemy: The Practice of Advocacy in Singapore

by Constance Singam (Editor), Margaret Thomas (Editor)

Advocates and activists in Singapore contribute to policy discussions and positive change through a combination of deft manoeuvres and patient politics. Yet civil society is often unacknowledged, their skill and labour instead frequently misunderstood, even earning them the label of “troublemakers” or “enemies of the state”.

This collection of essays and interviews is a candid reflection on the intentions, beliefs and strategies behind the practice of advocacy across a spectrum of causes. The contributors come from varying backgrounds and include academics, artists, lawyers, journalists, non-profit and advocacy organisations, student and community organisers. They share practical insights into their aims and community-building work, and the tactics they employ to overcome obstacles, shedding light on how to navigate a city-state with shifting socio-political fault lines and out-of-bound markers.

Genres: Nonfiction

298 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2024

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book challenged the idea that civil society and activists’ methods, values and principles are homogenous and uniform, and showcased the diversity of causes and mobilisation in Singapore. I particularly enjoyed the tensions across various activists, including the final chapter which challenged the introduction’s use of the Banyan tree metaphor. Highly recommended read!

[saysthequeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially like the chapter on the work done on the homeless community in Singapore. Prior to this advocacy work, we almost know nothing about this community, rendering them invisible and when something is made invisible, it is the responsibility of advocates to make things visible and visible things can be uncomfortable. It is a tiring and thankless job.

[ahmad zaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays is one of my favourite book formats. Activism and advocacy is one of my favourite topics. And We Are Not The Enemy being extremely local to Singapore - in its topics, in the familiar names and events appearing and even in the humorous moments along the way - is the cherry on top.

This book will be a favourite on my shelf for a long, long time.

Activism in Singapore 25 years ago - when I was 8 years old - is unrecognisable from activism today in 2025. From the reflections collected here, I’d say that both the environment and the scene has grown. Activism is generally healthier in this 60th year of independence. My sincerest hope is that 25 years from now (if we’re all still around), we can say the same. I hope the space expands, the injustices reduce and activists, researchers and journalists get just as much of the credit with politicians and civil servants.

The truth is that it’s up to us. All of us. Singapore is small enough that one trouble/change maker is enough to cause ripples, if not waves. What if we all got up to, as John Lewis put it, good and necessary trouble?

The GE a few weeks ago - while disappointing in its result amidst standard PAP election tactics - saw what our country could look like if we all cared, and had the space to form & share our beliefs.

The experiences penned down in each of these 17 contributions give us a real idea of what it could be like if we commit to stay on this path. We could see wins, but be prepared to lose (a lot). We’ll find love, joy and community, but be prepared to feel hurt, anger and despair.

An alternative title: we do it anyway.

I’m going to end this review with some quotes, but in true SG fashion, the question needs to be answered: why only 4 stars?

Activists believe that things can always be better 😁 and my sole wish was that the title of this compilation better reflected the themes I found within…or the essays reflected the title better. There is a very interesting book that has yet to be written about Singapore activism which can be titled We Are Not The Enemy - but this isn’t it for me. Who is the enemy? Who are we then? And what of accountability and justice?

But it is a catchy title, a badass cover and the subtitle of The Practice of Advocacy in Singapore is a good one (although why not activism…?) - so forgive me, fellow activists. You all give me hope.

—-

“Cherian George once described civil society as ‘a network of roads travelled on by a multiplicity of vehicles” which is a good way of looking at it. Some
of those vehicles are driven by NGOs, others by individuals working within their own spheres of influence.

(…)

But throughout our independent history, civil society has been overshadowed by the Singapore of economic enterprise; the Singapore of many laws and rules; the rich, clean, safe, authoritarian Singapore.” - Constance Singam, pg. 8

[Hanrong Tham · Rating 5 out of 5]

​"We are not the enemy" is a truly powerful and insightful collection that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The book shares the personal stories of various advocates in Singapore, providing a much-needed glimpse into the often-unseen work of social change on the ground. It's a testament to the dedication of these individuals who are fighting for a more inclusive and just society.
​As I read through the narratives, I gained a much deeper understanding of the immense challenges they face. From navigating bureaucratic hurdles to managing public misconceptions and emotional burnout, the advocates' struggles are laid bare. It's clear that their work is not glamorous or easy, and the book does an excellent job of highlighting the grit and resilience required to persevere in the face of such adversity.
​What I found most inspiring was the unwavering spirit of these individuals. Despite their work often going unacknowledged by the wider public and success not being a guaranteed outcome, they still choose to continue. Their passion and commitment are a potent reminder that meaningful change often happens quietly, driven by a deep-seated belief in a cause rather than a desire for recognition.
​More than just an account of their efforts, the book also serves as a crucial reminder that there are many invisible communities in our society who are in need of help and advocacy. For me, it particularly brought to mind the plight of migrant workers, a community that often remains on the periphery of our daily lives. "We are not the enemy" urges us to look beyond the surface and acknowledge the various groups who deserve our attention and support, encouraging a more empathetic and compassionate perspective. This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand the heart of social advocacy in Singapore.

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was an extremely informative and clearly written book. I can see the heart, passion, and care that has gone into this collection as well as strong justification skills throughout the writing, well-earned after years of advocating for their respective causes to the unaware, cautious, and apathetic.

While some writing was more interesting and emotive than others (Some were very instructional), I thought this book was an enjoyable read either way because it inspires hope and encourages others to act. I believe that this is as crucial to sociopolitical revolution as open or more aggressive demonstrations and a way that sits well (Although it is the only acceptable way) with the Singaporean palate. This is not to discredit the more demonstrative and controversial work of some of the book’s contributors, I salute and respect it all the same.

4.3/5 because it holds a special place in my heart

[lilin23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this like a "behind the scenes" look into various initiatives and movements -- the origins, coordination, strategies, struggles, achievements, all of it! The diversity of activists/areas included is really commendable too.

This had a good mix of reflections, analysis of sg society, and suggestions/advice. I enjoyed reading all of it, save for some essays that delved more on strategies that may not be that easily digestible for a layperson.

[Ron Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-organised and easy book on advocacy in Singapore. A must needed book to better understand the struggles and pain that activists go through just for the sake of freedom. And a good and inspiring read for those who want to make a difference in an authoritarian state like Singapore.