On 14th February 2001, the Straits Times and TODAY newspapers carried a statement by the police with regards to the ongoing investigations into the events that took place on 10/12/2000, International Human Rights Day, at Speaker's Corner. Think Centre (TC) issued a press release in response on the same day. The first is TC's press release and following that is the police press release as it appeared in TODAY.
Press Release
Response to Police Press Release Dated 14th February 2001:
That the rules and regulations for Speaker's Corner are vague is confirmed by the fact that people have to ask if they even need a permit to listen to speakers. This is symbolic of the manner in which the police have handled the Speaker's Corner issue to date.
The police have not made known the guidelines or procedures with regards to Speaker's Corner from Day One, as they did with other prohibitions which is stated clearly at the back portion of the registration slip that every speaker who signs up receives. For example, against the use of any amplification device.
Neither has the Singapore Police Force assigned and made public any officer or department where the public can make queries about Speaker's Corner prior to organising activities there.
The police have been less than competent in handling the issues surrounding the setting up of Speaker's Corner including the ongoing investigations into the events on 10/12/2000, International Human Rights Day. In fact, the manner they have handled matters to date have put off people from Hong Lim Park.
The police in insisting that a permit is needed for an assembly mislead the public by suggesting that they issue such permits on a regular basis for such events. Can the police confirm when was the last time they had issued a permit/license for a demonstration?
In our view, there should only be one registration regime for Speaker's Corner and not too many as to confuse or deter members of the public.
Jacob George
Public Affairs
Think Centre
65-2956377
POLICE SAY...
No demonstrations without permit at Speakers' Corner
(Straits Times, February 14, 2001)
Police have received queries on whether there is a need for a permit to listen to speakers at the Speaker's Corner. The Speaker's Corner gives Singapore citizens a designated venue where they can speak in public without having to apply for a Public Entertainment Licence. A permit is not required to listen to speakers at the Speaker's Corner.
However, the Speaker's Corner does not exempt any person from the other laws of Singapore. It is not to be used as a venue to stage a demonstration without a permit. It is one thing to have a group of people gather to hear others to speak, but quite another to come together for a specific cause, and in the process chant slogans, display placards and show gesticulations such as clenching of fists.
Police treat such actions as indicative of a demonstration or of disorderly behaviour.
Public Affairs Department
Police Headquarters
