Speakers’ Corner is dead?

Source: Jnzl's Photos/CC BY 2.0Source: Jnzl's Photos/CC BY 2.0

May 31, 2017

I refer to the article “Pink Dot 2017 to have barricades, ID checks by security personnel” (Channel NewsAsia, May 30).

It states that “This year’s Pink Dot rally at Hong Lim Park will have barricades installed around the perimeter of the event with entry checkpoints manned by security personnel, organisers announced on Tuesday (May 30).

The measures are to comply with recent changes to the Public Order Act that block foreigners from promoting political causes in Singapore, Pink Dot organisers said.

“The set-up of barricades and check points around the park was the only measure deemed acceptable by authorities; this was a decision taken out of our hands and is something we do not readily agree with,” said Pink Dot SG spokesperson Paerin Choa.”

The cost of the barricades and security personnel

may make it almost impossible for future protests, speeches, events, etc, to be organised.

These new rules may effectively make a mockery of having a Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park as the only place whereby Singaporeans can legally exercise their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

Leong Sze Hian

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About the Author

Leong
Leong Sze Hian has served as the president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), Hotel Mumbai (associate producer), invited to speak more than 200 times in about 40 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of 2 countries. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional  qualifications.