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Singapore
says may relax rules on protests
Reuters
29 Feb
08
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20080229/tap-singapore-protests...
Singapore
may allow public protests at one of the city-state's parks, a
government minister said, in a relaxation of its strict rules on
demonstrations.
Wong Kan Seng, the minister for home
affairs, told members of parliament on Thursday that he was
looking to liberalise the use of Hong Lim Park -- Singapore's
version of speakers' corner.
Currently those who want to
speak at the park are required to register at a nearby police
station. Singapore bans public speeches unless the speaker is
licensed by a government official.
"We are presently
reviewing how we can further liberalise the use of Speakers'
Corner as an outdoor venue for more political activities
including demonstrations," Wong said, according to a
transcript of his speech posted on a government Web
site.
Singapore defends its use of legislation to regulate
protests and free speech as a necessity given the country's
multiracial make up.
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