Singapore bans protests at free-speech park after Lee's death

[webfact]

Singapore bans protests at free-speech park after Lee's death

SINGAPORE (AFP) - Singapore on Monday indefinitely banned protests and other gatherings at the country's sole free-speech park, declaring it a zone for honouring the late former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.

In a surprise move hours after Lee’s death, Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean revoked a legal provision allowing public meetings and protests at Speakers’ Corner.

The National Parks Board, which manages the leafy square where Speakers’ Corner is located, said on its website that it is "one of the designated community centres for remembering the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew".

"As such, we will not be able to accept any applications to use Speakers’ Corner during this time," it added without stating a dateline for the measure to end.

Lee, who died aged 91 after a long illness, was known for his tough stance on dissidents and political groups opposed to his People’s Action Party.

Singaporean lawyer Choo Zheng Xi, who handles civil liberties cases, noted that "no timeline has been given in the notice as to when they (permits) will be re-instituted."

The 0.97-hectare (2.4 acres) Speakers’ Corner, also known as Hong Lim Park, is located in the heart of Singapore’s central business district. It opened in 2000 and is loosely modelled on the free-speech area of London’s famous Hyde Park.

Only Singapore citizens and permanent residents are allowed to take part in protests in the area without police permits. Speeches must also avoid inciting religious or racial hatred.

When Lee was prime minister from 1959 to 1990, he was criticised by rights groups for his iron-fisted rule, forcing several opposition politicians into bankruptcy with libel suits or self-exile.

Lee’s successor Goh Chok Tong and current prime minister Lee Hsien Loong, the elder Lee’s son, have gradually liberalised politics in the tiny island republic of 5.5 million people, but critics say freedom of speech and assembly continue to be curtailed.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Singapore-bans-protests-at-free-speech-park-after--30256578.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-23

[Expat1]

Only fitting one supposes. He didn't allow it when he was alive so, not allowing free speech and protest in that model "democracy" in his honour when he has recently died, works. He would appreciate it.

[mikiea]

hmmmm this looks like a case of the left foot stepping on the right foot :-)

[rotary]

Well look how well free speech has worked in the western countries.............better leave it banned for the overall good of all.

[chingmai331]

Just like China. Only one point of view permitted, that of the government.

[kinmaew]

What a lovely legacy to leave "Banning Free Speech" that's how I will remember Uncle Lee. Wonder how he is going in the next life banning others from giving him feedback?

[zydeco]

Capitalism, Democracy, Multiethnic country. Pick two. If you try and have all three, you will end up with blood stained anarchy. Lee was a very smart man.

[Rancid]

The French following the Charlie incident have become so enraptured with free speech that they are banning "conspiracy theories" .

These if course are ideas or alternate interpretations that are not endorsed by Big Brother.

Anti-Semitism is illegal however mocking Muslim prophets is completely acceptable and encouraged.

[attento]

In which country is absolute freedom of speech permitted ?

Each country has it's own boundaries to this "freedom".

Singapore is a democracy, so if enough voters wanted absolute freedom of speech, presumably they would have voted for it.

What they have voted for has resulted in a secure and prosperous nation. Not many of those in SE Asia !

There are questions about the dominance of the ruling PAP, but this is considered as the least corrupt nation in Asia.

Are these 2 sides of the same coin, or in no way related ?

Edited March 24, 2015 by attento