SINGAPORE: The Police have rejected an application made by the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) to hold a public forum on Friday.

SDP had planned to conduct a forum with foreign speakers at the Sheraton Towers Hotel on 13 April.

But police said a permit will not be issued on the ground of public interest.

Similarly, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) also rejected SDP's application for professional visit passes to be given to its overseas speakers.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) says Singapore politics is reserved for Singaporeans and foreigners should not abuse their privilege by interfering in domestic politics.

It is an offence to organise a public forum with foreign speakers without a permit.

It is also an offence for foreigners without professional visit passes, to be speakers at the forum.

MHA says like all other political parties, the SDP is free to express its views and organise political activities in Singapore within the law. - CNA/ir