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SINGAPORE: The new public order law, passed in Parliament on Monday, has generated much debate online. While some say it infringes on civil liberties, others believe this will not be the case as long as the law is exercised judiciously.
The Public Order Act will prevent scenarios such as the one seen at the recent G20 summit in London from happening.
When Singapore hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November, the law will give police officers more powers to maintain public order. For example, the police can instruct people to move on even before a crowd gathers.
The Home Affairs Ministry says those who do not obey can be arrested and even be sent to jail.
Cyberspace has been abuzz with discussions over these new rules. While many agree it is important not to let protests disrupt the APEC meetings, many question the impact of the law on civil liberties.
Even one person will now need to get a licence to protest, if the protest is not taking place at the Speakers' Corner. And many have questions on the procedure of getting such a licence.
Editor of The Online Citizen, Choo Zheng Xi, said: "The current legislation allows a commissioner, a bureaucrat to determine... that you can be banned from having a licence to protest as long as you potentially create hostilities between groups. These groups are undefined.
"I can't imagine any protest going on which does not create some sense of hostility. So it is very broadly, very loosely framed and is very unhelpful."
But there are also many who believe the commissioner will exercise his duty judiciously.
Senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, Gillian Koh, said: "The great virtue of Singapore is that you have a very strong measure of trust between the governed and the government.
"And I think that with a law like this, with its very broad anticipatory powers, the government will probably work very hard to make sure that the level of trust is maintained."
Observers hope the law will be exercised with a high level of transparency. For example, authorities should give reasons when permits are not granted for protest applications.
- CNA/yt
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