Regressive Public Order Act serves more of a political than security purpose

Regressive Public Order Act serves more of a political than security purpose

The new Public Order Act passed recently in Parliament is a regressive law put in place by the PAP to serve their own petty partisan interest rather than to maintain public order and security as claimed. (read article here)

The Act will give police officers new powers to issue pre-emptive “move-on” orders, which will be in written form, ordering demonstrators not to congregate at the intended rally area, or give them a chance to leave without getting arrested.

Second Minister for Home Affairs, Mr K Shanmugam quoted the examples of scenes of disruption like those at international meetings such as the G20 meeting in London and more recently, the failed ASEAN Summit in Thailand’s Pattaya to defend the need for the new law.

CNA reported that that’s exactly what Singapore, which will later this year host the APEC meetings where many world leaders are expected to attend, wants to avoid.

I cannot understand how the “move-on” orders will help to prevent large numbers of demonstrators from gathering in the first place. How is the police going to get their message across when they are swarmed by thousands of determined protestors in one go?

It is highly unlikely that we will see hundreds of Singaporeans protesting at the APEC meetings. A more probable group will be foreigners from NGOs and human rights organizations in which a riot police on standby will suffice to maintain public order and security.

Existing laws are adequate to prevent disruption to law and order. The police are well equipped to restrain the protestors and arrest them on the spot. Why then do we need another public order act?

The “move on” order under the Act is deliberately targetted at small numbers of Singapore protestors making use of international events to draw attention to the PAP’s draconian laws curbing civil rights and liberties of Singaporeans.

The SDP had effectively organized and launched small group protests at previous international events held in Singapore such as the IMF meeting much to the chagrin and embarrassment of the PAP.

Photos of the police officers forming a human chain around an unarmed Chee Siok Chin were circulated widely on the internet, disgracing the PAP government in eyes of the international community which explains why under the new law, third parties are not permitted to film the ongoing protests either.

Under the new Bill, three types of activities will require permits: Those that demonstrate support for or against views or actions of any person, group of persons or any government; those that publicises a cause or campaign; and those that mark or commemorate any event.

This means that outdoor political activities against the PAP’s interest will be completely outlawed. No Singaporean will be allowed to demonstrate against any PAP leaders, the PAP itself or even a PAP policy.

Mr K Shanmugam, said: “The approach is to seek the optimal balance between the freedom to exercise political rights while not affecting public safety security and not affecting stability.

“Have we gotten that balance right? Well, ask yourselves two questions. In our region, which country would you rather be in? And amongst the countries in the world which became independent in the 1950s and 60s, which country would you rather be in?

The minister’s argument is both shallow and disingenuous. There is absolutely no correlation between the freedom to exercise one’s political right and public safety.

Singaporeans have shown during the minibond rallies last year at Hong Lim Park that we are able to assemble and protest peacefully without endangering ourselves and others.

Besides, there are many measures the police can take to pre-empt public assemblies from descending into chaos such as limiting the number of protestors and searching their bodies for dangerous weapons before they are allowed to gather.

The real motive behind the law is to prevent any public expression of disaffection and anger against the PAP’s governance because not only will it bring shame and disrepute to the PAP, it will also shatter the myth that it is a popular government voted into power by the people.

The PAP knows that People Power is the only way Singaporeans can remove them from power. By curtailing the right of Singaporeans to assemble which is guaranteed under our Constitution, Singaporeans will have no choice but to play according to the rules set by them.

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