ST Forum 9 Sept 2008, Why WP didn't get permit for
event
I REFER to last Thursday's letter by Mr Tan Ghee Gay, 'Why 'no' and
'yes'?', regarding police decisions with respect to the Workers'
Party's (WP) proposed mass cycling event last year, and the
carnival on Aug 31.
Police do not issue permits for outdoor political events in public
places due to the potential for disorder and unruly behaviour. This
applies to events organised by all political parties. For this
reason, police rejected WP's application to hold a mass cycling
activity in East Coast Park, to commemorate its 50th anniversary in
September last year.
The event on Aug 31 was very different. The permit was issued after
taking into account the organiser and the nature of the event. It
was organised by the PAP Community Foundation, which is a
registered charity and not a political party. The event was not
assessed to have the potential for disorder and unruly behaviour.
It was a carnival that involved children and families from various
kindergartens and educational institutions. The Prime Minister, as
guest of honour, and a few other guests, made their entrance by
cycling a short distance. During the event, a sum of $664,000
(which had been raised earlier) was distributed to 17 charities,
including Beyond Social Services, Children's Aid Society and Chung
Hwa Medical Institution.
DSP Paul Tay
Assistant Director (Media Relations)
Singapore Police Force