Freedom of speech, assembly and association
14. (1) Subject to clauses (2) and (3)
(a) every citizen of Singapore has the right to freedom of speech
and expression;
(b) all citizens of Singapore have the right to assemble
peaceably and without arms; and
(c) all citizens of Singapore have the right to form
associations.
(2) Parliament may by law impose
(a) on the rights conferred by clause (1) (a), such restrictions as it considers
necessary or expedient in the interest of the security of Singapore
or any part thereof, friendly relations with other countries,
public order or morality and restrictions designed to protect the
privileges of Parliament or to provide against contempt of court,
defamation or incitement to any offence;
(b) on the right conferred by clause (1) (b), such restrictions as
it considers necessary or expedient in the interest of the security
of Singapore or any part thereof or public order; and
(c) on the right conferred by clause (1) (c), such restrictions as
it considers necessary or expedient in the interest of the security
of Singapore or any part thereof, public order or morality.
(3) Restrictions on the right to form associations conferred by
clause (1) (c) may also be imposed by any law relating to labour or
education.
2a seems to be in direct contradiction to the constitutional
right awarded to the people's freedom to speak, express and
assemble. In the US, it laws pertaining to illegal assembly would
probably be thrown out by US Supreme courts as "unconstitutional."
Unfortunately for us, we are not the United States.
I fully support the need for public order. But to apply such
restrictions when there has been no observed disruption to public
order seems very authoritarian to me. Its like telling your child
not to go out and play because he may hurt himself or end up in bad
company.
