I WOULD like to thank Mr Siow Jia Rui ('Right of assembly
doesn't translate into having power to produce an effect'; ST, Sept
17) and Mr Arjunan Raviprakash ('Cannot stage mass protests? So be
it'; ST, Sept 17) for their feedback.
With regard to Mr David Lok's letter, 'Want to hear the silent
majority? Let them assemble' (ST, Sept 10), the recent opening up
of Speakers' Corner is to facilitate greater participation and
debate among Singaporeans.
It is not possible to doaway with regulations at Speakers' Corner
as experience has shown outdoor talks can be used to incite large
crowds to demonstrate or riot, resulting in loss of lives and
property.
The regulation simply requires speakers to register to ensure
accountability for their views.
Groups of five or more who wish to assemble or conduct processions
can do so. However, such persons must first obtain a police
permit.
With regard to operating hours, Speakers' Corner, like Hyde Park
Corner in London, allows public speaking during daylight
hours.
The police have assessed that the current operating hours at
Speakers' Corner are sufficient.
We will review the need for extended hours if necessary.
VICTOR KEONG
Assistant Director,
Media Relations (covering)
Singapore Police Force
