SINGAPORE : The Registry of Political Donations has
gazetted the society Singaporeans For Democracy (SFD) as a
Political Association under the Political Donations Act, with
immediate effect.
The SFD, which is led by former Workers' Party member Dr
James Gomez, was informed in writing on Wednesday.
The registry said the SFD's goals are in line with the objective to
safeguard the integrity of Singapore's political process.
It noted that the SFD had stated clearly in its constitution that
its objectives relate mainly to politics in Singapore.
First, it pledged to advocate for political and legislative reform
in line with the principles embedded in the Singapore National
Pledge "to build a democratic society, based on justice and
equality".
Second, it said it would campaign for democracy-related issues at
the national, regional and international levels.
It also stated that it would foster a multi-partisan civil and
political platform - that includes individuals, non-governmental
organisations and political parties - to promote democracy, both
locally and abroad.
The SFD also pledged to apply the use of new media tools for
organisational decision-making processes, information
dissemination, networking, mobilisation and advocacy to promote
democracy.
The Political Donations Act that came into effect on 15 Feb 2001
prohibits political parties, political associations, and candidates
in parliamentary or presidential elections from accepting donations
from impermissible or foreign sources.
The Act upholds a fundamental tenet of the political process -
politics in Singapore should be for Singaporeans only.
- CNA /ls