The Singaporean Government is refusing to repeal its tough Internal Security Act despite international pressure for it to do so.
Singapore's neighbour, Malaysia, has decided to repeal its own version of the legislation, which dates back to the Cold War era.
The legislation in Singapore allows people to be detained without trial.
Sinapan Samydorai, from Singapore's Think Centre, has told Connect Asia the act restricts democracy and pressure is growing for it to be repealed.
"There is a lot of pressure [to abolish the ISA] because even in the early 90s the present prime minister said if malaysia withdraws the ISA, singapore would actually be prepared to withdraw," he said.
"So now he has to keep that word."
He says the law could be used against opposition and peaceful dissidents to maintain the present regime. Link
