Helium.com
by Jason Lim
An interesting topic came up during a conversation with a friend. We spoke about the political climate here in Singapore and the conversation touches on the freedom of speech and expression here in Singapore. Well, the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore actually guarantee this right of its citizens and that we can indeed invoke this right. But really, do people really invokes it? What I'm doing now - by writing this - I'm invoking that right. Hopefully, I don't get sued or asked to go for an interview........ Anyway, when invoking this right, we just have to be responsible in what we are saying. In other words, speak objectively. Then we are fine..... Yeah, maybe..........
Looking at the Sedition Act (Chapter 290), it is a chargeable offence to excite disaffection against the Government and the administration of justice in Singapore. Looking at it in perspective, the Constitution paradoxically allows for free speech/expression when the Sedition Act prevents it when it is directed towards the Government. Strange........... Same theory applies in the freedom of assembly clause guaranteed in the Constitution and the enforcement of the unlawful assembly law when you really do exercise that right of assembly. So, what is what? Allowed to speak freely against the Govt? Allowed to assemble peacefully? All this legal mambo jumbo is really confusing. I realised something though. As long as it is not political, your rights as stipulated in the Constitution can be exercised without fear of reprisals. >>>> More
