Get permit to spy on politician or be fined!
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YOU suspect your wife is having an affair with a politician. So you hire a private investigator (PI) to find out more.
In the past, that may not have been a problem.
But under the Private Security Industry Bill, PIs will need to watch where they snoop, and think about who they are snooping on.
Under the Bill, which was passed in Parliament yesterday, the PI will first need approval from the Government if he wants to spy on a politician.
The bill requires all security guards and PIs to be licensed.
And anyone who wants to investigate politicians or their family members have to first apply for approval from a government licensing officer.
Those who don't, face a fine of up to $50,000, which has been jacked up from the current $10,000 maximum, or a two-year jail term, or both.
The move aims to ensure PIs do not gather information or conduct surveillance which may threaten public interest or national security, Minister for Home Affairs Wong Kan Seng explained.
But, Non-Constituency MP SylviaLim asked, what if the politician is suspected to be involved in an affair?
'That has nothing to do with national security,' she said.
'Are we erecting a firewall around politicians?'
The Workers' Party chairman also raised the possibility of 'leaks' to the politician in question, when PIs apply for approval.
Mr Wong, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, replied: 'Singaporean ministers are all open - they go to the constituencies and they attend functions and of course, people do observe.
LEGITIMATE REASON
'But if you have a specific assignment to go and case a minister, then there must be reason why you want to do that and if the reason is legitimate, there's no reason why the approval will not be given.'
Mr Wong added that the clause is to ensure 'key government people' who are 'targets of terrorists are not easily under surveillance'.
How do PIs see the new legislation? Will it make their work more difficult?
PI and former police officer Lionel de Souza said: 'I guess there's no problem when it comes to matrimonial or business matters.
'Still, in the course of investigations, the PI may enter into unchartered territory. For example, if you follow the politician to a meet-the-people session and you take photos of him and his constituents, you may be acting against public interest.'
Under the bill, approval is also needed to investigate foreign government representatives and diplomats, or if information is to be gathered or surveillance is to be done in protected areas.
Such areas include foreign diplomatic missions or consulates, government buildings, immigration checkpoints and private schools with mostly foreign students.
Mr Wong said that in the post-9/11 security environment, it is crucial to not just enhance national security, but also upgrade the professional standards in the private security industry.
'In both the Marriott and Australian Embassy bombings in Jakarta, security personnel had approached the vehicles loaded with explosives before they were driven up to the buildings,' he said.
'As a result, the suicide bombers detonated their bombs earlier than planned - before they could position their vehicles near the buildings, where the explosion would have caused many more casualties.'
Taken from Electric New Paper
http://tnp.sg/news/story/0,4136,140194,00.html?
I mean, really... what's next? And what are the chances of someone actually getting a permit? -
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next time all of us when we step out of the house we need a permit.
just in case. -
affair??? how can that happen? all good man lah. i mean....Bill Clinton was a perfect gentleman
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This is ridiculous ... The PI who applies for a permit is committing suicide because this is as good as exposing himself ...
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While Mr Wong makes some sense, I wish he has better brains.
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Sure... gov said wat ... = law liao... cant do sh!t anyway....
What's next? go toilet must get permit? -
What can the people do when a day the law has reached that level of pathetic state?Originally posted by alwaysdisturbed:next time all of us when we step out of the house we need a permit.
just in case. -
Another glorious effort at protecting their own interest - they can spy on you, but you cannot spy on them.
If you wish to spy on them, let them know in advance, so they will put on a better front for your camera - and perhaps make it more convenient for your spying effort. -
When you get permission to spy, it's no longer spying.
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True.Originally posted by ndmmxiaomayi:When you get permission to spy, it's no longer spying. -
Makes no sense, how could a law passed like that stopped any terrorists? Like they would be stupid enough to employ anyone outside of their power structure to spy on the ministers in the first place.
Wouldn't it send up red flags in any average man's mind when a guy walks into your office and pay you to spy on a particular minister? -
Don't hire a PI to spy on politicians, just DIY.
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Knowing the despicable MIWs, they will always do something to cover their asses even if they need to do foolish things they will. Every moment, every second, everyday, they are living and working to achieve their selfish motives, desires and goals at the expense of the people to the extent of being foolish and highhanded. Abuse of power and authority. WE are so oppressed by these tyrants.
Vote them out of power. -
May be they will be silly to pass a law, want to date their sons and daughters please apply for permits.Originally posted by EarlNeo:Sure... gov said wat ... = law liao... cant do sh!t anyway....
What's next? go toilet must get permit? -
This is not even covering. This is called opening up for attacks. Don't ask me what logic is that, because it isn't so direct.Originally posted by qlqq9:Knowing the despicable MIWs, they will always do something to cover their asses even if they need to do foolish things they will. Every moment, every second, everyday, they are living and working to achieve their selfish motives, desires and goals at the expense of the people to the extent of being foolish and highhanded. Abuse of power and authority. WE are so oppressed by these tyrants.
Vote them out of power. -
Isn't that going back to the class system? Must be men dang hu dui?Originally posted by qlqq9:May be they will be silly to pass a law, want to date their sons and daughters please apply for permits.
Imagine this headline in international papers: Modern Singapore is ancient in thinking -
Think should let the foreign media know about this ridiculous nuisance from them. Let the foreign media be the speakers to inform the rest of the world to let the whole world knows how stupid, self centred and highhanded the MIWs are.Originally posted by ndmmxiaomayi:This is not even covering. This is called opening up for attacks. Don't ask me what logic is that, because it isn't so direct. -
In actual truth, the widening Rich-Poor divide is giving rise to a new form of social class. Much like the aristocrats and peasant divide that existed over a hundred years ago. Things never do quite change.Originally posted by ndmmxiaomayi:Isn't that going back to the class system? Must be men dang hu dui?
Imagine this headline in international papers: Modern Singapore is ancient in thinking -
Might as well put up an ad on tv and announce who u are spying at
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Mr Wong added that the clause is to ensure 'key government people' who are 'targets of terrorists are not easily under surveillance'.
What a stupid terrorist, to engage a PI to spy.....
Or should i say : What A Stupid Justification!!!
And yet WKS is drawing a 6 figures monthly salary ending with millions yearly, is he the best among the best talented in Singapore we have? That is more scary as a thought than being a target of terrorists!!!
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Originally posted by Young@heart:
Why - I don't know. But many including myself know that he is a cousin-in-law of LHL.
What a stupid terrorist, to engage a PI to spy.....
Or should i say : [b]What A Stupid Justification!!!
And yet WKS is drawing a 6 figures monthly salary ending with millions yearly, is he the best among the best talented in Singapore we have? That is more scary as a thought than being a target of terrorists!!! [/b] -
... it kinds of defeats the purpose of spying isn't it.
let me quote an example. a wife suspects the husband is cheating on her with another woman. would she go up to him and let him know that she's going to send a spy to check it out?
of course with this warning, he will clean up his act and put on a good show already wat.
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Another first for Singapore.Originally posted by dumbdumb!:... it kinds of defeats the purpose of spying isn't it.
let me quote an example. a wife suspects the husband is cheating on her with another woman. would she go up to him and let him know that she's going to send a spy to check it out?
of course with this warning, he will clean up his act and put on a good show already wat.
Uniquely Singapore! Indeed.
We are so open and transparent that the person being spy on will know that as well.
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our politician all so old
how to affair