SINGAPORE: Singapore citizens may organise or participate in demonstrations at the Speakers' Corner without having to obtain a police permit from September 1.
The demonstrations may relate to anything except matters concerning race and religion.
Placards, banners, effigies and self-powered handheld amplification devices such as loudhailers will be allowed at the Speakers' Corner.
The Speakers' Corner will be opened 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year.
Singapore permanent residents can also participate in a demonstration, but they are required to obtain a police permit if they wish to organise the demonstration themselves or to speak at the Speakers' Corner.
Current rules, however, still apply to foreigners. They have to apply for permit if they wish to conduct or participate in any activity at the Speakers' Corner.
The Police and the National Parks Board (NParks), which will manage the site, said the Speakers' Corner will continue to be supervised with a light touch.
NParks will administer the registration for the use of Speakers' Corner, while the police will focus its role to deal with any public order concern or public complaints.
Online registration, which starts from August 30, can be made at the NParks website.
- CNA/yb