SINGAPORE: Opposition member J B Jeyaretnam called a news conference on Thursday to protest that his application to hold a march from the Padang to Speaker's Corner against the proposed casino has been turned down.
He said the refusal to grant the permit shows that contrary to many ministerial statements, the government is not ready to listen to citizens who stand up and speak out.
He alleged that there has been no discussion with the citizens on the issue.
Mr Jeyaretnam had hoped to amass a crowd of a few thousand people on the 17th of April and has been contacting religious groups.
The Police told Channel NewsAsia the application was rejected as the event would have been an outdoor demonstration march and could give rise to public disorder and breaches of the peace.
The Police wanted to remind the public that it is an offence to take part in an assembly or procession which does not have a permit.
It added there are already various avenues where Singaporeans can make their views known, such as Speakers' Corner and indoor public talks. - CNA