Police warn foreigners over political activities in Singapore

The Singapore Police Force issued a warning to foreign activists in Singapore Tuesday as it investigates several Malaysians for carrying placards in Tampines urging compatriots to return to their homeland to vote in the upcoming general elections there.

In a post on their Facebook page on Tuesday, the police said that while investigations are ongoing, it would like to remind the public that conducting activities such as carrying placards in a public space is illegal in Singapore if done without a police permit.

“Foreigners should also refrain from importing their domestic political activities into Singapore,” they said.

The police highlighted information under the Public Order Act which states that a police permit is required “to hold any public assembly or conduct any public procession”.

It is needed if the event is “to demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions of any person, group of persons or any government” or “to publicise a cause or campaign” or “to mark or commemorate any event”.

Two groups of Malaysians – one in Bugis and another in Tampines – gathered together Sunday morning and called for other Malaysians to return to their country and vote for the general elections that will be held on 5 May this year,  Malaysiakini reported.

The demonstrators were associated with a campaign called ‘Jom Balik Undi’ which means “Return to Vote”, created by Malaysians from outside of the country who “still call Malaysia home” and “want to fly home to vote”.

The police are currently investigating six Malaysians who were involved in the gathering in Tampines near the Tampines Central.