<Credit: Han Hui Hui>
I’ve been banned for more than 27 months, from public speaking at Singapore’s only legal venue available – Hong Lim Park speakers’ corner.
On 16 Nov 2016 (see nparks’ email below), nparks emailed that I was not approved to utilise Hong Lim Park.
According to the law, a Singaporean only needs to notify nparks of the usage of Hong Lim Park.
However, nparks sent me an email to deter me from the usage of Hong Lim Park (see attached).
The violation of human rights in Singapore by the government is such that:
“NParks may approve or reject an Application or revoke any approval without giving any reasons”
On 16 Dec 2016 (see nparks’ email below), I did not apply to use Speakers’ Corner on 4 Feb 2017.
I notified nparks that I will be using Hong Lim Park on 25 Feb 2017.
On 19 and 21 Dec 2016 (see nparks’ email below), I did not apply to use Speakers’ Corner on 11 Mar 2017.
On 19 Dec, I notified that I will be using Hong Lim Park on 18 Mar 2017.
As there was no positive response, on 21 Dec, I notified that I will be using Hong Lim Park on 25 Mar 2017.
Similarly, on 21 and 22 Dec 2016 (see nparks’ email below), I did not apply to use Speakers’ Corner on 8 Apr 2017.
On 21 Dec, I notified that I will be using Hong Lim Park on 15 Apr 2017.
As there was no positive response, on 22 Dec, I notified that I will be using Hong Lim Park on 22 Apr 2017.
What was the purpose of getting the dates mixed up for three consecutive months?
All other Singaporeans have an immediate reply saying that they can utilise Hong Lim Park (as attached).
I am the only Singaporean who will first receive an email denying my rights to freedom of expression and public assembly, then receive an email asking me to wait.
There will be no response as the government is known for using delay tactics.
It is always after I’ve contacted international human rights organisations and overseas media, that finally the government will respond but with a wrong date.
References:
https://spdb.ohchr.org/hrdb/31st/public_-_AL_Singapore_30.10.15_(2.2015).pdf
https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/ASA3643422016ENGLISH.pdf
https://www.fidh.org/en/region/asia/singapore/drop-charges-against-three...
https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2016/country-chapters/singapore
https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/profile/han-hui-hui
Han Hui Hui
A.S.S. Contributor
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