Response to Appeal Outcome

SFD Media Release
9 Dec 2010

Response to Appeal Outcome

We refer to the letter from Wai Cheng Theng (9 Dec 2010) on behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs stating our appeal for a permit to March on International Human Rights Day cannnot be acceded to.

A blanket reason - that political and cause-related street processions/marches pose a higher security risk - is unsatisfactory if the risk assessment is not made known to the applicant.

SFD would like to know what is the nature of the security risk assessment, how it was done and who are the personnel involved. This information is important in order for us to re-design our March and to apply successfully for another permit.

SFD will be submitting a fresh application to organise another march with different specifications to ensure it  attracts a lower security risk premium.

Dr. James Gomez
Executive Director
Singaporeans For Democracy

Letter from MHA

APPEAL AGAINST REJECTION OF POLICE PERMIT TO HOLD A “MARCH FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DAY” BY SINGAPOREANS FOR DEMOCRACY ON 10 TH DEC 2010

I refer to your appeal dated 7th Dec 2010.

2. The Minister for Home Affairs has considered your appeal. In the Police’s security assessment, political or cause-related street processions and marches pose a higher risk of law and order problems. In view of this, Police have rejected your permit application to organise such a procession/march along public roads from Speakers’ Corner to Parliament House. We regret that we are unable to accede to your appeal.

3. You may wish to consider holding your event including your march within the confines of Speakers’ Corner instead. Please note that the Minister’s decision is final.

WAI CHENG THENG
for PERMANENT SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

cc.

Tay Yong Mong
Head Operations and Training
Central Police Division

Raymond Sim Kok Wei
OC Compliance Management Unit
Central Police Division