Yes folks. Singapore has a corner where you can "speak freely". Not Quite. Make damn sure you check the rules on this one very carefully as the fines for breaching the rules are very hefty and can include some jail time. If you are a expat or foreigner you are definitely excluded from using this facility.
Speakers Corner Singapore was launched on 1 September 2000 in Hong Lim Park as a "Free Speech Area" where speaking events could be held without the need to apply for a licence under the Public Entertainment and Meetings Act. It is based on the original and most noted Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London which I did visit during on of my trips there.
Before you start blabbering your mouth of here are some basic "Guidelines". Speakers and organisers must be Singaporean Citizens. You must register your intention before the event but conveniently you can do it online. Speeches must be in one of the four official languages, English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. The rest of the rules are extensive so once again please make sure you know them.
An interesting fact I learnt in my research is that the Singapore political model is described as a representative democracy. Singaporeans have constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly under Articles 14 (1)(a) and (b) of the constitution of the Republic of Singapore. All non citizens enjoy only common law free speech.
After reading the extensive rules personally my advise to you is to take a stroll through the park , enjoy the nature and keep you mouth shut.
Other countries who has Speakers Corners include Australia, Britain, Malaysia, Netherlands, Canada, Trinidad, Tobago and Thailand.
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