志异 Draft by Drama box December 2014 (english) | Page 46

nationalistic sentiments, compromising the individual’s rights
to free will – the right to agree or disagree, as well as the ability
to make independent judgments. This line of argument may not
be uncommon but considering the poignancy and tension in
Singapore, one’s rights to speak and be involved is dependent on
his or her status.

Restricted Freedom
Past experiences on demonstrations in show of solidarity with
Malaysia and Hong Kong included reminders from organisers
that only Singapore citizens and permanent residents were
allowed to speak or participate while foreigners could only
take on the role of ‘onlookers’. For example, amidst the crowd
which turned up for ‘Singapore in Solidarity with Hong Kong’
on 1 October 2014, a few Hong Kong students were taken away
for questioning under the Public Order Act after the event. The
police also took the chance to reiterate that foreigners who are in
Singapore to study or work should not break the law. Participants
were also reminded of the conditions of the demonstration: no
placards, banners or posters bearing ideologies, no chanting of
slogans, etc. However, there is no clear definition of an ‘onlooker’.
Are onlookers allowed to hold candles during the vigil? Are they
allowed to sing along? Or are they only allowed to hang around in
silence?

Special Feature