The authorities are reviewing the work and visit passes of nine Malaysians who were deemed to have "actively" participated in an illegal gathering at the Merlion Park on Wednesday, the police said yesterday.
In a media statement, the police added that their employers would be informed of the review and conditional warnings were issued to the individuals.
Apart from the nine who were warned, as many as 200 others were said to have taken part in the gathering, including MediaCorp actors Zhang Yaodong and Shaun Chen. It is understood that the police have taken statements from them and investigations are continuing.
In a media statement, the police added that their employers would be informed of the review and conditional warnings were issued to the individuals.
Apart from the nine who were warned, as many as 200 others were said to have taken part in the gathering, including MediaCorp actors Zhang Yaodong and Shaun Chen. It is understood that the police have taken statements from them and investigations are continuing.
The gathering, where participants were dressed in black and held placards, was in response to a call on social media for Malaysians around the world to show solidarity with their countrymen. It coincided with a massive rally held in Selangor organised by the opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance to protest against alleged fraud-marred election results.
With the Malaysian opposition pledging to hold more protest rallies, the Singapore police had earlier warned foreigners, including Malaysians, not to "import their domestic issues from their countries into Singapore and conduct activities which can disturb public order, as there can be groups with opposing views".
"Those who break the law will be seriously dealt with. This may include termination of their work passes and visas," the police said on Thursday, as it announced that an illegal protest planned for today at the Merlion Park had been cancelled after the authorities spoke to the organiser.
However, another protest - organised by Singaporean civil society activist Jolovan Wham - over the Malaysia election results appears set to go ahead tomorrow at the Speakers' Corner. The protest, in Mr Wham's words, was organised for Singaporeans "who would like to show support to our Malaysian friends in their call for fair elections in their country".
On a Facebook page titled Singaporeans in Solidarity with Malaysians, Wham said that "foreigners, including Malaysians" were welcome to join the protest, but "as observers only".
The Singapore authorities have taken a tough stance against foreigners running foul of the laws here while pursuing political activities.
In 2008, eight Burmese nationals reportedly failed to get their immigration passes renewed by the authorities after taking part in a gathering on Orchard Road a year earlier during the Asean Summit. The gathering then was a protest against a violent crackdown by the junta in Burma.
'We have our own laws'
David Lim, a 30-year-old Malaysian, told Singapore's Today he understood that Singapore authorities "are quite sensitive about gatherings" but felt that there should be some leeway as the participants may have been ignorant about the law.
Nevertheless, Sembawang GRC Member of Parliament Lim Wee Kiak, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs, reiterated that individuals must observe Singapore's procedures for holding demonstrations.
He also pointed out that groups could not simply choose to gather where they see fit.
"We have our own laws. Regardless of whatever cause - it can be because of animal rights or anything else - there are proper procedures they have to follow to maintain proper law and order."
Separately, responding toToday's queries, the police said that they are still investigating the case of six Malaysians who had held placards at several locations here on April 14 to urge their compatriots to return to Malaysia to vote.
- Today
"Those who break the law will be seriously dealt with. This may include termination of their work passes and visas," the police said on Thursday, as it announced that an illegal protest planned for today at the Merlion Park had been cancelled after the authorities spoke to the organiser.
However, another protest - organised by Singaporean civil society activist Jolovan Wham - over the Malaysia election results appears set to go ahead tomorrow at the Speakers' Corner. The protest, in Mr Wham's words, was organised for Singaporeans "who would like to show support to our Malaysian friends in their call for fair elections in their country".
On a Facebook page titled Singaporeans in Solidarity with Malaysians, Wham said that "foreigners, including Malaysians" were welcome to join the protest, but "as observers only".
The Singapore authorities have taken a tough stance against foreigners running foul of the laws here while pursuing political activities.
In 2008, eight Burmese nationals reportedly failed to get their immigration passes renewed by the authorities after taking part in a gathering on Orchard Road a year earlier during the Asean Summit. The gathering then was a protest against a violent crackdown by the junta in Burma.
'We have our own laws'
David Lim, a 30-year-old Malaysian, told Singapore's Today he understood that Singapore authorities "are quite sensitive about gatherings" but felt that there should be some leeway as the participants may have been ignorant about the law.
Nevertheless, Sembawang GRC Member of Parliament Lim Wee Kiak, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs, reiterated that individuals must observe Singapore's procedures for holding demonstrations.
He also pointed out that groups could not simply choose to gather where they see fit.
"We have our own laws. Regardless of whatever cause - it can be because of animal rights or anything else - there are proper procedures they have to follow to maintain proper law and order."Separately, responding toToday's queries, the police said that they are still investigating the case of six Malaysians who had held placards at several locations here on April 14 to urge their compatriots to return to Malaysia to vote.
- Today
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