False arrest and freedom of speech in singapore?

Question

I am inquiring from anyone familiar with the law or better still, Singapore law, my rights against false arrest by a)civilian (shop employees, security guards, shop detectives) b) law enforcement officer, assuming i have not commited any felony.

Also, i want to know my extent of freedom in speech and how the line is drawn, and what speech/words would be deemed unlawful and could result in legal charges against me

Answer 1

I am unsure of the first part of your question but there is no Freedom of Speech in Singapore. It is seditious to speak badly about the government, the leading People Party, the president or the Prime minister.
One person has been held in prison, under the "Internal Security Act", since 1956 and he has not been charged or found guilty of any offence. There are others held similarly, but for shorter periods.

Answer 2

You are in Singapore. You are subject to the laws of Singapore. And as we have seen in the past, they can be quite unreasonable by our standards, and show very little tolerance for foreigners. The best thing to do is try to get a lawyer there or through some other channels and keep your mouth SHUT.

Answer 3

Generally in Singapore you should refrain from making public statements that are critical of the government, vulgar or offensive, or that might incite religious or racial hatred.

There is (used to be?) a Speaker's Corner, but you needed to get a permit from the police before you could use it. Public speaking in any form, without one of these permits will expose you to arrest and possible charges.

Answer 4

I think the key difference is whether the remarks are made against an individual, a person or against a religion or religious organization. Making insulting, defamatory remarks against a person could be considered slander in court. Slander is a legal term applied to individuals (*). In a free society, that individual can go to court to defend his/her rights against slander. Fortunately, in a free society with freedom of speech like ours, I am also allowed to say anything I want about any topic, including religions and religious organizations. I personally believe that religions, religious organizations and religious fanatics suck. It's a slippery slope towards oppression when a group of people, specially theocracies, communist states and your average dictator and their cronies, take away your right to make remarks about certain topics (take your pick).

Answer 5

I loved Singapore when i was there. It is a wonderful place to visit. Just the same please understand that it is a plutocracy. Being a sovereign nation they have no need to conform to US norms of behavior or law. Spitting on the sidewalk is illegal there, as is chewing gum (DO NOT take any there, it will be confiscated). And in general punishments for very minor violations there are dealt with severely. Remember that teen that got "caned"? Before you go there please visit a Singapore Consulate and ask them, preferably electronically.

http://www.mfa.gov.sg/newyork-consul/

Answer 6

Singapore is very different from the USA. I don't even think you have a right to speak freely or be protected from false arrest.

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

Call the Consulate General if there now or contact the US Dept. of State here.