In a faxed letter dated 18th April 2001, the Licensing Division of the Singapore Police Force has approved Think Centre's application for a Public Entertainment License for the "Save JBJ" rally to be held on 28th April 2001 at Yio Chu Kang Stadium. But with conditions.
Just 10 days to go for the rally, ASP Gan Ah Lek, the Assistant Director Operations (Licensing), laid down the conditions under which the rally is to be held.
On the Centre's question whether a permit is needed to sell books, stickers and t-shirts at the rally the reply was that "Properly, this is an issue which you should refer to your legal advisers, not this office." After obtaining legal advice on this matter, the Centre has decided to apply for the permit from the Hawkers' Department at the Ministry of Environment.
On the question of banners which will be placed within the stadium ASP Gan has written that "If these banners are to be affixed, you are required to make an application to the Licensing Section, Building Control Division of the Ministry of National Development."
The matter of maintaining law and order, according to Annex A which was attached to the main letter, is to be placed under "13 CISCO officers…" for which the organizers have to pay for. In addition to this "18 private marshals…to be stationed at various locations.." We have written in to the CISCO for a quotation.
We are also in the process of writing to the Singapore Sports Council that given the numerous conditions and the resulting administrative delays for these permits we would require a fall-back date of 12th May for the rally.
Up to date, the whole licensing procedure has been inefficient and cumbersome. Much of the delay and reapplication could have been avoided if the license applicants were advised of the necessary permits at the point of application.
We note that this afternoon following the fax from the Police when we tried to access the Building and Construction Authority's website www.bca.gov.sg for more information on Advertising Licensing for the banners the said website showed a system error!
That in a nutshell is the kind of inefficiency the organizing committee has faced at the different licensing applications points in trying put together this rally.
The Police have been quick to point out where one can run foul of the law but they have not been efficient in processing the licensing regime surrounding political rallies and public meetings.
Licensing Division
5 Pearl's Hill Road
Singapore 168996
Tel: 437 4502
Fax: 324 6065
Mr Jacob George
Public Affairs Manager
Think Centre
APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENCE BY THINK CENTRE TO HOLD A PUBLIC RALLY AT YIO CHU KANG STADIUM ON 28 APRIL 01 FROM 5.00PM TO 10.00PM
Please refer to your application for the above.
2. I am pleased to inform you that your application is approved subject to the conditions set out in the attached Annex "A".
3. In your application, you have asked for my advice whether a permit is needed to sell books, stickers and t-shirts at the rally. Properly, this is an issue which you should refer to your legal advisers, not this office. You must ensure that everything is done in compliance with the law.
4. You should note however, that there cannot be any appeal to the public for funds unless you possess the requisite licence under the House to House and Street Collections Act.
5. In your application, you also mentioned that you will be putting up banners at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium. If these banners are to be affixed, you are required to make an application to the Licensing Section, Building Control Division of the Ministry of National Development.
6. You can call at this office, during office hours, to obtain a licence for the rally. A licence fee of $10/- is payable.
Yours sincerely
GAN AH LEK
ASST DIRECTOR OPERATIONS (LICENSING)
LICENSING DIVISION
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
Annex A –
Licensing Condition 12 states: "Thirteen CISCO officers, comprising 1 Assistant Superintendent, 6 Sergeants and 6 Corporals, shall be engaged to maintain law and order from 4.30pm to 10.30pm on 28 Apr 01 at Yio Chu Kang Stadium. The engagement of the CISCO officers shall be paid for by the organizers. If in the opinion of these officers, a breach of the peace is likely to occur, and they order the proceedings to be terminated, the licence holder shall immediately declare the end of the proceedings and ensure that those attending leave quietly and peacefully. In addition to the engagement of the CISCO officers, the licence holder shall deploy a minimum of 18 private marshals, at his own cost, to be stationed at various locations of the event."
