The Singapore Police Force (SPF) today warned all resident foreigners against using their host country as a “platform to further their political causes.”
In a post to their Facebook page, the SPF told followers that it was aware of groups calling on overseas Malaysians to push for transparency and fairness in the upcoming General Election, singling out Geneva-based NGO Global Bersih as a particular offender.
Some Malaysians who live abroad have at times voiced their opposition to the sitting government, including state visits by Prime Minister Najib Razak to Australia, as well as holding rallies to run in concurrence with anti-corruption Bersih 2.0 protests held annually in Malaysia.
While this may fly in Sydney, Singapore wants all of us to know to leave our politics at the Causeway.
Citing the Public Order Act, police reiterated a zero-tolerance policy on foreigners seeking permits for political demonstrations. All public assemblies in Singapore require a permit.
SPF officials also made it clear that they would take swift action against anyone who organizes, or participates in, an unlawful public assembly, which includes terminating visas and work passes.
At least 400,000 Malaysians live and work in Singapore, as per a 2012 census.
