S Iswaran: Bill to maintain public order in Little India - 18Feb2014

• Report rights infringement
• published: 18 Feb 2014
• views: 948

SINGAPORE: Second Home Affairs Minister S Iswaran has said the scope of police powers under a proposed new Bill aimed at allowing authorities to continue with measures to maintain public order in Little India is far more limited than the extensive powers under existing laws. Current restrictions in Little India, in the wake of the December 8 riot, come under a provision under the Public Order (Preservation) Act (POPA). But this law, said Mr Iswaran, was conceived to deal with far graver situations. It comes with broad and extensive police powers -- many of which, he said, are excessive and unneccesary for the purpose of maintaining public order in Little India. Mr Iswaran said: "With each proclamation, which has been the case for every weekend and public holiday since the riot, the entire suite of powers under PO(P)A becomes available to the police. "While some of these powers are needed to maintain public order in Little India today, many others are excessive and unnecessary for this purpose. "These include the power to implement curfews, impose reporting requirements on persons, discontinue telephone services, take control of any movable or immovable property and, if necessary, authorise lethal force to overcome resistance during arrest." The new Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Bill will be limited in geography, duration and scope. A section of Little India will be termed a "Special Zone", with some restrictions there. They include a general prohibition against the sale, supply, and consumption of alcohol. Police will also be allowed to search or interview anyone who enters the zone. Addressing concerns over these measures in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Iswaran said police have well-established protocols to ensure that such checks and interviews are conducted "purposefully, responsibly, and professionally". He added that the power to search a property and detain a person without warrant is also "not unfettered". He said: "Only a police officer at least of the rank of sergeant can exercise these powers, and do so acting upon reasonable suspicion that an offence has been, is being, or is likely to be committed." Mr Iswaran said the more focused powers have proven to be "necessary and effective in policing large crowds and ensuring public order". He added that the measures are similar to those at special events, and will be similarly useful in the context of the special zone in Little India. On alcohol-related measures, Mr Iswaran said no new liquor licences or extension of trading hours for existing licences will be granted for establishments in the special zone until the Home Affairs Ministry concludes its review of the liquor licensing regime. Possession of or bringing of alcohol into the special zone is not an offence. But those who illegally consume alcohol in a public place within the special zone could be fined up to S$1,000. And businesses which illegally sell alcohol within the special zone face a fine of up to S$5,000. The proposed bill is temporary, and will be in place for 12 months until authorities decide on longer-term measures after taking into account the findings and recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry on the Little India riot, as well as the review of the liquor licensing regime. Mr Iswaran said: "In the measures that we have taken, and in setting out this temporary legislation, we have endeavoured to balance the considerations of various stakeholders -- residents, business owners, and visitors -- while maintaining order and preventing a similar incident. "Notwithstanding the diverse interests and perspective within each of stakeholders, we have been encouraged and gratified by the understanding and support of business associations, grassroots leaders and residents in the area. "We will continue to work closely with key stakeholders even as we develop longer-term solutions." Parliament has passed the Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Bill. www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bill-to-maintain-public/1002136.html