“Foreigners who are visiting, working or living in Singapore should not use the country as a platform to further their political causes,” said Singapore Police while issuing an advisory on its Facebook page today.
“Foreigners must abide by our laws. Public assemblies in Singapore are regulated under the Public Order Act, and organising or participating in a public assembly without a Police permit is illegal,” it added.
The advisory of the Singapore Police was issued in view of the upcoming general election in Malaysia. It said, “The Singapore Police Force is aware of calls encouraging overseas Malaysians to support political activities in relation to the upcoming general election in Malaysia, including by Global Bersih.”
Notably, Global Bersih is the international network and international advocacy arm of Bersih 2.0, a coalition of almost a hundred Malaysian non-government organisations.
“The Police will not grant any permit for assemblies organised by or involving non-Singaporeans for the purpose of political or election campaigning,” said Singapore Police urging foreigners to desist from participating in political or election campaigning.
“The Police will take action against any person who organises or participates in an unlawful public assembly. Those who break the law will be dealt with firmly, and this may include termination of visas or work passes, where applicable,” it added.