Speakers’ Corner Established at Hong Lim Park on 1 September 2000, Speakers’ Corner is a place where citizens may speak their minds to the public without applying for permits, which would otherwise be required by the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act.

The need to liberalize the rules on public speaking was raised by opposition politician Chee Soon Juan, who challenged the law by speaking in public without a permit in 1998 and 1999. Commentators asked whether Singapore should have its own version of London’s Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park. The government initially resisted the idea, but later decided to introduce Singapore’s own Speakers’ Corner.

Under the Public Entertainments and Meetings (Speakers’ Corner) (Exemption) Order, speakers using the site are free from discretionary licensing, but must register at a police station. Speakers must be Singapore citizens. Religious matters are off- limits. Also not allowed are sound- amplification devices, banners and placards. Speakers receive no immunity from other laws limiting free speech, such as those relating to defamation and contempt of court.

Although used occasionally by individuals and organizations— notably the political reform group, Think Centre— Speakers’ Corner has had little impact on political debate.

Photo credit: National Archives of Singapore/ Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts collection