Police advisory reminds Pink Dot attendees to ‘keep the peace’

SINGAPORE — The police yesterday reminded those attending tomorrow’s Pink Dot gathering to “keep the peace” and reiterated that the organisers are responsible for ensuring the activities do not contravene regulations governing the use of the Speakers’ Corner.

The advisory was issued in response to media queries and came after it was reported that the organisers will be deploying security personnel for the first time to help with crowd control and manage any unruly behaviour, in light of public opposition from some groups in recent weeks.

The police reiterated that the Speakers’ Corner is a designated outdoor area for Singapore citizens to use for any assembly or public speech without the need for a police permit, as long as the topics do not relate to race or religion.

A spokesman for the Pink Dot organising committee said the organisers welcomed the police advisory. “Over the past five years, we have endeavoured to stay within the law and acceded to the rules and regulations of the Speakers’ Corner without incident. This year’s event will be no different,” he said.

He said the organisers have taken all measures to “ensure a good event experience” for participants and community partners. Besides security personnel, more than 100 volunteers will be deployed to manage crowds and keep the park clean. First-aid teams and doctors will also be on standby.

Since the inaugural Pink Dot in 2009, which attracted 2,500 participants, attendance at the event has increased significantly each year, reaching 21,000 last year. The organisers said they are aiming to repeat last year’s turnout.

The spokesman said: “We are particularly mindful of park rules and regulations related to the issues of race and religion, and as a secular event that embraces all Singaporeans we continue to urge ... all parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and engage one another in peaceful, constructive dialogue.”

Earlier this month, an Islamic religious teacher, Mr Noor Deros, 28, started a campaign calling on Muslims to wear white tomorrow to protest against homosexuality.

Faith Community Baptist Church (FCBC) senior pastor Lawrence Khong voiced his support for the campaign and said it was time for the church and like-minded groups, such as Muslims, to oppose Pink Dot “before it is too late”.

The organisers behind the Wear White campaign could not be reached for comments. An FCBC spokesman said there are “absolutely no plans” for their members to turn up at the Speakers’ Corner tomorrow.

Nevertheless, he reiterated that the church has asked its congregation to dress in white this weekend, especially for a worship service at Suntec Convention Centre on Sunday to make “a statement”, as the church put it on its website.