SINGAPORE — Several participants of a peaceful protest at Hong Lim Park last Sunday — held to show solidarity with the upcoming Bersih 5.0 rally in Malaysia — are assisting with police investigations into offences regarding the display of the Singapore and Malaysia state flags.

In response to queries, a police spokesperson said there have been no arrests so far but added that they are unable to comment further, citing ongoing investigations.

The event was organised by civil activist Jolovan Wham and non-governmental organisation Community Action Network, but was attended by some members of civil activist group Function 8.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page yesterday, Function 8 said there were 15 participants at most, and claimed that some of them were “intimidated” and “harassed” by the police.

Participants and organisers were ordered to go to the Kreta Ayer Police Post when the event ended, where they were “questioned at length” by police officers, who also seized their Singapore flag and mat, said Function 8. “Function 8 deplores the intimidation and harassment of citizens,” the group added.

To be held in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, Bersih 5.0 is a mass demonstration to pressure Malaysian authorities for greater accountability in light of the scandal surrounding state investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

Function 8 member Tan Tee Seng, 58, who participated in the event but left early, said he was questioned by four policemen who showed up at his flat at around 8.30pm that night.

“I was questioned for possibly breaking the law for displaying a foreign (Malaysian) flag,” said Mr Tan.

During the 30-minute event, he observed what he believed were plainclothes officers taking pictures throughout.

The unlawful display of any national emblem is punishable with up to a S$500 fine or jail not longer than six months, or both. KELLY NG