Martyn See was questioned by police for the second time last Friday about his movie "Singapore Rebel" and asked to surrender his video camera and the six existing tapes used as part of the documentary's production, he told AFP.

"Their reasoning is that the movie is deemed by MDA (Media Development Authority) to be a party political film," said See, 36.

"I do not think that it is, though," he said.

See said the police had not given any indication if charges will be filed against him and he planned to comply with the order to surrender the six mini-DV tapes on Monday -- but not his video camera.

"I have an issue about the (video) camera so I have asked the lawyer to formally request that the camera be inspected on the spot and returned to me," See said.

"I need the camera for my work... I fail to see why the camera should be confiscated," he said.

Singapore has often been criticised by human rights groups for maintaining strict political controls despite its rapid modernisation since becoming a republic 40 years ago this month.

The MDA classified See's documentary about opposition politician Chee Soon Juan of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) as having violated the Films Act because of its political content, an accusation that the film maker rejects.

If convicted, See could be jailed for up to two years or fined up to S$100,000 (US$60,000).

"It is not a party political film in the sense that I did not make it on behalf of anybody but myself, and it does not contain any mention of SDP," See said.

The documentary was to further his understanding of the plight of opposition politicians, said See, who does not see himself as a political activist.

"I wanted to find out through Chee Soon Juan's experience why the Singapore opposition is marginalised.

"I consider myself a video documentalist of social and political issues," he said.

Chee, the most vocal opposition politician in Singapore, is facing bankruptcy after the High Court ordered him to pay S$500,000 (US$300,000) for defaming the city-state's two former premiers, Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong.

Singapore has been ruled by the People's Action Party of founding father Lee since independence. His son Lee Hsien Loong promised to loosen political restrictions after taking over as prime minister a year ago from Goh Chok Tong.


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