Opposition duo to dispute public speech law at trial

But the leaders of the small Singapore Democratic Party, which has no members in parliament, said they would testify to challenge a law they consider an unconstitutional restriction on freedom of speech.

The case was adjourned until February 22.

Party leader Chee Soon Juan is charged in connection with a speech to a crowd of 600 people last month in which he read out parts of the Singapore constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech and assembly.

Freed from a seven-day prison term on Monday for a similar speech in December, Chee has said he will go to jail again rather than pay a fine.

However, he said he was concerned about the delay in the trial because his wife may give birth to their first child when he is in prison.

Wong Hong Toy, the party's assistant secretary general, is charged with abetting Chee in violating the Public Entertainments Act by adjusting the loudspeaker and microphone.

The prosecution, arguing that the politicians' reasons for disobeying the law are irrelevant, called a string of police witnesses to testify that they saw Chee speak and that Wong helped him.

Wong "seemed to be trying to ensure that Dr Chee's speech could be heard by everybody", police officer Devi Rajam testified.

"He was holding on to the speaker and at times he would be adjusting the knob," he said.

The ruling People's Action Party maintains tight controls on speech, assembly and the media. It says the restrictions are necessary to avoid unrest.

The maximum fine for the offence is S$5000 and could bring a five-year ban on running for office.

Published in the South China Morning Post. Feb 11, 1999