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SINGAPORE: Culture, Community and Youth Minister and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong said on Wednesday (September 30) that there was no intention to sanction people who displayed the Singapore flag after September 30.
In a Facebook post, Tong said some concerns were raised after it was reported that people who continued to fly the Singapore flag after September 30 would be fined.
“Let me assure you: as far as I know, no one has been fined for this, nor do we plan to,” said Mr. Tong.
According to various reports, residents were at risk of being fined up to S $ 1,000 under the Singapore Arms, Flag and National Anthem Act (SAFNA) if they displayed the Singapore flag after September 30.
However, Mr. Tong said that action will be taken in cases of deliberate disrespect against the Singapore flag in any way, adding that the rules are intended to “safeguard the dignity” of the flag.
“There is no reason to ‘punish’ those who treat you with respect and dignity, and take pride in displaying the spirit of Singapore. Patriotism is not just a right, it is simply a right,” he said.
The SAFNA Act, which governs the use of the national flag, has been in effect since 1959, Mr. Tong said.
The legislation was amended in 2007 to allow people to display the flags from their homes from July 1 to September 30.
READ: Singapore flag can now be displayed until September as ‘show of unity, solidarity’ during COVID-19 outbreak: MCCY
Following public comment earlier this year, a one-time extension was made to allow people to display the April 25 flags as a “unifying symbol” against COVID-19.
Mr. Tong said that MCCY has already initiated a SAFNA review to look at a number of issues, including allowing more occasions for the national flag to be displayed, while protecting its dignity from “prolonged displays or neglect.”
Mr. Tong also invited Singaporeans to share their ideas on how the flag can be used to express national pride and identity. You can submit your ideas at https://go.gov.sg/singaporeflag.
“There are few places as moving and revealing of our national pride and solidarity as the display of the Singapore flag outside our homes. It is an expression of love and a symbol of our national values,” said Mr. Tong.
