[ad_1]
SINGAPORE – No one has ever been fined for flying the national flag beyond the time period allowed by the Singapore Arms and Flag Act and the National Anthem (Safna), and the authorities do not plan to start doing so.
This was revealed by Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong in a Facebook post on Wednesday (September 30).
“Let me assure you: as far as I know, no one has been fined for this, nor do we plan to,” he wrote, referring to concerns over recent media reports of a possible fine for those who continue to display the flag after 30 December. September.
“But in cases of deliberate disrespect for the flag in any way, we will of course take action,” said Mr. Tong, who is also Second Minister of Law.
He added that the law, which stipulates a fine of up to $ 1,000 for violators, is 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.
On Sunday, The Straits Times reported that those who continue to display the national flag after Wednesday will risk being fined up to $ 1,000 under the Safna Act.
Each year, the flag can be displayed outside a building or in an open space without a flagpole between July 1 and September 30.
Earlier this year, the deadline was extended to allow the flag to be displayed in such a way from April 25 to September 30, as a symbol of reunion during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Tong said his ministry had started a review of Safna’s rules before the recent report.
The amendments may allow more occasions for the flag to be displayed, while protecting it from prolonged displays or neglect.
He called on members of the public to share their suggestions here.
[ad_2]
