Image credits - CNA
Protests, while often initiated with sincere intentions, can be overtaken by individuals with violent agendas, placing law enforcement in a challenging and precarious situation, according to Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam. Speaking at the Singapore Police Force Scholarship and Ministry of Home Affairs Scholarships Award Ceremony on August 16, Mr. Shanmugam emphasized the difficulties police face in managing large-scale demonstrations where a minority may seek to incite disorder.
Mr. Shanmugam highlighted that protests, despite starting with idealistic goals, can quickly devolve into chaos if not properly managed. He provided a recent example from the United Kingdom, where anti-immigrant riots erupted following a tragic knife attack. Misinformation about the suspect’s identity—spread online before official confirmation—fuelled widespread unrest. This unrest was exacerbated by far-right agitators leveraging the tragedy to advance their anti-immigration and anti-Muslim agendas.
According to Mr. Shanmugam, when protests are hijacked by those intent on causing violence, law enforcement agencies face an “impossible position.” In such cases, police actions aimed at controlling the situation can be misinterpreted, and they can be unfairly targeted as the aggressors. This dynamic complicates the task of maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of all participants.
Singapore’s approach to managing public order is designed to prevent such scenarios from occurring. Mr. Shanmugam stressed that Singapore’s legal framework acts as a protective “shield” to prevent lawlessness and violence, differentiating the city-state from other places experiencing similar unrest. He also emphasized that Singapore’s approach is not just about enforcing laws but about fostering a strong foundation of public trust and support in its law enforcement agencies.
A recent survey revealed that 92% of Singaporeans trust the Home Team, and 93% have confidence in its ability to maintain safety and security. This high level of public trust is seen as crucial in enabling effective law enforcement and ensuring that the legal framework can function as intended.
Mr. Shanmugam concluded his speech by addressing the scholarship recipients, underscoring the importance of their roles in maintaining Singapore’s safety and stability. He emphasized that the nation’s approach to handling protests and public order challenges is designed to prevent the kind of violence seen in other parts of the world and to ensure a secure and harmonious environment for all Singaporeans.