DISPLAY OF SINGAPORE FLAG

Mr Simon S. C. Tay asked the Prime Minister if the Government will permit Singaporeans to display the Singapore flag at their homes if they wish, either at anytime of the year or for a longer period before and after National Day.

The Minister of State for Information and the Arts (Mr David T. E. Lim) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, as a symbol of our nation, the Singapore flag is treated with dignity and respect. To celebrate our National Day, the public can, and indeed are encouraged to fly the flag from 1st to 31st August. During this period, commercial buildings are also encouraged to display the Singapore flag. The widespread display of the flag during this period adds to the celebratory mood, and gives all Singaporeans an opportunity to express their joy in their own small way.

At other times of the year, only Government-owned and occupied buildings display the flag. Government does not encourage the Singapore flag to be flown in private homes after the National Day Celebration period, as there have been cases where the flag was used in an undignified manner.

Mr Simon Tay: Sir, given that the Government wishes to promote loyalty in Singapore and affinity in Singapore, would it not be natural to have more rules about how the flag can be displayed, and what would be constituted undignified use of the flag rather than just simply prohibit use of the flag?

Mr David Lim: Mr Speaker, Sir, there are many ways to demonstrate our loyalty to the nation. But if grassroots organisations or other organisations have occasions to feel that they want to display the Singapore flag, they can make an application to my Ministry, MITA, and we would be happy to consider the application on a case-by-base basis.

Mr Simon Tay: Sir, would the Minister of State not agree that the Singapore flag, in that sense, belongs to Singaporeans and therefore should we not be encouraging them to display the Singapore flag as part of their citizenship?

Mr David Lim: Mr Speaker, Sir, yes, we would like to encourage Singaporeans, on appropriate occasions, to fly the Singapore flag, and appropriate occasions would include our National Day celebrations, or when we go for international sports meets, especially when we win, we get to fly the flag and I think that gives a tremendous boost to the nation's pride. But, as I said, if there are occasions outside of these where Singaporeans would like to fly the flag, please put in an application and we would consider it. It is better that we have fewer rules than more rules because more rules only make it more complicated. Now, it is very straightforward. You put in on a case-by-case basis. So long as we feel that the dignity and respect of the flag can be safeguarded, I think approval can be forthcoming.

Mr Simon Tay: Sir, could I ask what the penalties are if one continues to fly the flag after 31st August, and how many people have actually been found for committing the offence?

Mr Jeyaretnam: Six of the best.

Mr David Lim: Mr Speaker, Sir, nothing so severe as that. The use of the State flag is governed by the Singapore Arms and Flags and National Anthem Rules 1960. Anyone guilty of an offence under this rule is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000. As far as I know, no one has been prosecuted to date for displaying the flag in an undignified manner.