SINGAPORE: New societies that would have been automatically registered could have their applications rejected if they are deemed to threaten Singapore's security, under a new proposed Bill.
Currently, new societies are registered through two routes – the normal route for"specified" societies listed in the Schedule of the Societies Act, and the automatic route for"non-specified" societies. Specified societies include political associations and societies to promote or discuss issues relating to religion, any ethnic group, language, nationality, and civil and political rights.
Over the last five years, about 280 registration applications a year were submitted to the registrar, with roughly equal numbers being submitted through the normal and automatic routes. An average of five applications were rejected each year.Explaining the proposed changes to the automatic registration route, MHA said there could be non-specified societies that pose a threat and should not be registered.
"To avoid being questioned, this group tries to set up a society with an innocuous aim, such as a history interest group. Such an application could then be submitted via the automatic route, which currently, will be approved immediately," said MHA.