Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Whether the Penalty for Illegal Displays of Foreign National Emblems by Individuals Will Be Increased

Question:

Mr Leong Mun Wai: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether the Government will consider amending the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 to increase the current penalty of $500 for the illegal display of foreign national emblems by an individual to be in line with penalties for disrespectful use of Singapore's national symbols or that for defacing a national monument.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.   Under the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, the penalty for the illegal display of foreign national emblems by an individual is a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

2.   The penalty is assessed to be sufficient for now, and there are currently no plans to increase it.