Chee calls laws 'abuse of power'

Chee calls laws 'abuse of power'

SINGAPORE (AFP): A Singapore opposition leader accused the ruling party on Monday of abusing power as he took the stand to defend himself against a second charge of giving an illegal public speech.

The trial of Chee Soon Juan, secretary-general of the tiny Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), resumed with Chee claiming a system requiring permits to be issued for talks in public places was a means for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) to maintain control.

His case is seen as a deliberate attempt to test the limits of public discussion in the tightly ruled city state.

Chee, a 36-year-old neuro-psychologist, was earlier convicted of a similar charge and served a week in prison after refusing to pay a fine of S$1,400 (US$828). He said he was prepared to go to jail again.

Chee reiterated on Monday that he and his party had repeatedly applied for permits to speak in public places only to be told by officials "on more than one occasion" that the requests "will not be granted".