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".