Politics
Concerns raised over Ng Kok Song’s potential violation of Public Entertainments Act amid campaign trail
While Presidential candidate Ng Kok Song’s rendition of the renowned Chinese song “The Moon Represents My Heart” captured the hearts of many, concerns have been raised that his public singing could potentially violate the Public Entertainments Act, which requires a license for public performances.
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SINGAPORE: In a video clip that circulated on social media, Presidential candidate Ng Kok Song was captured singing the famous Chinese song “The Moon Represents My Heart (月亮代表我的心).”
The 2.05-minute video was shared on TikTok by user @aliali_sg, showcasing the 75-year-old candidate singing along with a guitarist at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre.
The crowd recorded the moment as Ng Kok Song sang the Chinese song fluently.
The conclusion of the song was met with a round of applause from the audience.
@aliali_sg Presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song in action! #yueliangdaibiaowodexin #ngkoksong2023 #teresateng #themoonrepresentsmyheart #sgpresidentialelection2023
During a recent event, Mr Ng shared with his audiences that one of the deepest regrets in his life is his lack of fluency in both spoken and written Chinese.
The former GIC Chief Investment Officer studied in the English stream in school. However, Mr Ng said his “heart is Chinese”, and added that “the way I think, I cannot express it fluently.”
When questioned about his efforts to learn Chinese, Mr Ng revealed that he immerses himself in Mandarin songs, particularly focusing on “The Moon Represents My Heart.”
Although strangely enough, when he was asked to say the reasons of why people should vote for him in Mandarin, Mr Ng bluntly said, “No.”
Possible violation of the Public Entertainments Act raises concerns
While praises were made towards Mr Ng for his singing of the famous song, concerns have been raised that his public singing could potentially violate the Public Entertainments Act, which requires a license for public performances.
Bryan Lim Boon Heng, Vice-Chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), expressed his “surprise” on Friday (25 Aug) via Facebook, questioning why the Elections Department and Singapore Police Force did not address this matter.
He highlighted a noticeable contrast from the past when SDP was cautioned by on-site police multiple times against singing the National Anthem or the party song “I Will Be The One” during their rallies due to the absence of a Public Entertainment License.
“Mr Ng cannot feign ignorance if he is bidding to hold the highest office of this land. ”
Mr Lim emphasized that no individual should be exempt from the law and raised the point that there shouldn’t be a situation of “one country, two systems” within a democracy.
PEL mandatory for most events, with certain exemptions
Under the Public Entertainments Act (PEA), unless granted an exemption, any organization intending to offer public entertainment in any publicly accessible location, regardless of whether it is free or involves charges, must adhere to the following requirements:
- Conduct the event in a venue approved by the police.
- Comply with a valid Public Entertainment License (PEL) issued by the police.
Engaging in or assisting with the provision of public entertainment without a PEL is an offence punishable by a fine of up to $20,000 upon conviction.
However, a licence is not required for the listed public entertainment or arts entertainment activities provided the organiser adheres to the exemption conditions.
For instance, events like “sing-song” (getai) and classical instrumental music performances are exempted if they meet conditions such as limited hours of operation, appropriate use of loudspeakers, avoidance of vulgar or obscene content, and notification to the police at least 7 days before the event.
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(extremely sickeninNG)
lyiNG/
bullshittiNG/
wayangiNG/
play-actiNG/
kelongiNG/
cookie jar-dippiNG/
reserves-raidiNG/
funds-grabbiNG/
most-aged, shameless m camwhoriNG/
boss-suckeriNG aka balls-suckiNG
tok KOK
sing SONG
One country two systems?
NKS may be showing onset of dementia or becoming a old fool.
What do you think?
He and Tharman share a common thing.
Both are Yes men.
Sorry its a No! No! for both of you
He think his name got a ‘Song’ and he sings song he can win votes ah?
He even told voters who have yet to go to the polls and who booed him, to “GET OUT OF HIS UNCARING ELITE FACE!”
Guess this old fxxker had taken too much Viagra and this has affected his brain!
In any case, the forty over grand he is about to lose as deposit, surely can buy him…ALOT OF VIAGRA!😆😆😆😆🤣🤣🤣🤣
Dirty old man serenading to his sweet young object $ybil
Pappy’s play book will not be applied to their own kind.So don’t expect any action to be taken.Let’s move on😴😴😴😴🤐
Hello! Please don’t spoil my Theresa Teng song can or not?
Did I saw a clown there?
Talk cock, sing song….is that what we want in a President?
Yes,right, should not be as petty like them.Let the insignificant things go .Just pick on the deadly spots continuously!-Ridout & hos’ salary.
But someone regard all roads are his grandfathers Road how?
Don’t be like the establishment.
Petty and unforgiving.
Must be better than them.
Small matter, let it go.
Why are the police approving the venue s for Public Entertainment? Should n’t the availability be checked and approval given by the relevant authority like TCs, SLA, URA etc. Police should just be informed after that. Incompetence is showing itself in all govt. institutions in trying to keep a tight grip on the population.
Agree with you but SDP must have been harassed by the police so they are not wrong for everyone to be treated in the same manner.
Sell tissues also need a license. Where are you police?
Cant blame him. Trying to demonstrate he is ” independent” ?
In my opinion, he can’t sing well.
2nd, violating of a public entertainment’s license. Where are the police?