After the Singapore police investigated the British electronic group Massive Attack for publicly displaying a foreign flag in support of political causes during their local performance, they decided to sternly warn the two men involved and ban them from entering Singapore again.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, under Singapore’s Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act, unless expressly exempted by law, public display of foreign national flags or emblems requires approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is illegal to publicly display non-Singaporean flags or emblems without permission.
The Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) responded to media inquiries late on the night of the 31st, stating that IMDA is also investigating the potential breach of several licensing conditions by the group, including the rule prohibiting the display of flags supporting any cause.
The statement pointed out that although the event organizer was aware of the conditions attached to the permit issued by the authorities in advance, two band members still displayed the Palestinian flag during their performance and chanted the slogan “Free Palestine.”
IMDA will take necessary action after the investigation is completed. The authorities also said: “Given the entry ban, IMDA will not approve any future performance applications by this band in Singapore.”
Police emphasized that they take a serious view of acts that could endanger Singapore’s racial and religious harmony, and urged all members of the public, including foreigners, not to import foreign politics into the country in order to safeguard social cohesion and unity.
“Peace and harmony among Singapore’s various races and religions must never be taken for granted. We must never allow external events to affect our local society.”
On Wednesday night (29th), Massive Attack publicly displayed the Palestinian flag on stage during their performance at the Starlight Art Performance Centre.
A video lasting about one minute circulating on social media platforms shows the two members of the group displaying the Palestinian flag on stage, with the live audience giving enthusiastic applause and cheers. The two members and the accompanying band subsequently left the stage together. This scene is believed to have occurred at the conclusion of the performance.