SINGAPORE — Singapore will see a major change to the rules governing the use of its national symbols, with the National Symbols Act and accompanying regulations going into effect on Tuesday (1 August).
Under the new regulations, several key changes have been introduced to make it easier for citizens and businesses to use national symbols in a respectful manner.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said in a media release that the law, passed last year, aims to encourage the appropriate use of national and presidential symbols, while allowing for broader expressions of national pride and solidarity.
This new legislation will replace the previous Singapore Arms, Flag and National Anthem (SAFNA) Act and Rules.
Greater freedom in displaying the national flag
The national flag will now be subject to more flexible rules. Singaporeans and businesses no longer need approval from the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth for certain uses of the national flag.
For example, during the National Day period from July 1 to September 30, the flag may be used for commercial or decorative purposes without prior approval.
This means that if a business wants to use the flag on ads or products for sale, it can do so without approval between July 1 and September 30, as long as it treats the flag with respect.
Individuals are also permitted to place the national flag on clothing for non-commercial purposes throughout the year, without express permission being required.
For example, a cycling group can freely use the flag’s image on their jerseys even outside of the national holiday period. However, if they decide to sell these T-shirts for a profit after that period, they must obtain approval to do so.
According to the ministry, the change also addresses a long-standing request from Singaporeans to fly the national flag on post-National Day occasions.
The Minister may allow the national flag to be raised outside the National Day period without masts and lights at night. In the case of national celebrations such as sporting achievements, the Minister can declare a period for displaying the flag from homes without the need to amend legislation.
The new regulations address digital copies
In light of recent technological developments and the increased use of digital versions of national symbols, the new regulations have implemented stronger safeguards to prevent misuse.
Under these safeguards, the production and display of flags with altered or distorted designs of the national flag will be prohibited. The same rules apply to the State Emblem and the Presidential Emblem, which cannot be altered or distorted in any way.
Furthermore, the regulations address the use of the national anthem in commercial contexts, requiring individuals seeking to use it for commercial purposes to obtain prior approval from the Minister.
There are also penalties for different offenses according to their seriousness. The law allows for a maximum penalty of $30,000 and six months in prison for offenses set forth in the regulations.
Respectful use of national symbols
A mechanism to stop orders has been introduced to clarify what constitutes disrespectful use of national symbols.
If anyone is found to have used the national flag, anthem, or national pledge in a disrespectful manner, they may be served with a restraining order.
Failure to comply with this order would be considered an offense, but it also provides individuals with an opportunity to correct their actions before facing further consequences. Those who do not agree with the suspension order can appeal to the Minister.
In addition to legislative changes, the Ministry has updated guidelines for the use of national symbols and provided examples of disrespectful use of the national flag to further educate the public.
Citizens can access these guidelines and search for relevant information through National Heritage Board website.
The National Symbols Act and its regulations were drafted after A A series of public consultations last yearas the government sought opinions and suggestions from the public on the management and use of tokens.
The department said it plans to consider comments received during public consultations, continuing efforts to provide clear guidance on appropriate use and to establish accessible feedback channels.
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