CCTV installed at Speakers' Corner
The police have installed a closed circuit television camera at Hong Lim Park, where protests have been allowed since last September. This is for "safety and security", said the police in a statement to Today, and these CCTVs "do not record audio inputs". "CCTVs are used to complement police presence on the ground and to project a greater sense of security," said the reply. Suntec, Boat Quay as well as common areas of public housing estates and multi-storey car parks are some areas with CCTVs, and "as part of an ongoing initiative to enhance security in the neighbourhoods, police have been extending CCTV coverage to other parts of the island", including Hong Lim Park. But as "the one place in Singapore" where people can demonstrate, former Nominated Member of Parliament Siew Kum Hong wondered if the move may feed the perception in some quarters that Singapore is a police state. "I think it's pretty ridiculous," he said. Other activists think the impact will be mixed. "Having a camera won't stop people from gathering or speaking ... I wouldn't be surprised if there might be people who feel they're being monitored." said Jack Ho, who helped organise the first Lesbian, Gay. Bisexual and Transgender event at Speaker's Corner two months ago.