Other rallies

Police probing reports of candidates at getai events

A getai performance at Pasir Panjang Food Centre on Aug 20. PHOTO: ST FILE

Police are investigating reports of election candidates attending events of the Seventh Month Festival. Several organisers of these getai events are being interviewed, the police said yesterday in response to media queries.

Candidates spotted at these events in recent weeks included People's Action Party's Ang Hin Kee, Gan Thiam Poh, Lee Bee Wah, Sun Xueling and Teo Ser Luck.

"The police have reminded Seventh Month Festival event organisers that election campaigning activities are not allowed at these events," said the police statement.

Neither should speeches intended to canvass support for election candidates or political parties be delivered. "Action will be taken against event organisers found to have breached these conditions," it added.

Last month, the police said election campaigning and Seventh Month Festival events should be kept separate. This was in response to media reports that several getai organisers had been approached by political parties wanting to organise joint events, to take advantage of the large crowds that typically attend such outdoor stage performances.

Getai organisers are forbidden from holding such shows before, during or after election rallies.

Charissa Yong

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 08, 2015, with the headline Police probing reports of candidates at getai events. Subscribe