As corporations, agencies, community groups and individuals begin to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Mr Lee Kuan Yew on March 23 last year, the Government yesterday released guidelines on the appropriate use of his name and image.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth noted in a statement that since the founding Prime Minister's death, individuals and organisations have commemorated him in different ways.
And in response to feedback, it looked into ways to encourage the appropriate use of his name and image, and yesterday released three broad guidelines:
- Mr Lee's name or image or likeness may be used for the purposes of identifying with the nation, including on works of art or publications, or items for charitable purposes, in accordance with the law.
- Mr Lee's name or image or likeness should be accorded dignity and respect.
- His name or image or likeness should not be used for commercial exploitation or be assumed or taken to indicate any kind of official endorsement of products or services.
The ministry will continue to monitor the use of Mr Lee's name and image.
In May last year, the Government said it was looking to legally protect Mr Lee's name and image to prevent its commercial use and exploitation. The guidelines are timely given the many activities taking place on and around the March 23 anniversary.
Businessman Jaromel Gee, 25, is planning a candlelight rally. The event banner features a black and white silhouette of Mr Lee's face.
He welcomes the guidelines as "there have been instances of organisations exploiting Mr Lee's name and image for their own gains". "But Mr Lee belongs to Singaporeans, and if they want to use his name and image they should be able to do so within reasonable means," he said.
