 Democracy essentially means rule of the people . To build a democratic society and rule , there must be citizen participation by an informed electorate . The freedom to speak and express is thus crucial for the formation of public opinion on political questions , and is indispensable to the discovery and spread of political truth . In Singapore , the right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed to citizens by Article 14 ( 1 ) ( a ) of the Constitution , though it is subject to many qualifications . Parliament may by law impose restrictions on the right as it considers necessary or expedient in the interest of the security of Singapore , friendly relations with other countries , public order or morality , and restrictions designed to protect the privileges of Parliament or to provide against contempt of court , defamation or incitement to any offence . 
