articles 14(1)(a) and (b) of the constitution of singapore respectively guarantee freedom of speech and expression and freedom of assembly to singapore citizens. however, the pema and poa, which require permits to be obtained before public meetings and assemblies can be held, were enacted pursuant to exceptions to these rights. article 14(2)(a) provides that parliament may by law restrict the right to free speech to protect, among other things, singapore's security and public order, and to prevent incitement to any criminal offence. under article 14(2)(b), the right of assembly may also be limited for public order reasons. as speakers' corner was intended to increase avenues available for the exercise of free speech, the pieces of subsidiary legislation regulating the venue were issued to provide that public speaking and demonstrations there are not subject to the pema and poa if the conditions specified in the subsidiary legislation are complied with. speakers' corner has been criticized as a token gesture, though others have pointed to its use by civil society activists as evidence that it has widened the political space in singapore.