Organisations can now play the national anthem on appropriate occasions, not just during National Day celebrations. When the national anthem is played, everyone is encouraged to sing it. Either the instrumental or vocal versions may be played. Besides the versions produced by MITA, other rearranged versions may also be used, provided that the tune and lyrics of the anthem are complete and performed with dignity. For more details, please refer to Annex B.

The revised guidelines for the use of the Singapore lion head are also released today (Annex C), together with the new guidelines for the use of the national flag and anthem.

For enquiries on use of the national symbols, please contact:

Ms Elizabeth Njo

Assistant Manager (Psychological Defence)

National Heritage Board

Singapore

Tel: (65) 6332 4495

Fax: (65) 6332 3525

ANNEX A

The National Flag

The national flag is Singapore’s most visible symbol of statehood, symbolising our sovereignty, pride and honour. It reflects the ideals, beliefs and values that we stand by as a nation amidst our rich and diverse make-up. It forms a crucial element of our national identity. As such, the national flag is to be treated with dignity and honour.

The national flag was unveiled on 3 December 1959, together with the state crest and the national anthem, at the installation of the new Head of State, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. It was created by a Committee led by then Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Toh Chin Chye. It replaced the Union Jack, which had flown over Singapore for 140 years (1819-1959). Upon Singapore's independence in 1965, it was adopted as Singapore’s national flag.

Singaporeans and non-governmental buildings may display or fly the national flag to identify with the nation. Singaporeans are encouraged to do this during occasions of national celebration or national significance.

1. When the flag is displayed outside a building, it shall be displayed on or in front of the building. Outside the National Day celebrations period (month of August), it must be flown only from a flagpole, and if it is displayed or flown at night, it should be properly illuminated.

2. Within Singapore, it should take precedence over all other flags, subject to international practice. When displayed or flown with another flag, it must be in a position of honour. This means it should be positioned where practicable, either above all other flags or to the left of the other flags, as seen by a person facing the flags.

3. It may be reproduced in reduced size representations and displayed at all times, but it must be in its true form and colours, regardless of size.

1. The flag cannot be used:

(a) in any trademark or for any commercial purpose;

(b) as a means, or for the purposes, of advertisement;

(c) as, or as part of, any furnishings, decoration, covering or receptacle;

(d) at any private funeral activity;

(e) incorporated or worn as part of any costume or attire; or

(f) on any private vehicle.

2. No person shall produce or display any flag which bears any graphics or word superimposed on the design of the flag.

3. The flag should be cleaned when dirty, and replaced if it has faded. After any washing, it should not be hung out to dry outdoors together with other laundry. Any worn out or damaged flag should be disposed properly, not left visible in dustbins.

4. The actual rules governing the use of the national flag can be found at the http://www.egazette.com.sg/egazette/current/sls/030650.pdf  website.

Public Enquiries

For enquiries on use of the national flag, please contact:

Ms Elizabeth Njo

Assistant Manager (Psychological Defence)

National Heritage Board

Singapore

Tel: (65) 6332 4495

Fax: (65) 6332 3525

ANNEX B

The National Anthem

The national anthem, together with the national flag and the state crest, reflect Singapore’s identity as a nation. The anthem echoes the enduring hope and spirit of Singaporeans to make progress. It rallies us together to succeed.

The national anthem was written in the wake of nationalism during 1956-57. Its composer, the late Encik Zubir Said, had written it on the basis of two words, "Majulah Singapura" which means "Onward Singapore". It was launched on 3 Dec 1959 together with the national flag and the state crest, at the installation of the new head of state, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. Upon Singapore's independence in 1965, "Majulah Singapura" was adopted as the republic's national anthem.

The national anthem was originally written in Malay, as follows:

MAJULAH SINGAPURA

Mari kita rakyat Singapura

Sama-sama menuju bahagia

Cita-cita kita yang mulia

Berjaya Singapura

Marilah kita bersatu

Dengan semangat yang baru

Semua kita berseru

Majulah Singapura

Majulah Singapura

1. Public and private organisations can sing or play the national anthem, on any appropriate occasion. Singaporeans are encouraged to sing the anthem on occasions of national celebration or national significance.

2. Either the instrumental or vocal versions may be played. Besides the versions produced by MITA, other rearranged versions may also be used, provided that the tune and lyrics of the anthem are complete and performed with dignity.

3. Dignity and decorum should be observed whenever it is played or sung.

Everyone must stand up as a mark of respect.

1. It must not be incorporated into any other composition or medley.

2. It must only be sung following the original lyrics, not any translation of those lyrics.

The actual rules governing the use of the national anthem can be found at the http://www.egazette.com.sg/egazette/current/sls/030650.pdf  website.

Public Enquiries

For enquiries on use of the national anthem, please contact:

Ms Elizabeth Njo

Assistant Manager (Psychological Defence)

National Heritage Board

Singapore

Tel: (65) 6332 4495

Fax: (65) 6332 3525

ANNEX C

Singapore Lion Head Symbol

On the records in the 13th century Malay Annals, a prince from Palembang was shipwrecked and washed ashore to island. There he saw a creature which he believed was a lion. So he named the island "Singa Pura" which means "Lion City", from which the name Singapore was derived.

The lion head symbolises courage, strength and excellence, as well as resilience in the face of challenges. It is in solid red against a white background - the colours of the national flag. Its mane's five partings represent the same five ideals that are embodied in the five stars of the national flag, namely democracy, peace, progress,

justice and equality. Its tenacious mien symbolises resolve to face and overcome any challenges.

1. An individual, organisation or company can use the lion head symbol for purposes of identifying with the nation.

2. It should be used in good taste. Its design should not be modified in any way nor have any words or graphics superimposed over it. However, it may be depicted in outline form, be embossed or portrayed as a watermark.

Public Enquiries

For enquiries on use of the Singapore lion head, please contact:

Ms Elizabeth Njo

Assistant Manager (Psychological Defence)

National Heritage Board

Singapore

Tel: (65) 6332 4495

Fax: (65) 6332 3525