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Friday, May 02, 2025
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Singapore Politicians Warn Against Foreign Interference in Election
Government orders removal of foreign-published Facebook ads as leaders caution against external meddling
Singapore's political leaders have issued warnings against foreign attempts to influence voters in the ongoing election campaign, which began on Wednesday and will last for nine days.
Lawrence Wong, leader of the ruling People's Action Party, stated that foreign actors, including a Malaysian political party, had attempted to sway the outcome of Singapore's elections.
He cautioned that mixing religion and politics, as well as appeals to support candidates based on race or religion, posed significant risks.
Pritam Singh, secretary general of the Workers' Party, reiterated his team's rejection of any foreign involvement in domestic politics, emphasizing that Singapore's affairs were solely its own concern.
The warnings come after a government order was issued to Meta Platforms Inc to remove several Facebook advertisements published by foreigners during the election period.
This is the first parliamentary election since the passage of the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act in 2021, which grants officials the authority to counter foreign efforts to influence Singapore's political landscape.
Authorities identified individuals from Malaysia's Parti Islam Se-Malaysia and an Australian citizen who had previously been detained under Singapore's Internal Security Act among those responsible for the Facebook posts.
Paul Tambyah, chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party, expressed concerns about foreign bots spreading misinformation about candidates on Facebook and urged the Ministry of Digital Development and Information to take action.
The election campaign will culminate in polls on May 3.
Lawrence Wong, leader of the ruling People's Action Party, stated that foreign actors, including a Malaysian political party, had attempted to sway the outcome of Singapore's elections.
He cautioned that mixing religion and politics, as well as appeals to support candidates based on race or religion, posed significant risks.
Pritam Singh, secretary general of the Workers' Party, reiterated his team's rejection of any foreign involvement in domestic politics, emphasizing that Singapore's affairs were solely its own concern.
The warnings come after a government order was issued to Meta Platforms Inc to remove several Facebook advertisements published by foreigners during the election period.
This is the first parliamentary election since the passage of the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act in 2021, which grants officials the authority to counter foreign efforts to influence Singapore's political landscape.
Authorities identified individuals from Malaysia's Parti Islam Se-Malaysia and an Australian citizen who had previously been detained under Singapore's Internal Security Act among those responsible for the Facebook posts.
Paul Tambyah, chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party, expressed concerns about foreign bots spreading misinformation about candidates on Facebook and urged the Ministry of Digital Development and Information to take action.
The election campaign will culminate in polls on May 3.
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