Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill
Singapore passed a law aimed at strengthening the government’s ability to detect, prevent or interrupt any foreign interference in national politics, either through the use of local representatives or through hostile information campaigns.
Highlights
- The Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Law, passed after a 10-hour debate in parliament.
- It was first introduced on 13th September by Minister K Shanmugam, Law and Home Affairs of the ruling People’s Action Party.
Why was this bill passed?
This is because the activities of foreign individuals and those acting on their behalf can cause serious damage to Singapore’s national security, jeopardize Singapore’s military capabilities and security relations, threaten Singapore’s economic stability, and undermine the political sovereignty and the system of government of Singapore.
Powers under this act
This act gives the Singapore government the power to use electronic communications, including online communications, to act against foreign interference that may affect citizens and act against the public interest. The law will identify persons who could endanger the political sovereignty of the country if the said person’s activities are influenced by foreign directors. This law would prevent, pre-empt and reduce foreign interference by politically important persons. The law states that individuals involved in Singapore’s political processes are classified as politically significant and are regularly required to disclose sources of funding. The law gives the ministry the right to investigate Internet websites, social media accounts and applications, Internet services, and prevent or remove access to them. The media organizations and newspapers of the country that publish articles on political issues must disclose all information about any of their organizations or authors abroad that intend to publish a particular article in their news program, newspaper or website.
Punishment under this act
Appeals against hostile information campaigns and politically important persons will be heard by an independent appeals court and not by the country’s courts. According to the Singapore government, these cases would be heard by the tribunal rather than in court, as they could be sensitive intelligence agencies with implications for national security.
Criticism of this act
Many organizations have criticised this act passed by the Singapore government by stating that the government is using this act as a measure against dissent showed against the ruling party.
