Budget 2019 debate: Government to propose laws against foreign interference, says Shanmugam
As part of efforts to act quickly and keep up with “digital-age tactics”, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will propose laws to guard against foreign interference in Singapore’s domestic affairs, said Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam on Friday (1 March).
Speaking during the Committee of Supply (COS) debate in Parliament, Shanmugam noted that countries such as Germany and Australia have already passed laws to combat the phenomenon, which can “divide a country, and tear its social fabric” through tactics such as “hostile information campaigns”.
For example, the Network Enforcement Act in Germany requires social media platforms to set up a process to ensure that ‘manifestly illegal content’ such as hate speech is removed within 24 hours of receipt of a complaint. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to 50 million euros.
“We are studying their experiences, and what they are doing to combat the threat…The Government will come to the House with its proposals,” said the Minister, who is also a Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC.
Shanmugam was responding to concerns raised by MPs about the dangers of foreign interference. He noted that in February, Senior Minister of State for Law Edwin Tong had cited several overseas examples of foreign interference in domestic politics and elections in several countries.
“Foreign actors have attempted to undermine democracy and elections in a number of jurisdictions,” noted Shanmugam.
The 59-year-old stressed, “Apart from strengthening our laws, we have to build up the ability of Singaporeans to discern, respond appropriately, to try and resist foreign interference. It is a reality that many people will find it difficult. We must also accept that.”
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