SINGAPORE: The global civil society alliance, CIVICUS, has rated Singapore as “repressed,” citing ongoing concerns about restrictive laws and the harassment of human rights defenders.
A recent update from the CIVICUS Monitor highlighted that the new Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, continues the policy of silencing dissent by criminalising protesters and targeting critics.
Since PM Wong’s swearing-in as Singapore’s first new prime minister in 20 years on 15 May 2024, hopes for reform have not materialised, with state policies that restrict civic space remaining firmly in place.
Singapore’s restrictive legal framework, including the 2019 Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) and the 2009 Public Order Act (POA), continues to suppress dissent.
POFMA grants the government broad powers to target critics and block websites, while the POA limits peaceful assembly, further stifling civic freedoms.
Crackdown on Peaceful Protests
Peaceful protesters in Singapore have increasingly faced investigations and charges for their activism on sensitive issues such as Palestine and the proposed Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill.
On 16 April 2024, three activists displayed a banner at Gardens by the Bay, calling for an end to Singapore’s arms trade with Israel.
Despite attempts to organize lawful demonstrations, the restrictive Public Order Act hindered these efforts.
Later, on 7 June 2024, 40 students and alumni from various institutions were investigated for violating the Public Order Act after peacefully delivering letters opposing amendments to the proposed Racial Harmony Bill.
Further challenges arose on 27 June 2024 when three women were charged under the Public Order Act for allegedly organizing a solidarity march in support of Palestine without a permit.
POFMA targets political dissent and press freedom
The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) has increasingly been used to restrict freedom of expression, particularly targeting opposition politicians, civil society, and media outlets.
Opposition leader Kenneth Jeyaretnam has been issued multiple POFMA correction orders.
Additionally, his website, The Ricebowl Singapore, and social media platforms have been designated as “Declared Online Locations” (DOLs).
This designation limits his ability to receive financial benefits and mandates that he display a notice declaring them as DOLs across all his channels.
Similarly, on 29 June 2024, a correction notice was issued under POFMA against the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) for their statements regarding the charges against three women who had participated in a procession supporting Palestine.
The Transformative Justice Collective has also faced correction directions for their criticism of Singapore’s death penalty practices.
The government’s ongoing use of POFMA has raised alarms about press freedom.
On 11 June 2024, independent news portal Gutzy Asia was designated as a DOL under POFMA, restricting its financial activities.
Although the outlet operates outside Singapore, it is one of the few sources of critical news about the country.
This designation underscores the broader issue of press control in Singapore, which ranks low on international press freedom indices.
FICA and Racial Harmony Bill Raise Further Concerns
The Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA) has imposed further restrictions on civil society.
In July 2024, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) was designated as a “politically significant person,” following similar designations for groups like Maruah and Think Centre.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern that FICA’s vague definitions of “foreign interference” could be used to suppress freedom of expression and association.
Additionally, the proposed Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, introduced in April 2024, has sparked concern for its potential to stifle public discourse on racial issues.
Critics argue that the bill’s Restraining Orders (ROs) could disproportionately affect minority communities and further curtail free speech.
Human rights lawyer M Ravi, known for his defence of civil liberties in Singapore, was struck off the roll of advocates and solicitors on 31 May 2024, following statements he made about the constitutionality of certain political appointments.
Lastly, whistleblower Jeanne Ten continues her decades-long fight for accountability after being denied a Master’s degree for exposing academic plagiarism at the National University of Singapore.
Her struggle highlights issues of power and accountability in Singapore’s institutions.
These developments paint a concerning picture of Singapore’s shrinking civic space, where restrictive laws and government policies continue to undermine fundamental freedoms.
