Singapore Parliament passes law to counter foreign interference

LITT Law for lawyers and teams

The Singapore Parliament passed a law known as the Foreign Interference Countermeasures Act (FICA). The bill was first raised three years ago, and it was signed into law after three weeks of it being tabled. It is aimed to reduce foreign meddling in domestic politics through hostile information campaigns and the use of local proxies.

“This Bill is intended to address a serious threat that concerns our national security and sovereignty . . . And these are important to ensure that Singaporeans continue to make our own choices on how we should govern our country and live our lives.” said the minister.

Certain proposed amendments to the bill were accepted by the government, which included an expansion of defined political persons to include a member of the executive committee, and an obligatory publication of designations of politically significant individuals. Additional provisions allowing appeals to the court and the incorporation of greater checks and balances were struck down.

The new law brings out a more calibrated approach for the internet age and minimizes the risk of foreign interference which had always been a threat to Singapore. Also the law proposers for the formation of an independent tribunal for the appeals rather than the courts.