Singapore, Feb 5 (PTI) – In a historic move aimed at bolstering racial harmony and protecting the nation from foreign influence, the Singapore Parliament has passed a new law that consolidates existing statutes into a comprehensive framework. The bill, passed unanimously on Tuesday, introduces key safeguards in a multi-racial society where the government has long prioritized harmony among its diverse communities.
The new law targets approximately 300 clan and business associations, designating them as "race-based entities" that must adhere to strict disclosure requirements, including revealing foreign donations they may receive. This move is designed to counter potential foreign interference and maintain Singapore's political sovereignty.
Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam, presenting the bill, emphasized that while authorities already had powers to address threats to racial harmony, this new law brings these powers into a unified framework. He stressed that racial harmony remains a cornerstone of Singapore's identity as a multi-ethnic nation.
“This Bill has to be seen in the context of racial harmony being fundamental to Singapore," Shanmugam said during the parliamentary debate. "Multiracialism, underpinned by racial harmony, is a foundational principle for us.”
Additionally, a community remedial initiative has been introduced, allowing individuals who commit less severe race-related offenses an opportunity to repair relationships within their communities rather than face prosecution.
During the parliamentary debate, several MPs expressed concerns that the new powers could stifle free speech. In response, Shanmugam clarified that the government's use of restraining orders would remain measured, noting that similar powers under the MRHA have never been used, despite the law being in place since 1990. He explained that the existence of these powers is enough to deter unacceptable conduct.
The minister recounted a case where a preacher made disparaging comments about Buddhism and Taoism. Officials engaged with the preacher, and he agreed to retract his remarks, demonstrating that the government's powers, when applied judiciously, can effectively prevent harm without the need for harsh legal action.
The law also includes provisions to ensure that the exercise of these powers is transparent and accountable, further addressing concerns that the government could misuse its authority.
"The intent is to safeguard against malicious foreign influence, not to curtail legitimate exchanges or business activities," Shanmugam clarified. He pointed out that while the law does not seek to restrict Singapore’s openness to foreign interaction, it aims to protect the nation from the risks posed by foreign actors who might attempt to manipulate local politics.
“The scope of unacceptable conduct regarding race relations remains substantively the same as today,” Shanmugam said, adding that the bill only updates the language and provisions to better reflect contemporary legal standards.
He further reassured Parliament that Singapore’s openness to the world would remain a cornerstone of its policies, noting the country's small size and dependence on international exchange for both economic and social growth. "Economically, we'll be finished if we don't interact. Socially, we need to adapt ideas from the outside to our own situations," he remarked.
With this new legislation, Singapore seeks to maintain its delicate balance of openness to the world while safeguarding its racial and political integrity.
The new law targets approximately 300 clan and business associations, designating them as "race-based entities" that must adhere to strict disclosure requirements, including revealing foreign donations they may receive. This move is designed to counter potential foreign interference and maintain Singapore's political sovereignty.
Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam, presenting the bill, emphasized that while authorities already had powers to address threats to racial harmony, this new law brings these powers into a unified framework. He stressed that racial harmony remains a cornerstone of Singapore's identity as a multi-ethnic nation.
“This Bill has to be seen in the context of racial harmony being fundamental to Singapore," Shanmugam said during the parliamentary debate. "Multiracialism, underpinned by racial harmony, is a foundational principle for us.”
Enhanced Powers to Prevent Harmful Content
The new law grants authorities the power to issue restraining orders against individuals or groups found to be producing content that undermines Singapore’s racial harmony, drawing from the existing Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA). This provision aims to provide a clear legal framework for handling issues related to racial tensions.Additionally, a community remedial initiative has been introduced, allowing individuals who commit less severe race-related offenses an opportunity to repair relationships within their communities rather than face prosecution.
During the parliamentary debate, several MPs expressed concerns that the new powers could stifle free speech. In response, Shanmugam clarified that the government's use of restraining orders would remain measured, noting that similar powers under the MRHA have never been used, despite the law being in place since 1990. He explained that the existence of these powers is enough to deter unacceptable conduct.
The minister recounted a case where a preacher made disparaging comments about Buddhism and Taoism. Officials engaged with the preacher, and he agreed to retract his remarks, demonstrating that the government's powers, when applied judiciously, can effectively prevent harm without the need for harsh legal action.
Safeguards Against Misuse of Powers
While the new law grants the government broader powers, Shanmugam assured Parliament that there are ample safeguards in place. Any restraining order issued will be reviewed by a newly established Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony, which will recommend whether the order should be confirmed, canceled, or altered.The law also includes provisions to ensure that the exercise of these powers is transparent and accountable, further addressing concerns that the government could misuse its authority.
Addressing Concerns on Foreign Influence
A key feature of the law is its emphasis on protecting Singapore from foreign interference, particularly through race-based entities that may be vulnerable to external influence. Shanmugam explained that the law is designed to prevent foreign entities from using such groups to interfere in Singapore's domestic politics, stressing that the government has engaged with race-based organizations, which largely accept the need for these safeguards."The intent is to safeguard against malicious foreign influence, not to curtail legitimate exchanges or business activities," Shanmugam clarified. He pointed out that while the law does not seek to restrict Singapore’s openness to foreign interaction, it aims to protect the nation from the risks posed by foreign actors who might attempt to manipulate local politics.
Reassurance on Free Speech and Public Dialogue
Opposition MP Gerald Giam from the Workers’ Party raised concerns that the law could limit genuine dialogue on racial issues, particularly regarding sensitive topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, Shanmugam reassured the House that the scope of unacceptable conduct concerning race relations would remain the same. He stressed that the law does not criminalize legitimate expressions of opinion, such as calls for political causes like "Palestine to be free."“The scope of unacceptable conduct regarding race relations remains substantively the same as today,” Shanmugam said, adding that the bill only updates the language and provisions to better reflect contemporary legal standards.
He further reassured Parliament that Singapore’s openness to the world would remain a cornerstone of its policies, noting the country's small size and dependence on international exchange for both economic and social growth. "Economically, we'll be finished if we don't interact. Socially, we need to adapt ideas from the outside to our own situations," he remarked.
A Step Forward for Singapore's Social Fabric
In closing, Shanmugam emphasized the importance of clan and business associations in Singapore, which play a significant role in fostering social bonds, preserving cultural traditions, and strengthening the nation's business networks. He affirmed that the new law was not intended to stifle these vital entities but to protect the nation’s social harmony from potential foreign manipulation.With this new legislation, Singapore seeks to maintain its delicate balance of openness to the world while safeguarding its racial and political integrity.
