FICA: Abuse of power possibility cannot be ruled out ― PSP’s Leong Mun Wai calls to delay bill passage

Singapore ― Mr Leong Mun Wai called to delay the passage of the Foreign Interference Countermeasures Act (FICA) bill, urging for a select committee to be established to enforce public consultation of the bill.

The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) Non-Constituency Member of Parliament said during the Parliamentary debate on FICA on Monday (Oct 4) that it was difficult to understand why the government was trying to rush the passage of the bill when there should be proper scrutiny and consultation involving a wide range of stakeholders.

Under FICA, the government will obtain powers to compel Internet and social media service providers to disclose information on users or remove online content to counter foreign attempts to influence domestic politics.

“Is it realistic or fair to expect parliamentarians to understand the pros and cons of the amendments in just a few hours of debate?” he asked.

Mr Leong compared the FICA bill to the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) and the copyright bill, which underwent longer debate and scrutiny.

He noted that FICA contains extremely broad definitions that serve as a catch-all for a wide range of legitimate activities.

“If enacted, the law will have serious ramifications for multiple stakeholders and large sections of society, including academia, business, civil society and the media,” said Mr Leong.

He brought to the attention of parliamentarians that they should be focused on helping their respective constituents amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent surge in cases “instead of being distracted to mull through and digest this draconian bill.”

Mr Leong also highlighted that the government already has various laws enacted to address foreign interference, such as the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act, the Broadcasting Act and POFMA.

The first two give the government control over mainstream media’s foreign funding and interference, while the latter allows it to clamp down on online falsehoods.

Ending his speech, Mr Leong appealed to Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan Jin to refer the bill to a select committee and allow for public consultations to scrutinise the bill.

“You have the power to do so, Mr Speaker, under Standing Order Number 68. It can be done,” said Mr Leong.

Addressing fellow Members of Parliament, Mr Leong said, “How each member vote[s] on this bill will represent his or her legacy to the present and future generations of Singaporeans. All Singaporeans are watching you.

A yes vote means the member is willing to sacrifice the rule of law, which is a foundation of all democratic nations.” /TISG

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