PSP head Francis Yuen calls FICA a “draconian bill”, says more time needed for review

Singapore — In a Facebook post on Monday (Oct 4), Mr Francis Yuen, the secretary-general of Progress Singapore Party called FICA a “draconian bill” for which PSP needs time to “digest, seek public input and review by a Select Committee before being hastily pushed through.”

The bill, which was introduced in September and is due for its second reading on Monday (Nov 4), has been a cause for concern in many quarters. 

Over thirty-five civil society organisations have supported a petition requesting for a delay in passing the Bill while it is thoroughly reviewed.

Mr Leong Mun Wai, PSP’s Non-Constituency MP, submitted the petition to Parliament last week on behalf of the organisations.

Mr Francis was quoted in The Straits Times last week as saying that while PSP itself did not come up with the petition, the call for public consultations stated in it underlining the need for further review are consistent with the party’s position.

Mr Yuen added in the Oct 4 Facebook post that the PSP’s NCMPs would only be “on half strength” in Parliament today, since Ms Hazel Poa had dengue.

“We will pray for her speedy recovery while Leong Mun Wai 梁文辉 will present on our position that the bill should be delayed so that due processes can be followed as with other important bills.

Singapore is going through a crisis with the current COVID situation. All efforts should be focus on getting through this first. 

Singaporeans deserve better,” he added.

Ms Wendy Low, the head of the Women’s Wing for Progress Singapore Party, also commented FICA in a livestream with New Naratif last week, warning of certain possible dangers if it is passed.

Ms Low, an intellectual property lawyer, warned that “If the recourse for appeal is only limited to procedural irregularities, there will always be questions as to fair findings on the substantive merits of the decisions which are issued.

The danger of removing the judiciary as a counter check and balance is dangerous not only on the balance of powers but also on the greater political implications of what it means for the ministries and authorities… when your electorate will make decisions on how you’re imposing those powers,” she added.

The petition, which has over 7,500 signatories, calls FICA “an overly broad law that grants the Minister for Home Affairs vast powers, with serious repercussions for civil society, independent media, and public discourse.”

Entitled “Say no to unfettered power! Rethink FICA!,” it expresses concerns over the nature of the law, characterising it as “overly broad, expansive.”

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

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