Watch Singaporean businessman the primary particular person to be served ‘discover of supposed designation’ below international interference regulation – Singapore News

SINGAPORE: Singaporean businessman Chan Man Ping Philip has been served a discover that the authorities will designate him as a “politically important particular person” below a regulation to counter international interference.

The Ministry of Dwelling Affairs (MHA) stated on Friday (Feb 2) that the Registrar of Overseas and Political Disclosures intends to impose the designation on Mr Chan, a 59-year-old naturalised Singapore citizen, below Part 48(1) of the Overseas Interference (Countermeasures) Act, referred to as FICA. 

In response to a question from CNA, MHA stated Mr Chan is the primary particular person to be served a discover of supposed designation below FICA provisions which got here into power in December final yr.

The regulation seeks to forestall, detect and disrupt the usage of hostile info campaigns and native proxies by international entities aspiring to intervene in home politics.

“Politically important individuals” – additionally known as PSPs – can embrace political events, political workplace holders, Members of Parliament, election candidates and their election brokers. Mr Chan’s case falls below a provision to designate people as a PSP if their actions are directed in the direction of a political finish, and it’s within the public curiosity for the authorities to use countermeasures below FICA.

The registrar served the discover to him on Friday, informing him of its intent, and he has 14 days to submit representations.

MHA stated that the registrar assessed that Mr Chan “has proven susceptibility to be influenced by international actors, and willingness to advance their pursuits”. The international actors concerned weren’t recognized.

The registrar additionally discovered that Mr Chan’s actions are “directed in the direction of a political finish in Singapore”, and that it’s within the public curiosity for countermeasures below FICA to be utilized to him.

Chatting with CNA in a telephone name, Mr Chan stated he’ll take care of the authorities immediately and that he could be submitting his representations subsequent week. He additionally stated that he has full belief and religion within the Singapore authorities.

As a delegated politically important particular person, Mr Chan could be required to speak in confidence to the registrar yearly political donations of S$10,000 (US$7,500) or extra that he receives and accepts. He additionally has to reveal his international affiliations and migration advantages.

“These transparency necessities would assist to detect and forestall any international interference directed in the direction of a political finish in Singapore,” stated MHA.

If he’s designated a PSP, Mr Chan might enchantment to the Minister for Dwelling Affairs towards the choice.