《Singapore Daily News Sep 21》 Singapore is planning to tighten its Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA) in response to an increasingly volatile global security environment, as concerns mount over potential foreign meddling in the country’s domestic affairs.

Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said in a statement that the proposed amendments aim to tackle “evolving foreign-interference tactics”, although he did not provide a timeline for when the changes will take effect.

“The global security environment is increasingly volatile,” he said.

Pre-Election Safeguard

The move comes ahead of Singapore’s general election expected in May 2025, with political leaders frequently warning of external attempts to influence voters.

Earlier this month, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam urged Singaporeans to remain vigilant against manipulation by actors “from near and far,” warning that foreign entities may attempt to push their own agendas within the city-state.

About the Law

Passed in 2021, FICA gives authorities wide-ranging powers to detect and counter foreign efforts to influence political outcomes or sway public opinion.

The Singapore government has long defended the need for such legislation, arguing that the city-state’s small size, multiethnic makeup, and open economy make it especially vulnerable to disinformation and influence campaigns.

Previous Use of FICA

The law has already been invoked in several high-profile cases:

In 2023, the government issued a warning to the then-bureau chief of The Economist for endorsing a local digital media outlet and encouraging Singaporeans to embrace an “alternative vision” contrary to the state and mainstream media narratives.

In another case, authorities took action against an associate of a Chinese metal billionaire, citing the individual’s “susceptibility to foreign influence” and his “willingness to advance their interests.”

These examples underscore how Singapore is willing to act swiftly under FICA when foreign influence is suspected.

Geopolitical Context

The planned amendments signal Singapore’s strong intent to safeguard its political integrity and national sovereignty, particularly as geopolitical rivalries — such as the U.S.–China competition and Middle East conflicts — increasingly spill over into Southeast Asia.

“We must take proactive measures to prevent foreign interference from undermining our internal stability,” said the government.