Saturday, 30 September 2023

We are shifting our daily news to Gutzy.Asia Support us there!

Human rights organizations condemn Singapore’s new Online Criminal Harms Act as a threat to freedom of expression

SINGAPORE — The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation have expressed deep concern over Singapore’s recently passed Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA).

The organizations urge the Government of Singapore to withdraw the act, arguing that it violates international legal and human rights laws and standards, including freedom of expression, association, privacy, and public affairs participation.

The Parliament of Singapore passed the controversial OCHA on 5 July 2023. The law was initially introduced on 8 May with the stated intention of more effectively managing online criminal activities.

While the legislation endows the government with the power to take action against individuals and entities – including internet service providers – to curtail content suspected of being a scam or involved in malicious cyber activities, it also covers other offences.

They include offences such as:

  • Offences relating to harmony between different races, religion, or classes of
    the population.
  • Offences relating to the secrecy of Government information under the Official
    Secrets Act and other laws.
  • Offences relating to incitement of violence or counselling disobedience to the
    law.

Notably, the Act extends its reach beyond Singaporean borders, targeting individuals and entities regardless of their location or Singaporean ties.

Mary Aileen Diez-Bacalso, Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA, has expressed concerns about the potential implications of the OCHA. She warns that the act may facilitate the government’s arbitrary exercise of power, especially against critical voices and opposition, including human rights defenders.

The OCHA is seen as the latest in a series of Singaporean legal instruments contradicting international human rights laws and standards.

This includes the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) of 2019, which authorizes the government to issue correction orders against individuals suspected of disseminating false information.

Similarly, the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act was enacted in 2021 to counter ‘hostile information campaigns,’ despite international and regional civil society criticisms.

Both FORUM-ASIA and CIVICUS have voiced apprehension about the OCHA being used to stifle freedom of expression, particularly against critics of the Singaporean government.

Their concern is intensified by the fact that the government reportedly issued 100 POFMA orders since the law’s implementation, with 35 cases involving opposition political parties and figures.

The organizations fear that the government’s alarming history of using laws to suppress dissent could repeat with the implementation of the OCHA.

They urge the Singaporean Government to withdraw the OCHA and refrain from introducing any legal measures that could further erode human rights and fundamental freedoms.

David Kode, Advocacy and Campaigns Lead at CIVICUS, calls on the government to adhere to its obligations under international law to protect, promote, and fulfill the universality of human rights.

“It must work to safeguard people’s freedom of expression and refrain from further attacking Singapore’s already declining civic freedom,” Kode asserted.

Subscribe
Notify of
20 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Latest posts

Election surprises and certainties: Dissecting Tharman’s presidential win

47
In the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam secured a stunning 70.4% landslide victory, surprising many, including himself. Despite expectations that TKL would win the opposition votes, voters from both camps showed a preference for Tharman's charisma and perceived competency. As Singapore reflects on the outcome, questions arise about the election's fairness and the real implications of Tharman's dominant win.

Volunteer as a Polling and Counting Agent for Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Election

3
For the upcoming Singapore Presidential Election on 1st September, members of the civil society have spearheaded an initiative to strengthen our democratic fabric. We invite committed individuals to join us as Polling and Counting Agents, standing together for a transparent, fair, and just election. This vote counting exercise, organized by members of civil society, is not specifically in support of Mr Tan Kin Lian, a candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election. It's an exercise in active citizenry. Nonetheless, Mr Tan endorses this initiative, which hinges on his candidacy, championing transparency, and has given permission for the results to be shared publicly.

Reflections from the Centenary: The Legacy of LKY and Singapore’s Future

19
Gilbert Goh reflects on the LKY centenary event: an inspiring showcase of a leader's global legacy juxtaposed against current challenges, urging Singapore to continue its path of progress.

Lim Tean advocates for Tan Kin Lian: A visionary leader for Singapore’s Presidency

84
In his speech at Mr Tan Kin Lian's launch of his presidential bid, Mr Lim Tean passionately championed the need for a truly Independent President. Highlighting Mr Tan Kin Lian's unique credentials and genuine concern for the wellbeing of Singaporeans, the Peoples Voice leader emphasized the pressing challenges of rising living costs and job insecurities faced by the public. Mr Lim depicted Mr Tan Kin Lian as a beacon of hope for the nation, advocating for a leader who genuinely understands and represents the people’s aspirations.

Tan Jee Say endorses Tan Kin Lian for President: A courageous, genuine, and humble...

38
In advocating for a truly representative leader, Tan Jee Say underscored Tan Kin Lian's humility, courage, and genuine dedication. Highlighting the pressing need for restored public trust and effective independence, Tan Jee Say emphasized that Tan Kin Lian, as the 'People's President', would bring back hope to Singaporeans and champion true democracy

Tan Kin Lian’s pledge: Rekindling unity and charting a vigorous future for Singapore

17
In the press conference to announce his bid for the Singapore presidency, Tan Kin Lian emphasizes safeguarding Singapore's reserves and strengthening public service integrity. Drawing on his 30-year leadership at NTUC Income, he envisions a future with affordable living, accessible housing, and job stability, pledging collaboration with the government for a united nation.

Strengthening Singapore’s political foundations: A call to action by Leong Mun Wai on Singapore’s...

35
Leong Mun Wai urges Singaporeans to strengthen political checks and balances, emphasizing, 'The best is yet to be for Singapore if we dare to make the right decision in upcoming elections.

Trending posts