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

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.

POFMA correction notices issued for social media posts on claims of investigation into opposition leader Pritam Singh’s alleged lies

False social media claims about Pritam Singh’s involvement in a non-disclosure investigation were refuted by the Leader of the House Indranee Rajah, amidst alleged inaccuracies surrounding a Committee of Privileges’ probe into former Workers’ Party MP for Sengkang GRC, Raeesah Khan and the involvement of Mr Pritam Singh. The social media posts also called for a COP into Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s supposed non-disclosure about an affair between former Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and another People’s Action Party MP.

Experience of being followed or surveilled is “very well-known among some opposition politicians and activists”

Commenting on the recent major blowout, Kenneth Jeyaretnam, Secretary General of the Reform Party (RP), and independent journalist Kirsten Han highlighted their experiences of being followed or surveilled, which are “well-known among some opposition politicians and activists.” As of today, the circumstances surrounding the filming of the video featuring Mr Perera and Ms Seah remain unknown, including when, where, and who filmed it. The video was reported by local media as being leaked on Facebook by a fake profile named “Victoria Wang,” however the post had only tens of shares when the news first broke, hardly enough to be considered viral.

APHR issues open letter expressing deep concern over deteriorating human rights and democracy in Cambodia

ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) urges global parliaments to condemn Cambodia’s escalating human rights crisis and erosion of democracy. APHR appeals for action to deny legitimacy to the upcoming July elections, citing they serve as a tool for Hun Sen’s regime to consolidate power.

APHR asserts Thai people’s right to genuine democracy amid second PM vote

As Thailand prepares for its second Prime Minister vote, the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) call for urgent reforms to the Thai constitution. APHR’s Charles Santiago advocates for a ‘genuine democracy’ and condemns existing rules that uphold military’s political stronghold, impeding authentic democratic transformation.

APHR calls on Indonesia to champion human rights, democracy, and climate action in ASEAN

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) urge Indonesia, as ASEAN Chair, to take a decisive lead in addressing regional human rights issues, bolstering democracy, and advancing climate protection initiatives.

Human Rights Watch calls for urgent investigation into Myanmar activist’s abduction in Malaysia

Human Rights Watch has urged the Malaysian government to prioritise a thorough investigation into the abduction of Myanmar refugee activist Thuzar Maung and her family, highlighting the apparent global risks facing pro-democracy advocates.

Human rights groups call for bold ASEAN, UNSC action on Myanmar crisis

Progressive Voice, ALTSEAN-Burma, and FORUM-ASIA demand urgent ASEAN and UNSC intervention against Myanmar’s military junta, criticising the current Five-Point Consensus as ineffective and unenforceable.

Application of POFMA faces criticism for overlooking alleged SLA falsehoods amidst ministerial bungalow rental controversy

Law practitioner Mr. Yeoh Lian Chuan highlighted the uncorrected falsehoods within SLA’s 12 May statement, and Andrew Loh, co-founder of The Online Citizen, criticized these “factually false” claims, questioning POFMA’s selective enforcement. “Yet the Pofma Office does nothing about SLA’s falsehood, and instead goes after others.”

APHR calls for ASEAN leaders not to fall for Myanmar junta’s blatant attempt at manipulation

ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights Co-Chairperson Charles Santiago criticized the Thai Foreign Minister’s visit to Myanmar, terming it a ‘blatant manipulation’, and urged ASEAN leaders to maintain focus on a human rights and humanitarian-focused agenda.