REACH 533 - What are your views on the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (Fica)? What more can we do to ensure that Singapore is safe from foreign interference?
(SK)
05 Feb 2024 (10am - 7pm)
REACH
5/2/24, 10:42 am - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*Welcome back! π
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Thank you
Megan π
5/2/24, 10:45 am - +REACH: π’ *Topic* π’
On 2nd February, a Hong Kong-born businessman became the first person to be served a notice of intended designation under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (Fica), a law that empowers the authorities to deal with foreign interference in domestic politics.
The implications of being designated as a politically significant person under Fica include the requirement to make yearly disclosures of political donations, foreign affiliations, foreign arrangements, and foreign funding, as well as the potential impact on the individual's activities and public perception.
π *What are your views on the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (Fica)? What more can we do to ensure that Singapore is safe from foreign interference?*
π _*About Mr Chan*_
Mr Philip Chan Man Ping, 59, a naturalised Singapore citizen, has been assessed to have susceptibility to foreign influence and a willingness to advance their interests, leading to the intention to designate him as a politically significant person under the Foreign Interference Countermeasures Act (Fica).
In an article on a Chinese news website 52hrtt in June last year, Mr Chan is said to be an overseas representative at the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.
In excerpts from his interview with the website, Mr Chan said: "It is our duty as overseas Chinese to tell China’s story well, and to both spread and pass on the marvellous traditional Chinese culture while we are abroad.
"As a member of the Chinese Singaporean community, I have had my articles published in Lianhe Zaobao, a mainstream Chinese media in Singapore. However, my influence is limited. Since we can only do little alone, we therefore need to be more united."
π _*Mr Chan's overseas involvement*_
Mr Benjamin Ang, a senior fellow and head of the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, clarified that an ordinary person in Singapore who does business overseas or has strong feelings towards other countries would not be designated a politically significant person. “Political ends, as defined in the Act, are different from saying positive things about a country or a culture, which would not be covered by Fica,” he said.
RSIS’ Mr Ang added that “Over the coming years, if Fica and the designation of politically significant persons are used only in cases of serious risk and public impact, then it will show that Singapore remains open to foreign business but guarded against foreign interference.”
πhttps://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/line-crossed-under-foreign-interference-law-when-people-promote-foreign-political-interests-experts
πhttps://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/5-things-to-know-about-fica-the-law-to-counter-foreign-interference
πhttps://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/foreign-interference-law-invoked-for-the-first-time-against-naturalised-s-porean-businessman
5/2/24, 10:46 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow all members to send messages to this group
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5/2/24, 11:02 am - +Smiley face: 5 February, 2024
"Keys to the Kingdom"
(“δΈζ―δΈη₯ι，δΈζ―εδΈθ·³！”)
"No fire without smoke, you know? You need to crack your mind and find the spy. Let's start with habits and addictions that's how to set multiple traps for the larger acreage. The path has been laid out lustrously to distract and it takes time! So how to catch the small flies? Lincoln said,...a drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall !"
- - Abraham Lincoln & anonymity
5/2/24, 11:16 am - +Rama: Why would he even attend the plenary session of the CCP even as an observer!? Bridging economic and cultural ties does not require such actions!
5/2/24, 11:27 am - +KL: I wonder how the law work ? Cos first time saw this been use <This message was edited>
5/2/24, 11:36 am - +Rama: Likewise
5/2/24, 11:45 am - +Frankie Wee: Are we singaporean Chinese under CCP
Wonder why US never know Singapore is independent not under Chinese CCP
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/singaporeans-bemoan-us-senators-ignorant-grilling-tiktok-ceo-106891320
5/2/24, 11:50 am - +Poh S Lim: CCP is a political organisation. Attending the meetings conducted by it, as an observer and not as a participant may be okay, otherwise we may never get inside information about the going-ons inside the CCP.
What will be significant would be the public statements and actions that come after that.
He may express sympathies on some areas but whatever action taken MUST NOT be detrimental to Singapore’s national interests, otherwise that could be considered treasonous.
As such, he should be surveilled for a period of time as a person of interest to determine if he is not a ‘sleeper agent’ of the CCP and to ascertain his loyalties.
5/2/24, 11:57 am - +Poh S Lim: Some US senators are known to be not very well informed or knowledgeable about the world, and sometimes ask very politically charged questions.
In 2016 Americans unfortunately elected a morally depraved person for the highest office in their land because of a quirk of the political system.
As such, we should discount that hearing, especially during this period of political turmoil in the US. Just navigate our own actions the best we can.
5/2/24, 12:06 pm - +Smiley face: "Let's think through the entire process of information, the process of leaking information and the ramifications of leaked audios, photos, videos and information.'
- - anonymity
5/2/24, 12:08 pm - +Frankie Wee: He can be here spying inform China CCP on our political and Xi is deal on US Singapore is Chinese
5/2/24, 12:10 pm - +Smiley face: Information is power and insights are the mother of all powerbase...?
5/2/24, 12:11 pm - +Frankie Wee: Our sovereignty land is historically we are born this land belong motherland nature
5/2/24, 12:11 pm - +Rama: The trouble with the moron American parliamentary members is that their geography and history is pathetic!
5/2/24, 12:11 pm - +Rama: Blady Morons!
5/2/24, 12:11 pm - +Rama: π³ππ€¦♂️
5/2/24, 12:12 pm - +Frankie Wee: Too bad the US law never have our recorded
5/2/24, 12:12 pm - +Rama: So their embassy here is a consulate for the main embassy in Beijing!?
5/2/24, 12:12 pm - +Frankie Wee: US think Singapore is mean for Malaysia separate 1965
5/2/24, 12:12 pm - +Frankie Wee: Yes can be possible
5/2/24, 12:13 pm - +Rama: What do their children study in school!?
5/2/24, 12:13 pm - +Rama: Stuck in the Vietnam war era!
5/2/24, 12:15 pm - ☸️ Danny εΏ:
1. As we do business with foreign countries, interaction with foreign business partners are inevitable.
2. But most important, we must stick to doing business and not intrude into political spaces.
3. Business dealings and money transacted based on business dealings - buy and sell products and services should be ok.
4. But accepting money from foreigners or foreign countries to advance foreign countries agenda or interest is a no-no.
5. In particular, it compromises our own national interest or national security.
6. Bearing in mind that Singapore is a multi-racial Country.
We must not be a mouthpiece of any foreign countries - that compromise our racial harmony or religious harmony.
5/2/24, 12:15 pm - +Rama: Agree
5/2/24, 12:51 pm - +Frankie Wee: Singapore is a country welcome business hub and international trade
5/2/24, 1:24 pm - +Smiley face: your enemy and his enemy is your friend?
your friend and his friends is your good friend?
your enemy and his friends is your friend in benefits?
your friend and his best friend is your friend in kind?
5/2/24, 1:36 pm - +Frankie Wee: Foe or friend even there still friendly but things or money take become foe
5/2/24, 1:38 pm - +Smiley face: Thats it! For all of these countries and the beau of geopolitics!
5/2/24, 1:53 pm - ☸️ Danny εΏ:
1. Likewise if we have family ties with foreign countries, or social ties or friendship establish with people from foreign countries, we maintain ties as friends - and keep away from politics or advancing foreign countries political agenda.
2. Maintaining family ties and social friendship can be above politics - and most important, our own National Interest and National Security should come first.
5/2/24, 2:01 pm - +REACH: π’ *Topic* π’
5/2/24, 2:31 pm - +Smiley face: Do Singaporeans perhaps know the importance of what are our national interests and national security? Not sure and don't know? Or simply don't care?
5/2/24, 2:32 pm - +Rama: No, they don't!
5/2/24, 2:32 pm - +Smiley face: Can we define them?
National interests?
National Security?
5/2/24, 2:33 pm - +Rama: A broad definition is founded in the Internal Security Act.
5/2/24, 2:36 pm - ☸️ Danny εΏ: <Media omitted>
5/2/24, 2:37 pm - +Jimmy Chew: Happy that the authorities are keeping Singapore politically safe. π Keep up the good work πͺ
5/2/24, 2:39 pm - ☸️ Danny εΏ:
We cannot let foreign agenda compromise our:-
1. Social / National identity.
2. Our foreign policy.
3. Our resources, economy.
4. Our defense and security.
And let foreign countries treat us as pawn to serve their interest.
5/2/24, 2:39 pm - +SL: Is he Singaporean? If yes, why he can attend this?
5/2/24, 2:39 pm - +KL: Maybe Singaporean know, not about him <This message was edited>
5/2/24, 2:41 pm - +SL: In this context, I think the topic of focus is control in tiktok. nationality is just an indirect question asked during the interview methodology right?
5/2/24, 2:42 pm - +KL: I feel the correct question should ask , who pay for his pay cheque . <This message was edited>
5/2/24, 2:42 pm - +Smiley face: Using Social media to broadcast misinformation, disinformation and to produce divided opinions and alternate views!
That's the new way of foreign interference tactics.
5/2/24, 2:44 pm - +Ducky: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/stb-is-auditing-the-2022-f1-race-following-corruption-allegations-against-iswaran-grace-fu
π³π³π³
5/2/24, 2:44 pm - +SL: Our people and our nation π
5/2/24, 2:44 pm - +Smiley face: A CEO (and personal assistant) knows his or her organisation so well, half of the entirety, and many insights. He or she is a valuable target to be bought and to be used by competitors. Some experts have suggested the method of compartmentalisation (compact) to contain...
5/2/24, 2:48 pm - +Smiley face: One method that NSA uses...
5/2/24, 2:49 pm - +Frankie Wee: Parent company which under China HQ ByteDance
5/2/24, 2:49 pm - +SL: Tiktok topic has been seen by groups of stakeholders as a tool that various related parties for the upcoming Nov presidential election. Based on the analysis, is the control (directly or indirectly ) in certain channels that cause an issue or matter? It isn't instead of a pay cheque?
5/2/24, 2:51 pm - +Rama: Imported second class citizen! Not born here!
5/2/24, 2:52 pm - +SL: Internet misinformation is an issue, and that is why when we rely on internet information, we need to exercise judgment, that is the risk that AI needs to be able to manage, or else garbage in garbage out.
5/2/24, 2:52 pm - +Smiley face: 1st peace of mind...
5/2/24, 2:52 pm - +SL: Compartmentalization?
5/2/24, 2:53 pm - +Smiley face: Wow...
5/2/24, 2:53 pm - +Rama: He says he did nothing wrong and will defend his honour!
5/2/24, 2:53 pm - +Smiley face: "Need to know" ....
NASA too
5/2/24, 2:54 pm - +Smiley face: Is a job...?
5/2/24, 2:55 pm - +Smiley face: How to prevent or minimise leaking of critical and highly sensitive materials and information?
5/2/24, 2:56 pm - +SL: Data classification you means?
5/2/24, 2:56 pm - +Smiley face: Digital may be damaging....
Paper may not be Perfect...
5/2/24, 2:56 pm - +Smiley face: Yes and perhaps more yes ..
5/2/24, 2:56 pm - +Rama: π€·♂️
5/2/24, 2:56 pm - +Smiley face: Politicized job ...
5/2/24, 2:59 pm - +Smiley face: A CEO (and personal assistant) knows his or her organisation so well, half of the entirety, and many insights. He or she is a valuable target to be bought and to be used by competitors. Some experts have suggested the method of compartmentalisation (compact) to contain trade secrets: business strategies, sensitive information, technologies &: innovations, future products, know-how, and critical materials to each small group, partitions (will a China-Wall works?) and the need to know basis (vs wanting to know) all within an organisation....
5/2/24, 3:00 pm - +Rama: Possibly
5/2/24, 3:02 pm - +Smiley face: If you can't get the company, you go after the staff!
5/2/24, 3:02 pm - +SL: ?
5/2/24, 3:04 pm - +Smiley face: This message was deleted
5/2/24, 3:08 pm - +Smiley face: https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/republican-candidate-trump-says-us-needs-to-impose-tariffs-on-china
"Never underestimate a man who overestimates himself..." - - Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt
(“δΈθ¦δ½δΌ°δΈδΈͺι«δΌ°θͺε·±ηδΊΊ。”
——ε―ε °ε ζ·η½ζ―η¦ )
5/2/24, 3:11 pm - +Smiley face: An individual's vantage edges over the other person or a group of individuals. Arguably in most real-life situations this person knowingly planned and very well omprehend the opponent intentions and strategies through undercover spy networks and the outcome will usually benefit this individual who started this game ...
5/2/24, 3:14 pm - +Rama: Yup
5/2/24, 3:15 pm - +Rama: ππ³π€¦♂️π
5/2/24, 3:15 pm - +Thank You: So naive
5/2/24, 3:18 pm - +Smiley face: [ ✅] your enemy and his enemy is your friend?
[ ] your friend and his friends are your good friends?
[ ] your enemy and his friends are your friends in benefits?
[ ] your friend and his best friend is your friend in kind?
5/2/24, 3:35 pm - +SL: They make procurement deals in his prior term right?
5/2/24, 3:42 pm - +Smiley face: This message was deleted
5/2/24, 3:43 pm - +Smiley face: The $34 trillions threats?
US debt to GDP ratio stands at 120% and it's accelerating, should there be a US debt crisis on the horizon: don't panic! There will be no global threats and no melting markets! Simply, no sweat! Why?...
5/2/24, 3:45 pm - +Rama: ππ
5/2/24, 3:47 pm - +Smiley face: Wait....
5/2/24, 3:48 pm - +Smiley face: The heart and head of things. If men are physical being and women are emotional being, you have figured it correctly! Being physical means compulsion; you think less and you are attracted by visual, ego and power. And being emotional, means you are calm before the storm; you match and think before your next move. ...
5/2/24, 3:50 pm - +Rama: Don't expect a female lotus!
5/2/24, 3:50 pm - +Rama: Potus!
5/2/24, 3:51 pm - +Smiley face: This message was deleted
5/2/24, 3:52 pm - +Smiley face: This message was deleted
5/2/24, 4:15 pm - +REACH: π’ *Topic* π’
5/2/24, 4:39 pm - +Frankie Wee: Donald Trump is back again if he win vote. He would threat trade war cut tariffs
5/2/24, 4:42 pm - +Jimmy Chew: It will be an interesting time
5/2/24, 4:42 pm - ☸️ Danny εΏ:
That means in dealing with our foreign business partners, family ties and social friends - we talk business, families affairs, social and friendships.
But leave out politics - as this is the domain of our foreign affairs.
Any dealings, monetary benefits that encroach on our politics, security, defense, foreign affairs policy - should be a red line.
5/2/24, 4:51 pm - +Smiley face: No sweat.....
5/2/24, 4:51 pm - ☸️ Danny εΏ:
TikTok CEO (a Singaporean) response to the US senator is the best.
When the US senator ask the CEO point blank what is your view on Tianamen, Xinjiang, HK etc - the TikTok CEO response is classic.
I am a businessman.
I only talk business - and will not comment on political issues.
The most appropriate response when in overseas conducting business.
5/2/24, 4:54 pm - +Frankie Wee: He want take back retreat debt trillion dollar. Because Xi trade with Russia BRICS
5/2/24, 4:55 pm - +Frankie Wee: I guess so not real news
5/2/24, 5:03 pm - ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Because your overseas friends will not praise us - oh you so visionary, have plenty of political wisdom, what a great insights.
They will just say, are you on my side or on the other side?
On my side, whatever you say is wisdom (short of being classified as being an "Apple polisher").
If you are on the other side, you are not our friend.
Whatever you say is my detriment.
Hence the best is not to dabble into politics in overseas - just stick to business, friendship, tours and social circle or family ties.
5/2/24, 5:06 pm - ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Leave the politics, security matters and economy to the government.
5/2/24, 5:46 pm - +Ducky: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/public-service-rules-gifts-corruption-iswaran-mp-allowance-4099856
5/2/24, 5:47 pm - +Rama: That doesn't mean it can't be induced behind the scenes!
5/2/24, 5:48 pm - +Rama: https://mothership.sg/2024/02/iswaran-chan-chun-sing/
5/2/24, 5:51 pm - +Ducky: i wonder if govt employees know what to accept and not. just say no to everything lar.
5/2/24, 5:55 pm - +Rama: Process is there but tedious o believe
5/2/24, 6:00 pm - +REACH: π’ *Topic* π’
5/2/24, 6:13 pm - +Ducky: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/parliament-to-wait-for-outcome-of-iswaran-s-court-case-before-deciding-on-need-for-coi-indranee
i am quite eager to know whether there will be a COI. ππ
5/2/24, 6:15 pm - +Ducky: this one is really a landmark case.
5/2/24, 6:17 pm - +Frankie Wee: He did LOA without reason then his own duty as minister
5/2/24, 6:17 pm - +Frankie Wee: π§
5/2/24, 6:45 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*
⏰ We will be closing the chat in *15 minutes* ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan π
5/2/24, 6:57 pm - +Smiley face: <Media omitted>
5/2/24, 6:59 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan π
5/2/24, 7:01 pm - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow only admins to send messages to this group
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