SINGAPORE:  , The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is set to be designated as a “politically significant person” ( PSP) under Singapore’s foreign interference law due to its” close nexus and symbiotic relationship” with the People’s Action Party ( PAP ), the Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA ) said on Thursday ( Jul 11 ).
As a designated PSP, the labour movement will be required to make annual disclosures on political donations of S$ 10, 000 ( US$ 7, 400 ) or more, as well as its foreign affiliations.
According to MHA,” These clarity needs will lessen NTUC’s chance of being a target of unusual interference,” according to a media release. NTUC was also given a notice on Thursday of its intention to identify it a PSP.  ,
The Registrar of Foreign and Political Disclosures, appointed by the Home Affairs Minister, has 14 days to make depictions available to NTUC.  ,
NTUC would be the next organization to be designated as such if its PSP status were to be confirmed, joining the right groups Maruah and Think Centre.
While NTUC is unlikely to make any images, it said it will have to evaluate MHA’s requirements for the title approach.
In response to CNA’s questions, NTUC responded that it does not take funds from social organizations.
According to a spokeswoman,” The National Trades Union Congress adheres to national protection to prevent foreign intervention, and we will continue to make sure that our businesses remain free from foreign influence.”
Ng Chee Meng, the secretary-general of the NTUC, stated in a separate statement that the labor movement is committed to upholding workers ‘ rights with accountability and transparency.  ,
” ( We )  , would like to assure our members, partners and stakeholders that NTUC’s core work to better workers ‘ lives and livelihoods will continue unabated”, he added.
The foreign interference law, known as the Foreign Interference ( Countermeasures ) Act or FICA, is aimed at strengthening the government’s ability to prevent, detect and disrupt foreign interference in domestic politics. After a long discussion, the Bill was approved in legislature in October 2021.
Among those defined as PSPs are political parties, social company buyers, Members of Parliament, election individuals and their providers.