Following the increase in public criticism as seen in the PAP candidate Ivan Lim saga, Singapore’s ruling party dictatorship looks set to impose stricter censorship and restrictions after this election.
Rising unpopularity has triggered the PAP government to come down harder on Singaporeans, with over 12 POFMA orders during this election.
Two Singaporeans were immediately arrested when they wrote an online comment, suggesting eggs be thrown at Law Minister K Shanmugam.
Defamation lawsuits seek to destroy a particular vocal individual, as seen in the case of writer Roy Ngerng who owe the Prime Minister S$150,000 in defamation claims. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has another defamation lawsuit ongoing, with opposition candidate Leong Sze Hian.
The abuse of law and the judiciary is more outreaching than before, with even elected Opposition MPs not spared. Three Workers’ Party MPs – Pritam Singh, MP Sylvia Lim and Low Thia Khiang – were ruled to be liable for S$33.7 million in “improper payments” at Aljunied Town Council. The 3 MPs will likely be bankrupted, and lose their seats if they are elected this election.