Heated Online Discourses: Foreign Posts Promoting Vote Based on Religion
Online Dialogues in 2025 GE: Conversations Instigated by Blends of Religion and Politics Remain Aggressive, Affirms SM Lee
In the digital realm recently, foreign posts have surfaced, encouraging Singaporeans to cast their votes based on religious affiliations, specifically advocating for the selection of candidates championing particular religious or ethnic interests. These statements have been denounced by political leaders in Singapore for their divisive intent.
The Unwanted Stir in the Political Pond
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has shed light on the persistent controversy, stating that the "very vicious" conversations ignited by these foreign posts have not abated. He warned the Singaporean populace to remain vigilant against these underhanded tactics being played out in the digital domain.
Speaking on the sidelines of his visit to Tampines GRC, Mr. Lee reiterated Singapore's stance against the politicization of race and religion. He emphasized that Singapore's political system has never been based on racial or religious lines.
Exhibiting United Front in Tampines GRC
As Tampines GRC is witnessing a four-way competition involving the People's Action Party (PAP), Workers' Party (WP), National Solidarity Party (NSP), and People's Power Party (PPP), Mr. Lee's visit to the constituency underscores a show of support for the PAP slate headed by Mr. Masagos Zulkilfi, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Health, as well as Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs.
Addressing the issue of his visit to Tampines, Mr. Lee explained that the recent influx of content involving race and religion in politics provoked his presence.
Facebook Ad Block: Action Taken Against Foreign Politicians
The Singapore government has taken swift action against foreign influence, instructing Meta to block Singaporean users' access to several instances of online election advertising on Facebook, which were posted by two Malaysian politicians and a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee now residing in Australia. The content in question alleged government mismanagement of sensitive religious issues and endorsed voting based on religious allegiance.
While Mr. Lee acknowledged the presence of temperature-raising posts advocating for the selected Malay candidates to be judged on their zealousness in championing Malay or Muslim interests, he asserted that such political practices are not practiced in Singapore.
All Inclusive Leaders: Mr. Masagos as an Example
Mr. Lee emphasized that even though a leader may have a natural affinity towards their own community, they must cater to all residents irrespective of race, language, or religion. He commended Mr. Masagos for his ability to harmoniously balance his role in serving the Malay community and representing residents of all ethnicities and faiths in Tampines and at the Cabinet level.
Ultimately, Mr. Lee underscored that Singaporeans must thoroughly understand the games being played in the digital sphere, as these foreign posts have ignited a highly contentious series of discussions. Regrettably, he informed that these conversations have not ceased to persist.
- Regardless of the foreign posts promoting vote based on religion, Lee Hsien Loong has emphasized that Singapore's political system has never been based on racial or religious lines.
- In the digital realm, senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has warned Singaporeans to remain vigilant against underhanded tactics being played out on social media, particularly those promoting vote based on religious affiliations.
- Zulkilfi, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Health, is heading the People's Action Party (PAP) slate in Tampines GRC, and Lee's visit to the constituency underscores a show of support for him as well as a balanced approach to serving all residents, regardless of race or religion.
- The Singapore government has taken action against foreign influence, instructing Meta to block access to online election advertising on Facebook advocating for voting based on religious allegiance, posted by Malaysian politicians and a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee now residing in Australia.
- In the face of contentious online discussions based on race and religion, Lee has commended Masagos for his balanced approach in serving the Malay community and representing residents of all ethnicities and faiths in Tampines and at the Cabinet level, as an example of inclusive leadership in Singapore's policy-and-legislation and entertainment landscape.
