For the authorities, Zulfikar Shariff, currently in Australia, used TikTok and Meta to stoke racial tensions, undermine secular governance, and influence local politics. Among his calls were the introduction of Sharia law in the city-state. Three citizens were radicalised to fight in Gaza and other conflict zones in the Middle East.
Invoking its anti-fake news law, Singapore has ordered corrections to an article written by the sister of a man who was executed in October. Failure to meet its order will result in access to the site being blocked. The news portal has rejected the order, expressing concern over cross-border censorship.
The Minister of Home Affairs has announced firm measures to prevent attacks or clashes amid “growing global tensions” caused by the war in Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He met with the Jewish community at the Chesed-El Synagogue and confirmed the much-debated “Friends of Israel Annual Aliyah Gala Dinner.” However, the funds raised will not go to the settlers.
Corporal punishment, including caning, will be used to punish offenders with six to 24 strokes. Fraud accounts for 60 per cent of all reported crimes in the city-state. Penalties have also been increased for those who distribute obscene material, particularly if minors are involved.
The compound has been at the centre of an ongoing battle between his children over its fate. The father had called for its demolition or closure to the public. The government stresses its "historic merit”, which make it “worthy”" of preservation. Still, its future remains uncertain. The meetings that led to the founding of the People's Action Party in 1959 were held in the basement.
Speaking at the regional summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on Asian countries to “close ranks” in the face of global challenges, primarily that of trade with the United States. Southeast Asia must maintain open markets while avoiding becoming embroiled in a trade duel between superpowers. The summit saw the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement upgraded. The Philippines will take over the association’s rotating presidency next year.
