Speaking at the Institute of Policy Studies conference, the government's number two warns that the fertility rate has not stabilised. The long-term risk is a reduction in the number of citizens, with consequences for the economy and society. The total population is approximately 3.66 million citizens, plus 0.54 million permanent residents and 1.91 million non-residents.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong asked the main opposition party to appoint another MP for the post of Leader of the Opposition. The issue stems from Singh's conviction for pressuring a former MP who had lied about the police. The Workers’ Party defends its leader, accusing the government of using the courts for political reasons.

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.