Singapore Issues POFMA Order to TikTok User Over False Claims

A correction order was issued to TikTok user Jay Ish’haq Rajoo on September 7, 2023, under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). This action was taken following claims made by Mr. Jay in a TikTok post published on August 26, where he made inaccurate assertions regarding the government’s Chinese Community Leadership Course.

The Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, David Neo, directed the POFMA Office to issue the correction after Mr. Jay alleged that National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat had announced government funding to attract mainland Chinese individuals to Singapore and promote them into leadership roles. Mr. Jay’s statements included claims that the government was focusing its resources solely on nurturing leaders from the Chinese ethnic background.

In a media release, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) emphasized the seriousness of these false claims, stating, “These false statements of fact made by Mr. Jay cause serious misunderstandings and erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to serve the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion.” To safeguard public trust and ensure accurate information is shared, the ministry mandated Mr. Jay to publish a correction notice on his TikTok account.

MCCY clarified that the Chinese Community Leadership Course is exclusively open to Singapore citizens who are actively involved in the Chinese community and have shown a commitment to public service. The ministry confirmed that citizens from other countries would not qualify for this course. Selection for participants will be managed by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with nominations coming from local Chinese clans and business organizations.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to develop young leaders from all ethnic backgrounds in Singapore. MCCY highlighted that similar government-supported programs exist for the Malay and Indian communities, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity.

As of 15:45 local time on September 7, Mr. Jay’s TikTok video had been removed from his account, in compliance with the POFMA correction direction. He is now required to share a new post that links to the government’s clarification on the matter.