Hong Kong’s own national security law, which is currently under consultation, also references the Foreign Interference Act in a 110-page document.
As it happens: Hong Kong’s Article 23 covers foreign influence and state secrets
As it happens: Hong Kong’s Article 23 covers foreign influence and state secrets
Regarding espionage-related crimes, the financial hub “referenced” Australian and Singaporean laws and proposed replacing the concept of “enemy” with “external force,” as it was too restrictive. Nevertheless, external forces could be broader in scope and could include foreign governments, external territorial authorities, external political organizations, or their affiliates, the report said.
The Hong Kong government has introduced another newly proposed “external interference” offense related to “clandestine foreign interference through electronic communication activities” with a maximum penalty of seven to 14 years in prison under the Anti-Foreign Interference Act. It was also suggested that reference be made to
Two other national security violations that Hong Kong has taken cues from Singapore are the Criminal Code 1871 and the Internal Security Act 1960.
The MHA statement did not name any foreign actors or countries considered to have foreign influence in Chan’s case. The businessman has said in articles and interviews that he came to Singapore from Hong Kong in 1990.
He is believed to be the first person to be served with such a notice under FICA, which took effect last December.
MHA said at the time that the law targets foreign interference in Singapore’s internal affairs because it “enables Singaporeans to continue to make their own decisions about how the country is governed and how they live their lives.” He said that he is doing so.
FICA defines politically sensitive persons as those who are subject to the “strictest countermeasures” given their direct involvement in Singapore’s political process.
This includes political parties, political officials, Members of Parliament (MPs), central executive committees of political parties, election candidates and their election agents.
Fica also empowers competent authorities to designate individuals and organizations as politically important persons if the relevant conditions are met.
The latest provisions to counter foreign interference carried out through domestic agents came into force on December 29 last year.
WeChat responds to Australian investigation by saying China has never asked it to spy on its users
WeChat responds to Australian investigation by saying China has never asked it to spy on its users
If designated as a politically sensitive person, Mr. Chan will be required to annually disclose certain information to the Registrar of Foreign Political Disclosures. These include political donations, foreign affiliations and immigration benefits of more than S$10,000 (US$7,500) that he received.
“These transparency requirements will help detect and prevent foreign interference directed at political objectives in Singapore,” MHA said.
Mr Chan has 14 days from Friday to submit a statement to the registrar. If specified, the decision of the Registrar may be appealed to the Minister of Home Affairs K Shanmugam.
As of December 29 last year, two non-governmental organizations, Think Center and Marua, were designated as politically important persons.
A public search on the website of Singapore’s Chinese-language daily Lianhe Caobao revealed 25 articles published under Chan’s Chinese name between 2016 and 2019.
Most were letters, but also included columns and other articles. These articles covered topics such as filial piety, Cantonese pop music, and his experiences as an immigrant from Hong Kong.
In an interview with Chinese-language website Hua Ren Touziao on March 6 last year, Zhang emphasized the importance of “letting the world know the real China.” He was interviewed in his capacity as an “overseas representative” of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
“While we are overseas, it is our duty as overseas Chinese to tell Chinese stories well and to spread and inherit the wonderful traditional Chinese culture,” he said.
“As a member of the Chinese Singaporean community, I have had articles published in Singapore’s mainstream Chinese media, Lianhe Caobao. However, my influence is limited. We can only do so much alone. There aren’t many of us, so we need to come together more.”
He also said that after China’s “two meetings,” representatives from “all walks of life” in China would “form an alliance” and hold annual events with the cooperation of each Overseas Chinese Secretariat to promote understanding between the two countries. He expressed his hope that the two countries could deepen and strengthen friendly relations. Therefore, “we can come together and continue to contribute to telling China’s story well.”
“Boang meetings” refers to the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, which are held at the same time.
Singapore-China relations are based on policy, not ‘biased view’ of cultural interests
Singapore-China relations are based on policy, not ‘biased view’ of cultural interests
The website of SPD, a charity focused on people with disabilities, says Mr Chan has been a patron of the Punggol Park Community Center Management Committee since January 2014 and a member of the Bukit Timah Community Club Management Committee since September 2014. Listed as a sponsor.
In response to TODAY’s questions, the People’s Association said he is the patron of the Kampung Chai Kyi Citizens’ Consultative Committee and the Bukit Timah Community Club Management Committee.
“He has stepped down from all grassroots appointments,” it added.
Mr. Chan is also the chairman of the Kowloon Club, a non-profit organization founded in 1990. This non-profit organization is made up of mostly overseas immigrants from Hong Kong.
He is the Chairman of the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association, which facilitates networking opportunities between Hong Kong and Singapore businessmen.
He is also a managing director of real estate investment companies Mutual Benefits Realty and Wen Way Investments.
In 2020, Mr. Zhang founded China Link Education Consulting, which provides certification courses to people seeking education and employment opportunities in China.
The consultancy has offices in Shenzhen, China, and is affiliated with Shenzhen University and Shenzhen University of Information Technology.
Additional reporting by Lillian Chen