Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Number of Singapore Citizens with Memberships in Foreign Legislatures and Political Organisations Under Section 79 of the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021

Question:

Mr Leong Mun Wai: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) as of 1 March 2024, how many Singapore citizens have declared their membership in foreign legislatures and political organisations respectively under section 79 of the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021; and (b) whether the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority screens applicants for permanent residency and Singapore citizenship for participation in foreign legislatures and political organisations.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. As of 1 March 2024, five Singapore citizens have declared their memberships in foreign legislatures or foreign political organisations to the Registry of Foreign and Political Disclosures.

2. Singapore Citizenship and Permanent Residency applicants are required to declare their membership in professional societies, clubs, associations and other organisations.