Designated race-based clan and business associations must disclose donations from foreign sources: MHA

The Government will introduce a new guard rail against race-based entities, and amend the foreign interference law so it can take preemptive action against hostile information campaigns (HICs) by foreign actors.

- Andrew Wong

Both measures were announced by Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong during the debate on his ministry’s budget on Feb 27.

Mr Tong, who is also Law Minister, said the measures come as Singapore monitors a constantly evolving threat environment.

He said that Singapore thrives by welcoming foreign capital, talent, goods and ideas, as well as by being open to information and being highly connected. However, it can also be exposed to foreign risks.

He said a new law under the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act (RHA) will take effect by the end of 2026, to designate race-based entities that have higher potential of being influenced by malicious foreign actors.

“We will designate clan associations and business associations linked to the Chinese, Malay and Indian races. These entities will need to disclose foreign donations and affiliations, and meet leadership composition requirements,” he added.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) spokesperson said it was still assessing the list of entities that will be designated.

“Each designation decision will be made holistically, and the list of designated entities will be made public when ready,’ the spokesperson said.

MHA added that it had engaged both clans and business associations when developing the new measures.

“Overall, the feedback was supportive. Race-based entities understood and accepted the need for the baseline safeguards to mitigate foreign interference risk,” the spokesperson added.