NTUC required to disclose political donations and foreign affiliations, but designation does not affect its activities.
Singapore has announced that the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) will be designated as a “politically significant person” under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (Fica). This move, described by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as a precautionary measure, will require NTUC to make annual disclosures of political donations of S$10,000 or more and to disclose any foreign affiliations.
This designation, however, will not interfere with NTUC’s ongoing activities. MHA emphasized that NTUC has not been compromised by foreign actors, and this designation serves to reduce potential future risks. NTUC has been given 14 days to submit representations against the designation.
The government highlighted that the transparency requirements are meant to protect NTUC from becoming a target for foreign interference, given its close relationship with the ruling People’s Action Party.
