Singapore Invokes "Fake News" Law for the First Time

A politician has become the first person to fall afoul of Singapore's new Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) after posting a misleading statement on Facebook.

In the incriminating social media post published on November 13, British-born Singaporean Brad Bowyer alleged that the Singapore government had influenced decisions made by state investment firms Temasek Holdings and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC).

In a statement released earlier today, the Singapore government wrote: "The Facebook post by Mr. Brad Bowyer contains false statements of fact and misleading statements.

"The Government does not influence, let alone direct, the individual investment decisions made by Temasek and GIC. Which companies they invest in, or divest from, is entirely the responsibility of their respective management teams. The Government likewise does not interfere in the commercial decisions of Temasek’s and GIC’s portfolio companies.

"Temasek and GIC are run on market principles, independent of the Government. Many of their portfolio companies are publicly listed. The Government’s role is to ensure that Temasek and GIC have competent boards, which ensure that their respective mandates are met. The Government also holds the boards of Temasek and GIC accountable for their respective overall performances."

Mr. Bowyer also asserted that Temasek had invested in a debt-ridden parent company that owns the chain of restaurants Salt Bae. In reality, Salt Bae is owned by D.ream International BV, which operates 60 restaurants throughout the world via four operati ..

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