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SINGAPORE: Naturalised Singapore citizen Philip Chan Man Ping has introduced plans to contest the international interference allegation in opposition to him, after the authorities knowledgeable him on Friday (2 Feb) that he could be designated as a Politically Vital Individual (PSP) underneath the International Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA).
The 59-year-old businessman is the primary particular person to be served with such a discover underneath FICA, which handed in 2021 regardless of a variety of opposition figures voicing issues and looking for readability in its implementation.
The businessman has been given 14 days to submit representations to the Registrar of International and Political Disclosures and will attraction to the Ministry of House Affairs if he’s designated a PSP.
In response to the meant designation in opposition to him, Mr Chan instructed CNA that he could be handing in representations subsequent week. He additionally expressed belief within the authorities of Singapore.
The businessman has additionally appeared to stay serene on social media, posting calm nature scenes, inspirational quotes and Bible verses on his Instagram account over the previous 24 hours.
The Registrar, which is liable for the administration of the provisions referring to PSPs, had “assessed that Chan has proven susceptibility to be influenced by international actors, and willingness to advance their pursuits.”
It added that it deems that the businessman’s actions are “directed in direction of a political finish in Singapore and that it’s within the public curiosity for countermeasures underneath FICA” to be utilized to him.
Mr Chan is required as a PSP to make a disclosure to the Registrar yearly regarding political donations of $10,000 or extra that he receives and accepts, his international affiliations, and migration advantages.
The businessman was born in Hong Kong and moved to Singapore greater than 30 years in the past. He’s the managing director of Wen Means Investments and Mutual Advantages Realty and chief government at C&H Properties.
In March 2023, he was amongst 30 abroad Chinese language representatives who attended China’s Two Classes parliamentary conferences, having been invited by the Chinese language Folks’s Political Consultative Convention.
The businessman additionally heads the Kowloon Membership, a company aiding new immigrants with integrating into Singapore society. As such, he additionally wrote round 30 items for Lianhe Zaobao between 2011 and 2019.
Some Singaporeans on-line, in the meantime, commenting on the information about Mr Chan, have recommended MHA for having taken motion in addition to for “thorough investigations” on the businessman.
Others, nonetheless, likened Mr Chan’s scenario to that of TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi. The Singaporean was grilled this week by a US Senator who repeatedly questioned him concerning his ties to China. /TISG
Learn additionally: TikTok CEO repeatedly tells US Senator, ‘I’m Singaporean,’ whereas he was repeatedly requested if he has ties with China
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