Update on Jul. 11, 8:13pm: The article has been updated with MHA's response to media queries.

The Registrar of Foreign and Political Disclosures intends to designate the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) as a Politically Significant Person under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021 (FICA).

In the interest of public to designate NTUC because of close proximity to the PAP

According to a press release by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Registrar served a Notice of Intended Designation to NTUC on Jul. 11, 2024.

The Registrar had assessed that is in the public interest for countermeasures under FICA to be applied to NTUC given the union's "close nexus and symbiotic relationship" with the People's Action Party (PAP).

As a designated Politically Significant Person, NTUC will be required to make annual disclosures to the Registrar on political donations of S$10,000 or more that it has received or accepted, and foreign affiliations.

Such transparency requirements will mitigate NTUC’s risk of being a target of foreign interference, MHA added.

In response to media queries, MHA emphasised that it is not because NTUC has been compromised by a foreign actor, or has committed any wrongdoing nor anything of concern.

Designation of NTUC will not lead to prohibition on its activities

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Manpower said the ministry notes that the designation of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) as a Politically Significant Person does not result in any prohibition on NTUC’s ongoing activities.

"MOM will continue to work with NTUC as a key tripartite partner. NTUC’s activities have been in compliance with the Trade Unions Act," the spokesperson added.

In response to media queries, MHA and MOM stated: "Being designated as a PSP will not affect NTUC’s activities and its core work as a labour movement. Upon designation, NTUC will simply be subject to transparency requirements - to disclose their reportable political donations and foreign affiliations. There are no prohibitions or restrictions on NTUC’s activities."

NTUC to review MHA's requirements for the designation process

Meanwhile, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng acknowledged receipt of the notice and said that the union will review MHA's requirements for the designation process.

Ng added:

"We are aligned with national safeguards to prevent foreign interference, and we will continue to ensure that our operations remain free from foreign influence."

He said:

"(We) would like to assure our members, partners, and stakeholders that NTUC's core work to better workers' lives and livelihoods will continue unabated."

Entities and persons that have been designated as PSPs

According to MHA, there have been three designations since FICA-PSP provisions came into force on Dec. 29, 2023:

• Think Centre
• MARUAH
• Singaporean business man, Phillip Chan

MHA explained:

"The basis upon which they were designated, however, are not the same as for NTUC. Think Centre and MARUAH were automatically deemed as designated PSPs (pursuant to section 127 of FICA) by virtue of their previous status as gazetted political associations under the Political Donations Act, which was repealed when FICA came into force.

Philip Chan was designated as the Registrar had assessed that he was susceptible to being influenced by foreign actors and willing to advance their interests. NTUC is being designated on the basis of its close nexus and symbiotic relationship with the PAP."

Top photo via NTUC Facebook