Activists demand to speak to Shanmugam about POFMA at his MPS, have disrupted over 10 PAP MPS in past months

A group of activists turned up at Nee Soon GRC Member of Parliament K Shanmugam's Meet-the-People session (MPS) on Wednesday (Mar. 12), demanding to talk about the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA).

A tense exchange ensued, culminating in the group calling the minister a coward, and a heated confrontation between them.

Shanmugam, who is also the Minister for Law, detailed the encounter in a Facebook post on Thursday (Mar. 13), and provided a video clip of the encounter filmed by a volunteer.

Two women from the group approached Shanmugam outside the Chong Pang Branch office to talk about POFMA.

Neither of them are Nee Soon GRC residents. When Shanmugam explained that MPS are for residents, they accused him of lying.

"Their accusation, that I was lying, was typical of the way the engagement proceeded, through the night," the minister noted in his post.

"The antagonistic way in which they spoke, behaved, interrupted, threw accusations of lying, suggested that they wanted to make a scene, get some material to put out, rather than engage in a genuine discussion."

However, the minister also added that he might not have time to see them because he had a busy night ahead with multiple community engagements and office work.

As he turned to walk back to the branch office, one of the women shouted "coward" at him. Another man also joined in to do the same.

The minister then turned back and reprimanded them for behaving in a disruptive manner.

"I was quite unhappy with the disruption they were causing. I pointed to them to behave. I also pointed out to them that they were disrupting the MPS. They can’t, as non-residents, come to MPS and insist that their political discussion take priority over the needs of the waiting residents."

Voices were raised in the ensuing confrontation after the women realised that a volunteer was filming them. They turned to her and demanded she delete the footage.

Shanmugam wrote that the commotion shocked his volunteers and some residents.

The minister spent 30 to 45 minutes meeting the group later that evening, in order to "find common ground".

"I understand that people may feel strongly about some issues. But MPS is not a protest venue. It is where residents go to their MPs to seek help.

Many have acute concerns — housing, jobs, medical needs, family issues, and would wait patiently, often for hours, to speak with their MP.

Hijacking these sessions is unfair to residents. There are appropriate avenues for advocacy — but disrupting sessions meant to help residents who are struggling with everyday challenges crosses a line."

PAP: Activists turned up at other PAP branches to create ruckus, taunt volunteers

In his post, Shanmugam said the PAP had noted a trend of disturbances at PAP MPs Meet the People Sessions.

A party spokesperson said that the activists are from a group called Monday of Palestine Solidarity.

The group disrupted more than 10 Meet the People Sessions in the past few months.

According to Petir, the PAP's official newsletter, the group has employed similar disruptive tactics at the following 13 Meet the People Sessions:

They have turned up in wards that are helmed by Cabinet ministers as well as those headed by backbenchers.

“They created a ruckus in the waiting area to disrupt the queue system we have in place, they filmed and raised their voices at MPS which affected other residents who hoped to have the privacy to speak with our MPs and volunteers,” said the PAP spokesperson.

These activists also targeted the party's volunteers by raising their voices and lobbying accusations against them.

“Our volunteers have stepped forward because they care about fellow Singaporeans and want to do their part to support those in need. It is not right that our volunteers are subject to taunts and accusations about their motives and character,” said the party spokesperson.

The spokesperson also explained that as the MPS is “one of the most direct lines of assistance for many Singaporeans in need", the party tries its best to "create a safe space for these residents to share their concerns, and to meet as many residents as possible in each session”.

“Regardless of political views, everyone deserves to be treated with respect. For those who have been organising efforts to disrupt our MPS, we will not allow any intimidation antics towards our residents and volunteers.”

The party had strong words for Monday of Palestine Solidarity in Petir, calling their behaviour "anti-social" and ultimately ineffective in helping the people of Gaza.

This was contrasted with the advocacy efforts of PAP MPs who spoke at length about Palestine and the rights of Palestinian people in Parliament, and the collaboration between the party and local activists and charities which raised and delivered over S$17 million worth of aid.

Top images: K Shanmugam Sc/Facebook