Singapore’s Prime Minister, in a press conference, mentioned that “three foreign actors” through social media posts had interfered with the country’s General Election by urging Singaporeans to vote along religious lines.
Three names were mentioned, and two of them allegedly involved members of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS).
- Facebook user “Zai Nal”, identified as Zulfikar Shariff, a former Singaporean who is now residing in Australia.
- Selangor PAS Youth Chief Sukri Omar
- PAS national treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad
In his post, Zulfikar accused several Malay-Muslim MPs of failing to represent the Muslim community in Singapore and said the nation does not need another Malay MP who does not reflect their views. Sukri then shared Zulfikar’s post, while Iskandar expressed support for a candidate in the Singapore General Election, which is scheduled for May 3, 2025.
Lawrence addressed an official statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs of Singapore (MHA) and said that while Singaporeans may have different views about issues, they cannot allow external actors to exploit their differences to weaken them or to advance personal interests.
“Singapore’s politics must be for Singaporeans alone to decide. We should never mix religion and politics.” Lawrence said.
“My posts are not even influential in Malaysia”
Both members of PAS have since acknowledged the Singapore Prime Minister’s claims, and in their respective statements on Facebook, both assured that they had no intention of meddling with the national interests of Singapore.
PAS National Treasurer, Iskandar Abdul Samad, was shocked by MHA and Lawrence’s claims and said his posting was only intended to report on the participation of several Muslim candidates from opposition parties, as well as a young candidate from the People’s Action Party (PAP).
Iskandar said that although some of his posts were made in English, it was directed to Malaysians and not Singaporeans.
“As a politician, it is unfair to blame me because I have interests in the world’s politic development. I wrote about UK’s politics in the past.”
“I do not believe my Facebook page is influential even in Malaysia and was shocked when it was blocked and cannot be accessed in the republic.”
Sukri Omar, on the other hand, said he never intended to interfere in the country’s democratic process, either directly or indirectly.
“My concern and message is not to interfere in their elections but is part of my moral responsibility as a human being who is concerned about the situation of the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore.”
Sukri added that the right to uphold justice, dignity, and the future of a people is not an act of “foreign interference” when it is done with courtesy, principle, and a love for humanity.
“Speaking out against injustice is not a crime; it is a moral and religious obligation. Defending the Malay-Muslim identity does not threaten peace, it strengthens genuine social justice.”
