January 22, 2020

Associate Professor Ja Ian Chong (NUS Department of Political Science) addresses the issue of malign foreign influence in the East Asia Forum. These concerns arrive against the backdrop of a leadership transition in Singapore, and are exacerbated by a tumultuous and uncertain international climate with the economic decoupling of the United States and the PRC, alongside allegations of outside attempts to distort political processes in other nations (Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Malaysia, the UK, and the US).

A/P Chong cautions that effective external manipulation often targets groups and individuals in positions of authority and sensitivity, enabling easier access to legislative processes, policymaking, policy implementation, and sensitive information. However, he states that it is unclear whether existing mechanisms are able to sufficiently constrain persons in authority should ill-intentioned foreign actors comprise them. Although Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) explains how existing practices targeting corruption are sufficient in managing malign foreign influence, the article points out several other areas in which these practices might not be adequate, such as having few requirements governing immediate family members, related interests, and other engagements that can subject senior officials to undue influence.

The article concludes by calling for Singapore’s officials to more openly address forms of foreign influence targeting the country in order to raise public confidence and understanding. According to A/P Chong, addressing the issue with a more comprehensive and rigorous set of responses is thus crucial if Singapore is to remain an honest broker and mediator in delicate situations and international politics, and if other countries are to continue to share sensitive intelligence and key defence technologies with the nation.

Read the article here.