SDP denounces action against activists, calls for respect of free speech and civic participation

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has criticised recent government action taken against several activists, including The Online Citizen editor Terry Xu, Jay Ish'haq Rajoo, and eight students issued conditional warnings.

The students had attempted to deliver letters containing feedback to the Ministry of Home Affairs, prompting the response from authorities.

In a statement issued on 1 April 2026, SDP chairman Dr Paul Tambyah said that while the party may not agree with all views expressed, broader public discourse remains necessary.

He stated that Singapore would benefit from “more voices to be heard rather than silenced”, particularly during a period of global political and economic uncertainty.

Dr Tambyah also raised concerns about the current national direction, suggesting that the ruling People’s Action Party lacks a clear strategy for the future.

He added that a wide range of perspectives would help strengthen national resilience and decision-making.

The SDP emphasised that the state should adopt a more confident approach when engaging with citizens, including welcoming dissenting opinions.

The party called on the Government to review its actions against the individuals involved.

It further urged respect for constitutional rights, including freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly, describing active civic participation as essential for a thoughtful and forward-looking society.

Jay Ish'haq Rajoo charged over TikTok videos allegedly promoting racial ill will and falsehoods

59-year-old Jay Ish’haq Rajoo was charged in March 2026 with multiple offences linked to TikTok videos he posted between 2023 and 2025.

The charges include communicating false statements under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), defamation of political leaders, and promoting ill will between racial groups.

Authorities said some of his videos contained false claims about government policies, elections, and public housing.

He had earlier been issued 24-month conditional warnings in 2024 by the police and POFMA Office over similar content.

In 2025, he received a further POFMA correction direction over another TikTok video, which authorities said breached those warnings.

As a result, the government proceeded with criminal charges, making him the first individual prosecuted under POFMA since the law came into force. He is scheduled to return to court on 8 April 2026.

Rights groups have since called on Singapore to drop the charges, arguing they raise concerns about freedom of expression.

Legal pressures faced by independent media platform TOC

Terry Xu was ordered by the Singapore High Court in March 2026 to pay S$420,000 in damages to ministers K. Shanmugam and Tan See Leng for defamation.

The case centred on a 2024 TOC article referencing a Bloomberg report on Good Class Bungalow transactions involving the two ministers.

The damages award is the latest in a series of legal and regulatory actions taken against Xu and TOC in recent years.

These include POFMA correction directions issued by Minister Shanmugam and Minister Edwin Tong, each requiring TOC to publish a corrective notice in the Straits Times — at a cost of S$10,400 per advertisement — as well as a defamation suit from UOB arising from TOC's published content.

These actions form part of a broader pattern of legal and regulatory measures taken against Xu and the platform over published content.

Eight students in Singapore recently issued conditional warnings over MHA letter delivery incident in 2024

In March 2026, eight students in Singapore were issued conditional warnings following the conclusion of a two-year police investigation into a June 2024 incident involving the delivery of letters to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The group had approached the ministry as part of a larger gathering of about 30 individuals seeking to submit letters expressing opposition to the proposed Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill.

Police investigated the incident for potential offences under the Public Order Act, which regulates public assemblies and processions without permits.

As part of the conditional warnings, the eight students are required to remain crime-free for a specified period, typically one year.

The incident took place amid broader debate over the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, which was later passed in Parliament in 2025.

Authorities have maintained that while individuals may express views, such activities must comply with existing laws governing public order and protected places.