Govt will not publish broader list of foreign groups over security risks, says Sim Ann

SINGAPORE: The Government has no plans to make public a broader list of foreign organisations that may pose concerns to Singapore’s national security, citing potential operational and security risks.

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann said such disclosure could compromise sensitive processes and undermine national security efforts.

She was responding to a parliamentary question from East Coast GRC MP Hazlina Abdul Halim, who had asked whether such a list could be released and how frequently these organisations are monitored.

Sim said Singapore already publishes lists of individuals and entities for specific national security purposes.

These include foreign organisations designated as terrorist entities, which are listed under the first schedule of the Terrorism Suppression of Financing Act.

She explained that these targeted disclosures are carefully calibrated to balance transparency with security considerations.

A broader, consolidated list, however, could expose operational methods or unintentionally signal investigative priorities, she added.

Legal safeguards and restrictions

Sim outlined several laws that govern interactions with foreign entities of concern.

These include the Foreign Interference Countermeasures Act, which imposes restrictions related to participation in foreign political organisations or legislatures.

She also cited the United Nations Act, which prohibits providing technical advice, assistance or training to designated foreign persons and organisations.

Such legal frameworks, she said, ensure that individuals and entities are held accountable where national security risks arise.

Public awareness and outreach efforts

Sim said the Government conducts regular outreach programmes to raise awareness of security threats.

These include risks posed by foreign organisations, particularly those linked to terrorism or foreign military and intelligence networks.

She highlighted the SG Secure national movement as a key platform for disseminating information and educating the public.

Through SG Secure and related campaigns, Singaporeans are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed about evolving threats.

The Government also uses media channels to amplify messages when specific cases attract public attention.

Concerns raised over volunteer cases

In her supplementary questions, Hazlina raised concerns about public interest in cases involving two Singaporeans who had volunteered with the Sar-El Volunteer Corps in 2016.

Hazlina said the case underscored a growing interest in such matters and the need for greater awareness.

She asked for more details on how outreach efforts are conducted, including whether they involve inter-agency coordination, community organisations or educational institutions.

Hazlina suggested that awareness initiatives could be expanded upstream to schools and community groups.

She said clearer guidance would help Singaporeans better understand the balance between seeking international exposure and safeguarding national interests.

Sim Ann responds on partnerships

In response, Sim Ann said the SG Secure movement serves as a central platform for outreach and education.

She noted that information is disseminated through various channels to ensure Singaporeans are aware of potential risks.

When specific cases arise, the Government also reinforces existing advisories through media coverage.

Sim Ann emphasised the importance of individuals having a clear understanding of Singapore’s national interests.

She said this principle has been discussed repeatedly in Parliament and remains a cornerstone of public education efforts.

Guidance for Singaporeans abroad

Sim Ann reiterated that Singaporeans should not participate in foreign armed conflicts.

They should also exercise caution when engaging with organisations linked to foreign militaries or intelligence agencies.

Where necessary, the Government issues travel advisories on overseas developments that may have security implications.

Individuals are encouraged to conduct due diligence and err on the side of caution.

Sim Ann stressed that responsibility lies with each individual to comply with the law and avoid actions that could harm Singapore’s national interests.

ISD learned of Sar-El blog post in 2024, engagement with father and son followed year later, says Shanmugam

Earlier, in a written reply dated 7 April, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam addressed questions from MPs Fadli Fawzi and Yip Hon Weng.

He confirmed that the Internal Security Department (ISD) became aware in 2024 of a blog post linking to the Sar-El Volunteer Corps (Singapore) website.

The post was authored by an individual identified as A and included a hyperlink redirecting users to the organisation’s site.

At the time, A was overseas pursuing undergraduate studies and was later engaged by ISD in 2025 upon returning to Singapore.

ISD also engaged A’s father, identified as B, though no specific date of engagement was disclosed.

Investigations found both individuals had not participated in military activities during their 2016 Sar-El volunteering.

They undertook non-combat roles such as packing, sorting, cleaning and cooking during the two-week stint.

Shanmugam said the blog post was deemed inappropriate in the context of the Gaza conflict and was voluntarily removed.

He added that the Government would consider taking action under Singapore law, including under the Internal Security Act, against any person who proceeds to volunteer with Sar-El under current conditions, or who is otherwise found to be engaged in activities prejudicial to Singapore's national security and interests.

The Minister's reply built on the position he had set out at the 5 March sitting, when he told the House that Singapore maintains zero tolerance for participation by its citizens in foreign armed conflicts regardless of which side they are on.

At that sitting, he had confirmed that a formal request for information had been submitted to the Israeli government following a Declassified UK report identifying two Singapore passport holders in IDF data, though no response had been received.

The 24 March joint statement by MHA and MINDEF stated that there is no information to suggest that A and B's 2016 Sar-El participation is related to the individuals identified in the Declassified UK report.

Based on ISD's assessment that neither individual was involved in military activities with the IDF, MHA and MINDEF confirmed that A and B will not face legal action over their 2016 volunteering.