K Shanmugam, Singapore’s Minister for Law and Home Affairs, has decided not to file a police report against two sisters who disrupted his Meet-The-People Session (MPS) in Chong Pang on 12 March 2024.
During a doorstop interview on 27 March 2024, while visiting a temporary prayer site at Northview Secondary School, he explained the incident and shared his perspective.
Minister’s Response
Sitting on the fence, Shanmugam remarked it was a “potentially criminal offence” but clarified: “I haven’t filed a police report and I’m not filing a police report… the two sisters are under investigation for other offences from before the incident”. He expressed hope that the sisters, both young, will learn and grow from this experience.
Constructive Engagement
Shanmugam emphasised the importance of moving forward and fostering community engagement. In his words, “We can do it in a constructive way. If you look at Singapore — all our cultures — that’s the approach.” This message was underscored during the holy month of Ramadan, encouraging dialogue on even difficult issues.
Chong Pang Incident Details
- The sisters confronted Shanmugam regarding the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA).
- The interaction turned confrontational, with the sisters calling him a “coward” when he attempted to end the discussion.
- Shanmugam shared a seven-minute video of the encounter on his social media.
Debunking Conspiracy Theories
Addressing speculation that the incident was staged, Shanmugam dismissed such claims as an “extreme conspiracy theory”. He noted he was already miked up for prior events, explaining the clarity of his voice in the shared video.
The incident has led to discussions about the upcoming general election, with the Red Dot United party (RDU) stating they will contest the Nee Soon GRC, where Shanmugam serves. This follows recent electoral boundary updates.