These laws can operate systematically as part of th government’s machinery to control online information for political advantage, especially when social media platforms serve as key venues for critics and other actors to express their views. They grant the Singaporean government broad authority to police content without transparency. This further reinforces Singapore’s already tightly controlled media environment, which is dominated by two government-linked entities—SPH Media and Mediacorp—that run major outlets including CNA and The Straits Times. B. Key Digital Rights Situations in 2025 The rental of two colonial bungalows on Ridout Road is a significant example of how POFMA has been used to protect the reputation of the government, the PAP, and its members. The incident became public in May 2023 and involved two PAP ministers, K. Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan. They were alleged to have rented the bungalows at 26 and 31 Ridout Road, raising conflict-of-interest concerns because the properties are under the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), a statutory board under the Ministry of Law, both of which were then overseen by Shanmugam. The concern was whether the ministers had received preferential treatment in the bidding process. In response, the SLA stated that the bungalow rentals were in full compliance with procedures349. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) also said it found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing or preferential treatment for the two ministers, who rented the properties for their personal use350. The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) concurred with the CPIB’s findings and recommendations351. The issue was first raised by Kenneth Jeyaretnam, secretary-general of the opposition Reform Party. After it was confirmed that there was no conflict of interest involving the ministers, Jeyaretnam continued to allege that the renovation of the bungalows was awarded to LivSpace, a company headed by Shanmugam’s son352. Shanmugam later denied that the company had been awarded any contract to work on the properties353. Tham, Ashley. “Shanmugam, Balakrishnan Bid Above Guide Rent for Ridout Road State Properties, SLA Says.” CNA,13 May 2023, www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/shanmugam-balakrishnan-bidabove-guide-rent-ridout-road-state-properties-sla-3485161. 350. Ang, Hwee Min. “Ridout Road Properties: Investigations, Including by CPIB, Find No Wrongdoing or Preferential Treatment for Ministers.” CNA, 18 June 2023, www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ ridout-road-shanmugam-vivian-balakrishnan-state-bungalows-cpib-investigations-3592041. 351. Ibid. 352. Ishak, Syahindah. “POFMA Correction Issued to Kenneth Jeyaretnam, Online Magazine Jom Over Ridout Road Content.” Mothership, 16 July 2023, mothership.sg/2023/07/pofma-ridout-road. 353. Chew, Hui Min. “‘Leave My Family Alone’: Shanmugam Denies Allegations That Son’s Firm Renovated Ridout Road Bungalows.” CNA, 3 July 2025, www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ridout-roadbungalow-shanmugam-son-family-livspace-rent-3602651. 349. 75