SDP leader Chee Soon Juan issued POFMA order over social media posts on public housing policies

SINGAPORE: Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) leader Chee Soon Juan was on Thursday (Feb 22) issued a correction direction under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) over a recent video he shared on social media regarding public housing polices.

The video was posted on Dr Chee's Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts on Feb 17. 

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee instructed the POFMA Office to issue a correction direction to Dr Chee and a targeted correction direction to TikTok in relation to the posts, the ministry said in a press release on Thursday. 

Dr Chee was required to carry correction notices on his Instagram and Facebook accounts and create a new TikTok post containing a correction notice.

These notices must state that the video posted on Feb 17 contained a "false statement of fact". A link to the government’s clarification must also be provided. 

"This will allow viewers to consider both versions and draw their own conclusions," said the Ministry of National Development.

Dr Chee posted the notices as of 7am on Friday.

However, he also said on Facebook that he "categorically reject(s) the government's interpretation/explanation on the matter", adding that he will explore the option of mounting  a legal challenge to the government's stance.

TikTok is required to communicate a correction notice to all end-users in Singapore that had accessed the TikTok post, the ministry added.

On Friday, TikTok said that it has taken action to comply with the directive, by inserting a notice on the user's video including a link to the Singapore government’s clarification. It is also taking action to send inbox notifications to users who have seen the content.

WIDE RANGE OF FLATS OFFERED

According to Factually, the government fact-checking website, Dr Chee claimed in his video that the government has rejected the idea of building flats that can accommodate multi-generational living.

To support his claim, he referred to a reply by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) on Jan 2 last year to a Straits Times forum letter from a member of the public. The writer had asked for larger flats to be included in Build-to-Order (BTO) sales offerings to help address the needs of growing families and promote multi-generational living.

"Contrary to Dr Chee’s claim, the government did not reject the suggestion from the forum letter writer to have bigger flats available for multi-generational living," said Factually.

Dr Chee had quoted HDB’s reply without including additional information from the same reply about the larger flat types offered to accommodate multi-generational living. 

"HDB offers a wide range of flats, from 2-room flexi flats to 3Gen flats, in various locations to cater to the different housing needs and budgets of first-timer families, second-timer families, the elderly and singles," read Factually.

It said that 4-room flats remain the mainstay of HDB’s BTO supply, as they are an affordable option for families and popular with first-timers. Like 5-room flats, 4-room flats come with three bedrooms.

"As more young couples, singles and their parents choose to have their own flats instead of living together, the average household size of resident households living in HDB flats has decreased from 3.75 persons in 1997 to 3.04 persons in 2023," the website added.

"Nevertheless, HDB flat sizes have remained unchanged since 1997, and HDB will continue to build 5-room and 3Gen flats. In addition to BTOs, home buyers who wish to purchase such larger flats can also consider the resale market."

FORWARD SINGAPORE REPORT

Dr Chee’s video also referenced the Forward Singapore (FSG) Report, and concluded from the report that "the Singapore Dream is now out of reach for many Singaporeans".

The Factually article said that the FSG Report "emphasises the need to refresh the Singapore Dream". This follows FSG engagements with young Singaporeans that found that the Singapore Dream has expanded beyond material success.

"When young people talk about careers and jobs, they often express a desire for meaning and purpose in what they do, not just for good salaries," said Factually, citing a page in the FSG report.

"In other words, we want to embrace wider definitions of success. We seek a more inclusive Singapore Dream - one where we value every individual, support them in their diverse aspirations and pathways, and celebrate their achievements and successes together."