Two women caused a commotion at Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam’s Meet-the-People Session (MPS) at his Chong Pang branch office on 12 March 2025.
The confrontational exchange was captured on video and later shared by the minister on Facebook.
Confrontation at Nee Soon MPS Sparks Debate on Appropriate Advocacy Channels
The seven-minute video posted on Mr Shanmugam’s Facebook page shows the women wearing shirts with “Press” printed on the front and names of journalists killed in Gaza on the back.
They approached Mr Shanmugam to discuss the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA).
In the footage, the pair, who are sisters, can be seen questioning the minister in a confrontational manner while residents and volunteers watch.
Women Pointed Vulgar Hand Gestures
At one point, they displayed vulgar hand gestures toward the camera and shouted at Mr Shanmugam when he walked away to attend to his duties.
The women, who identified themselves as residents of Punggol, were informed by Mr Shanmugam that the MPS was primarily for his constituents. When told this, they accused him of lying, claiming that other MPs had met with non-residents during their sessions.
Mr Shanmugam explained in his post that while branches can decide to focus on residents, MPs may exercise discretion in seeing non-residents. He noted that most people understand this policy without accusing the MP of dishonesty.
When the women noticed they were being recorded by a volunteer, one became agitated and demanded the video be deleted, saying she did not consent to being filmed. Mr Shanmugam responded that as they were in a public area, his volunteers had the right to record.
The situation escalated when Mr Shanmugam needed to step away to join Malay community leaders for a Hari Raya light-up in his constituency. As he turned to leave, the women, joined by a man, shouted after him and called him a “coward”.
Activist Group’s Tactics at Multiple PAP Meet-the-People Sessions Raise Concerns
According to the People’s Action Party (PAP), the women belong to an activist group called Monday of Palestine Solidarity.
The group has reportedly visited more than 10 MPS locations, including those of National Development Minister Desmond Lee in West Coast GRC and Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo in Jalan Besar GRC.
The PAP statement indicated that members of this group typically create disturbances in waiting areas, disrupt queue systems, film interactions, and raise their voices, affecting residents who attend these sessions to speak with their MPs and volunteers.
“It is not right that our volunteers are subject to taunts and accusations about their motives and character,” the PAP said in its statement.
Mr Shanmugam stressed that MPS venues are not meant for protests.
“I understand that people may feel strongly about some issues. But MPS is not a protest venue. It is where residents go to their MPs to seek help,” he wrote, noting that many attendees face acute concerns related to housing, jobs, medical needs, and family issues.
Despite the commotion, Mr Shanmugam said he spoke with the women and two others for about 30 to 45 minutes toward the end of the session. He did not disclose the content of their discussion, stating that he treats MPS conversations as confidential.
The PAP described MPS as “one of the most direct lines of assistance for many Singaporeans in need” and expressed empathy for the frustration many feel about Gaza.
The party noted that MPs and volunteers take time to hear residents’ views on this issue, which they relay to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a separate Facebook post addressing the incident, Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng acknowledged the importance of advocacy but emphasised that it must be conducted civilly and respectfully to achieve desired changes.
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