Government issues POFMA correction to TikTok user over false claims on Chinese leadership course

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) has issued a correction direction to TikTok user Jay Ish’haq Rajoo under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), following false statements made in a video about a new community leadership course.

The direction, issued on 7 September 2025, was made under the instruction of Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo. The ministry said Jay’s video, posted on 26 August 2025, contained inaccurate claims about the government’s role in the Chinese Community Leadership Course.

According to MCCY, Jay’s video alleged that National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat had announced plans to use government money and resources to attract mainland Chinese nationals to Singapore and groom them for leadership roles. The video also claimed that government funds were being used exclusively to nurture leaders from the Chinese race.

MCCY described these allegations as false and said they had the potential to “cause serious misunderstandings and erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to serve the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion.”

The ministry said a correction direction was necessary to ensure accurate information reached the public. Although the video was no longer available on Jay’s account at the time the order was issued, MCCY confirmed that he has complied with the directive by publishing a new post containing a correction notice and a link to the government’s clarification.

The Online Citizen understands that Jay removed the video within a day of its upload.

Clarification on the Chinese Community Leadership Course

MCCY stated that the Chinese Community Leadership Course is being developed by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), not by the government.

The ministry clarified that only Singapore citizens who are active in the Chinese community and have demonstrated a commitment to community service are eligible for the course. Foreign nationals, including those from mainland China, are not eligible.

Participants will be nominated by local clan associations and business organisations, with SFCCA and SCCCI overseeing the selection process. MCCY said the course’s objective is to strengthen leadership capabilities within the Chinese community while reinforcing Singapore’s principles of multiracialism and multicultural understanding.

Part of broader national leadership development efforts

MCCY further explained that the initiative forms part of a broader national framework for leadership development across different communities. The ministry said Singapore supports leadership training for all racial and cultural groups to promote inclusivity and civic participation.

The Our Singapore Leadership Programme, run by the National Youth Council (NYC), is open to youths from all backgrounds and focuses on developing civic-minded leaders for the future. Similarly, Youth Corps Singapore runs community-based programmes to support youth volunteering and leadership training.

In addition, the government provides funding to self-help groups that nurture leadership within their respective communities. Among the Malay/Muslim community, Yayasan MENDAKI launched the Tunas Bersama M3 programme in 2022 to strengthen leadership among grassroots volunteers and community organisers.

Within the Indian community, the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) supports young leaders through the SINDA Young Leaders Programme, which offers mentorship and training for community engagement and advocacy.

MCCY emphasised that such programmes reflect the government’s broader vision of building capable, community-rooted leaders across all ethnic and cultural groups in Singapore.

Maintaining factual accuracy and public trust

The ministry reiterated that false statements undermining social cohesion and trust must be corrected promptly. The use of POFMA in this case, it said, was to “preserve the integrity of public discourse” and ensure that Singaporeans receive factual information.

Under POFMA, individuals or platforms issued a correction direction are required to publish a notice linking to the government’s clarification. The law does not require the removal of posts, although in this case, Jay had already taken down the video before the direction was issued.

The MCCY’s clarification aligns with ongoing efforts to combat misinformation and maintain harmony in Singapore’s multiracial society. The government has consistently emphasised that community leadership programmes are inclusive and designed to serve all citizens, regardless of race or background.