Singapore has strict rules that prevent and forbid foreign companies from interfering in local politics: Singtel Optus Chairman Paul O'Sullivan's letter promoting same sex marriage has consequences in SIngapore

by Ganesh Sahathevan


Image result for optus singtel
As previously reported on this blog, Singtel Optus Chairman Paul O'Sullivan promoting same sex marriage in Australia has drawn the Government Of Singapore into a matter concerning Australia's marriage laws that Australian citizens want  to decide for themselves.

The Singtel intervention is interesting given that Singapore 's laws are designed to ensure that foreign corporations are never involved in Singapore's internal affairs.  These rules are especially aimed at media companies, which Singtel Optus has become,given its bundling of communication and data, which includes entertainment and news. Given such laws Singapore companies have generally steered clear of political commentary, both at home and abroad, until this intervention.

That this intervention is on the matter of same sex marriage and LGBTQI rights is especially interesting, given Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong's warning to his own LGBTQI community: 

"There is space for the gay community but they should not push the agenda too hard because if they push the agenda too hard, there will be a very strong pushback," Mr Lee said.
"And this is not an issue where there is a possibility that the two sides can discuss and eventually come to a consensus. Now, these are very entrenched views and the more you discuss, the angrier people get," he added.
It will be interesting to see how the Government Of Singapore intends to resolve the above conflicting positions it has created for itself.
END 

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