Singapore opposition says ‘fake news’ law may be used as muzzle

This photo taken on February 8, 2019 shows central Singapore's iconic promenade and skyline. - Those in Singapore with HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- have long complained of prejudice, and campaigners say a data breach of some 14,200 people, whose HIV status was released on the internet in January 2019, has caused widespread consternation. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP) / TO GO WITH STORY Singapore-social-health-homosexuality-data-HIV, FOCUS by Sam REEVES

The leader of a new opposition party in Singapore is worried the government may use a recently passed law aimed at blocking fake news to muzzle the group ahead of general elections expected by early 2021. 

Speaking at press conference for the incorporation of his new Progress Singapore Party, Tan Cheng Bock, a former member of parliament for the People’s Action Party, said he was “very concerned” the government would use the law -- which has been criticised for being too sweeping – to suppress content that advocates dissenting views.