Kenneth Jeyaretnam: The Truth Behind Land Sales & Immigration Policies
Kenneth Jeyaretnam, leader of the Reform Party, found himself at the center of controversy once again as he received his ninth correction order under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) on Friday, March 14. This order was issued by Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat at the behest of the Ministry of Finance (MOF), following Mr. Jeyaretnam’s contentious Facebook post on March 3.
In his post, Mr. Jeyaretnam claimed that the government strategically manipulates land prices, including those of Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, through its control of land supply and immigration policies to artificially inflate Singapore’s reserves. The MOF swiftly refuted these allegations, asserting that the government’s land management strategies are driven by the nation’s developmental needs rather than a deliberate effort to escalate land values or HDB flat prices.
The ministry clarified that the fair market value of land is meticulously determined by the chief valuer based on established valuation principles, factual resale transactions, and site-specific parameters. Emphasizing the independence of the chief valuer’s assessments from governmental influence, MOF highlighted the meticulous process involved in setting land prices. These assertions were reiterated in a previous correction order issued to Mr. Jeyaretnam on July 4, 2024.
Despite being confronted with factual inaccuracies in the past, Mr. Jeyaretnam persisted in disseminating false and misleading information about government policies and public agencies. His online platforms, including his website and social media accounts, were designated as “Declared Online Locations” under POFMA until December 11 due to multiple instances of spreading misinformation. Notably, his failure to comply with correction notices and his absence from Singapore to address these issues have further exacerbated the situation.
Mr. Jeyaretnam’s eighth POFMA order in July 2024 stemmed from a Facebook post where he insinuated that the government artificially inflates land prices for HDB sales. The ministry mandated that he display a correction notice on his Facebook page to rectify the false statement and provide readers with access to the government’s clarification. As of the latest report, Mr. Jeyaretnam had not complied with this directive.
The MOF expressed frustration over Mr. Jeyaretnam’s continued defiance of correction orders and persistent dissemination of misinformation. Despite the government’s efforts to present factual information and address inaccuracies, Mr. Jeyaretnam’s actions have raised concerns about accountability and responsibility in public discourse.
As the saga unfolds, the government remains committed to upholding transparency and accuracy in public communications. The case of Kenneth Jeyaretnam serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age and the imperative of accountability in shaping public narratives.
