Manmeet Singh posted commentary alleging offensive comments by Minister Josephine Teo against Malays, which found to be false
A Singaporean blogger of Indian origin, Manmeet Singh, was fined SGD 6,000 (approximately ₹4 lakh) on June 6, 2025, after pleading guilty to promoting racial disharmony via a TikTok post.
Singh, 57, admitted to uploading a video that falsely accused Minister Josephine Teo of making derogatory remarks about the Malay community, reported thehindu.com.
The blogger claimed a minister insulted Malays, then deleted the video and apologised once he learned it was likely false.
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The offending TikTok post was uploaded on August 12, 2024, after Singh received a link from an unknown sender
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Without verifying its authenticity, Singh shared commentary accusing Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo — who is of Chinese descent — of making racially insensitive remarks about Malays during a media interview
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Malays, a largely Muslim community, make up about 15% of Singapore’s population
Singh apologised in a follow-up video and later removed the post
Shortly after the video gained attention — including inquiries from a reporter and colleagues of the minister — Teo’s Press Secretary downloaded a copy and lodged a police report. Singh deleted the video later that same day, realising the allegations were likely false, and uploaded a new clip apologising to the minister.
Singh, who had about 9,000 followers at the time, was arrested on February 4, 2025, and released on bail the following day.
The court was told Singh felt remorseful and is now cautious with his content
According to defence lawyers, Singh was “racked with guilt” and not motivated by profit or fame. His videos, they said, reflect his personal views and social concerns. He has since distanced himself from political commentary and now verifies content before posting.
Under Singaporean law, Singh could have faced up to three years in jail, a fine, or both for promoting racial enmity.
