Singapore Minister’s Facebook Account Sparks Controversy Over Unauthorized Activity

In a digital age where social media can shape political narratives overnight, an unusual incident involving Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has raised questions about online security and accountability. On April 2, 2025, the minister’s press secretary confirmed that a report had been filed with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, over unauthorized activity on Dr. Balakrishnan’s official account. The issue centers on an unintended “like” of a controversial post by former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Calvin Cheng, prompting public scrutiny and highlighting the vulnerabilities of high-profile digital presences.

Unauthorized “Like” Sparks Public Concern

The controversy began when Dr. Balakrishnan’s official Facebook page appeared to have “liked” a post by Calvin Cheng dated March 13, 2025. Cheng’s post, which has since garnered over 1,100 reactions and 770 comments, proposed sponsoring members of the activist group Monday of Palestine Solidarity to relocate to Gaza with the condition that they “never come back to Singapore.” Offering “business class” tickets to the group’s leaders and “walking shoes” to their followers, Cheng’s remarks were widely seen as provocative, drawing sharp criticism for their tone and implications.

Dr. Balakrishnan swiftly distanced himself from the post, stating early on April 2 that he did not “like” it and did not share Cheng’s views. “I have taken measures to enhance account security” he said in a public statement on his social media. Evidence of the “like” was captured in a screen recording shared on Instagram, though it no longer appears among the post’s reactions. Meta is currently investigating the unauthorized activity, according to the minister’s press secretary, though no further details on the nature of the breach have been disclosed at the time of writing.

Broader Implications for Political Figures

This incident is not isolated. Senior Minister of State for National Development and Digital Development and Information, Tan Kiat How, also “liked” Cheng’s post, later claiming it was accidental. After being questioned by Monday of Palestine Solidarity on Instagram, Mr. Tan “unliked” the post and addressed the issue through screenshots shared by the group on March 27. These missteps underscore the challenges political figures face in managing their digital footprints, where a single click can ignite public backlash or fuel perceptions of endorsement.

In Singapore, a city-state known for its tightly regulated political discourse and emphasis on social harmony, such incidents carry added weight. Social media platforms like Facebook are not merely personal tools but extensions of public office for many officials. An unauthorized action, whether due to a security breach or user error, can quickly escalate into a broader narrative about accountability and trust. As digital platforms become central to political communication, the risks of hacking, impersonation, or even internal mismanagement pose significant challenges for governments worldwide.

Calvin Cheng’s Post and Legal Fallout

At the heart of the controversy lies Calvin Cheng’s original post, which targeted activists from Monday of Palestine Solidarity who had confronted Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam during a Meet-the-People Session on March 12. Cheng’s comments, framed as a response to their actions, have drawn accusations of insensitivity and Islamophobia. Former Singapore Democratic Party chairman Jufrie Mahmood filed a police report against Cheng on March 28, alleging that the post constituted a “threat on the lives of anyone that is against the ongoing genocide” and endangered Singapore’s “precious racial and religious harmony.”

Mr. Mahmood’s report interpreted Cheng’s reference to a “one-way trip to Gaza” as implying “instant death,” a charge Cheng has vehemently denied. Additionally, Reform Party secretary-general Kenneth Jeyaretnam and online publication The Online Citizen have made statements accusing Cheng of Islamophobia, prompting him to announce on April 2 that he would pursue legal action over what he described as defamatory remarks. Cheng maintains that his post was directed specifically at the activists’ behavior and not intended to incite harm or hatred.

Political and Cultural Sensitivities

The unfolding drama touches on deeper issues of cultural and political sensitivity in Singapore, a multi-ethnic society where racial and religious harmony is a cornerstone of national policy. Discussions around the Israel-Palestine conflict, in particular, are often fraught with tension, as they can intersect with local concerns about community cohesion. Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, who was directly involved in the initial activist encounter, has publicly stated a “sharply different view” on the issue from Cheng, signaling official efforts to distance the government from polarizing rhetoric.

For many Singaporeans, the incident raises questions about how public figures navigate contentious global issues on local platforms. While Cheng’s post may have been intended as satire or critique, its framing has risked inflaming divisions at a time when the government is keen to maintain stability. The involvement of high-ranking officials, even inadvertently through social media interactions, amplifies the stakes, as their actions are often seen as reflective of broader state positions.

Digital Security in the Spotlight

Beyond the political fallout, the unauthorized activity on Dr. Balakrishnan’s account has spotlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity for public officials. Singapore has positioned itself as a leader in digital governance, with initiatives like the Smart Nation program aiming to integrate technology into every facet of governance. Yet, this incident serves as a reminder that even in a tech-savvy nation, vulnerabilities persist. Whether the “like” resulted from a hack, a staff error, or another form of unauthorized access remains unclear, but it has prompted the minister to bolster account security measures.

Globally, similar incidents have plagued political figures, from hacked Twitter accounts spreading misinformation to phishing attacks targeting government officials. In response, many administrations have implemented stricter protocols, including two-factor authentication and dedicated social media teams. For Singapore, where precision and control are hallmarks of governance, this breach—however minor—may accelerate efforts to safeguard digital assets. If confirmed as a security lapse, it could also prompt Meta to enhance protections for verified accounts, particularly those tied to public office.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigations

Public sentiment, as gauged through social media platforms like X, reflects a mix of concern and skepticism. Some users question how such an error or breach could occur on a minister’s verified account, while others express frustration over the polarizing nature of Cheng’s post. The activist group Monday of Palestine Solidarity has leveraged the incident to highlight what they see as inconsistent accountability among public figures, particularly in their interactions with Mr. Tan.

Meta’s investigation into the unauthorized activity on Dr. Balakrishnan’s account is ongoing, with no timeline provided for a resolution. Meanwhile, Cheng’s legal actions against his critics are likely to prolong the controversy, keeping the issue in the public eye. For now, the incident serves as a case study in the intersection of technology, politics, and public perception—a reminder that in the digital era, even a single “like” can have far-reaching consequences.

As Singapore navigates this unusual chapter, broader questions loom about the balance between free expression and social responsibility on digital platforms. How the government, Meta, and involved parties address these concerns may set a precedent for handling similar controversies in the future.