Singapore Ministers Sue Bloomberg Over Defamatory Property Report

Two Singapore ministers have initiated defamation proceedings against Bloomberg and a journalist, Low De Wei, over an article on state-owned bungalow rentals. The ministers claim the piece contains libellous statements about property transactions. Legal action was prompted after correction directions were issued under the Protection from Online Falsehoods Act.

Two ministers from Singapore have filed defamation lawsuits targeting media giant Bloomberg and one of its journalists, sparking significant media attention. The legal actions, initiated by Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, arise from a December article concerning state-owned bungalow rentals.

The ministers allege that the Bloomberg article included defamatory statements regarding property transactions, undermining the transparency and legal framework of Singapore's real estate sector. In response, correction directions were mandated under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act.

Bloomberg has contested these claims, issuing a correction notice under protest while stating their intention to appeal the decision. The ongoing legal clash underscores issues of press freedom and governmental transparency in real estate dealings, placing a spotlight on Singapore's regulatory landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)