Debated in Parliament on 18 Feb 2022.
Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Government is a user of Israeli company QuaDream’s spyware; and (b) whether the Government deploys this or other spyware technologies in Singapore.
Mr Deputy Speaker, one of the most critical responsibilities of the Government is to keep Singapore safe, secure and sovereign. We have to deal with serious national security threats to Singapore, ranging from terrorism to foreign subversion, espionage and interference. To this end, agencies charged with the mission of safeguarding national security necessarily have to rely on a range of intelligence capabilities, including harnessing technology.
For obvious reasons, the Government cannot and should not discuss specifics on any operational aspects or capabilities regarding our national security.
Mr Leon Perera.
I thank the Minister of State for his answer. Just one supplementary question. If such technology is deployed – and this is just an assumption – is it subject to any kind of judicial oversight? Does a warrant need to be obtained, for example, before such technologies are deployed?
Mr Deputy Speaker, I have already mentioned that for reasons in safeguarding our national security, the Government cannot and should not discuss specifics with regard to operational aspects or any capabilities relating to our national security.
Ms Sylvia Lim.
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Sir, not long ago, I received a threat warning from Apple, informing me that it could be that my iPhone is being the subject of hacking by state-sponsored attackers. They also said that it is likely to be so because of who I am individually or what I do.
So, based on what the Minister of State said just now that reliance on technologies is required for national security reasons, can I get his confirmation that I should have absolutely no concerns that the Singapore Government agencies are trying to hack into my phone?
I think there is a Point of Order to be raised. Leader.
I am just wondering. The Minister of State had earlier said that we have to deal with a range of things – espionage, for example. So, I was just wondering whether Ms Sylvia Lim was suggesting that she was engaged in espionage.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I am asking this question with a totally open mind. I do not know the answer and I am not accusing the Government. It is a purely open-ended question. If Minister of State says he cannot answer it, so be it.
If Ms Sylvia Lim has any concerns with regard to what has happened to her iPhone, I suggest she make a Police report.
Ms He Ting Ru, next two questions.
PAPERCUTS