Serious Pofma order issued to Leong Mun Wai (Cheebye didn't check facts before posting!)

[Scrooball (clone)]

Pofma order issued to Leong Mun Wai, The Online Citizen, Gutzy Asia over falsehoods on lack of financial aid for West Coast residents​

[IMG alt="A screenshot of a Facebook post made by Mr Leong Mun Wai on Feb 12, 2024.
"]https://onecms-res.cloudinary.com/i...15_lmw2_facebook.jpg?itok=Gbct0mMW[/IMG]Leong Mun Wai/Facebook
A screenshot of a Facebook post made by Mr Leong Mun Wai on Feb 12, 2024.

• Opposition party chief Leong Mun Wai received correction orders under the anti-fake-news law
• He alleged on social media that a married couple with mobility problems did not get enough financial aid from the Government
• Alternative news sites The Online Citizen and Gutzy Asia also received the order for carrying Mr Leong's statements in their social media posts
• The Ministry of Social and Family Development debunked these claims, listing the various ways that the couple had been receiving support
• Mr Leong later put up a correction notice on his social media accounts

BY

AMANDA YEAP​

Published February 15, 2024
Updated February 16, 2024
WhatsAppTelegramFacebookTwitterEmailLinkedIn

SINGAPORE — Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chief Leong Mun Wai, as well as two sociopolitical websites, have been issued with correction directions under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma) for publishing false statements regarding financial aid for a couple.
These statements were made in Mr Leong's Facebook and Instagram posts on Feb 12, and were subsequently published on Gutzy Asia and The Online Citizen the following day.

In a statement on Thursday (Feb 15), the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said that Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, has instructed the Pofma Office to issue correction directions to the three parties over the posts.

Mr Leong, a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament, said in his post that a married couple with mobility problems living in the West Coast area did not receive any financial assistance from the Government other than the wife's Home Caregiving Grant.
The Home Caregiving Grant provides a monthly cash payout of up to S$400 to defray caregiving costs for eligible recipients.

READ ALSO​

Singapore Eye, Gutzy Asia and The Online Citizen Asia get Pofma orders over falsehoods on woman’s death in Yishun​

Mr Leong added that she had depleted most of her Central Provident Fund (CPF) MediSave account to fund a leg operation, had to pay monthly instalments for her walker aid and leg cast, and gave up physiotherapy because she could not afford the cost of S$100 a session.

He also said that the couple's application for further assistance, such as transport bursaries, was rejected.
Mr Leong did not identify the couple in the post, but had posted a photograph taken with the couple.
He later removed the posts from his Facebook and Instagram accounts, and correction notices were put up as of 12am Friday to address the false statements.
He also published a new post, saying: "I spoke about their circumstances, and the assistance they were given in a 12 Feb 2024 post on my Facebook and Instagram pages, not knowing that this may not be the full picture."

THE FACTS​

MSF said that the couple presently receives financial assistance for their daily expenses from various public sector agencies and community partners.

READ ALSO​

Pofma restrictions imposed on The Online Citizen Asia; operator cannot receive financial benefits​

These include the Home Caregiving Grant, South West Community Development Council Utilities Vouchers, and NTUC FairPrice supermarket vouchers from the People’s Association, as well as cash of S$300 a month from a temple. They receive a total of around S$830 a month in cash and vouchers.
"Since 2021, the couple have received approximately S$39,000 in cash and vouchers from various public sector agencies and community partners. This included S$21,000 in ComCare assistance from May 2021 to April 2023," the ministry added.

In addition, MSF said that the couple have more than S$100,000 in total in both their CPF retirement accounts, and the woman received a lump sum payout of S$5,000 in April last year.

With regard to the woman's ankle operation at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in June last year, the ministry said that although the total hospital bill was S$8,580, her remaining bill amount was about S$240 after MediShield Life and MediSave subsidies.

"The woman had more than S$60,000 left in her MediSave account after that withdrawal," it said, adding that this sum was as of Feb 12.
On the woman’s physiotherapy sessions at the same hospital, MSF said that each session cost around S$25 after government subsidies and the sessions were fully covered by MediFund.

READ ALSO​

Speaker Seah Kian Peng dismisses Leong Mun Wai's complaint against Murali over 'rent control' remark​

"She did not have to pay any cash out-of-pocket for those sessions. She will continue to receive full MediFund assistance for her outpatient bills until June 2024, at which point her eligibility for MediFund will be re-assessed."

MediFund is an endowment fund set up by the Government that provides a safety net for patients who have financial difficulties with their remaining bills after receiving government subsidies and drawing on other means of payment including MediShield Life, MediSave and cash.

MSF also said that the couple had received public transport vouchers in the current and past two Public Transport Voucher handouts, with the man having received subsidised medical escort and transport services from community care providers since 2021.

"When the woman fractured her ankle, the Silver Generation Office offered to refer her to a subsidised medical escort and transport services, but she had declined the offer."

An officer from the People’s Association visited the couple regularly, ferried them for hospital visits, bought meals for them when they could not leave their house, and helped them run errands.

MSF said that the false statements in Mr Leong's posts "erode public trust and mislead the public about the support that is available and provided to families who are in need".

READ ALSO​

New PSP chief Leong Mun Wai defends 'confrontational' style, says party focusing on building support ahead of next GE​

Under the correction direction, Mr Leong, The Online Citizen, and Gutzy Asia will be required to insert a notice in the original post with a link to the Government’s clarification.

 

[ChaoKuan]

Chopped and confirmed this bugger was previously from a lousy skool.

 

[syed putra]

These opposition leaders does not have true leadership ideas. They are not looking at the big picture.

 

[k1976]

Leemember, we are in good hands

 

[millim6868]

This maybe a trap set for him, with the couples fake kpkb, knn data can be remove n insert

 

[Scrooball (clone)]

With regard to the woman's ankle operation at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in June last year, the ministry said that although the total hospital bill was S$8,580, her remaining bill amount was about S$240 after MediShield Life and MediSave subsidies.

"The woman had more than S$60,000 left in her MediSave account after that withdrawal," it said, adding that this sum was as of Feb 12.
On the woman’s physiotherapy sessions at the same hospital, MSF said that each session cost around S$25 after government subsidies and the sessions were fully covered by MediFund.

Leong[/IMG]

This couple are incorrigible liars.

 

[Scrooball (clone)]

https://www.gov.sg/article/factuall...rXSx7H14QCh7R7eH9S5pFrE0enEcJ2atZqwACEqW2L9d0

Wow this couple took so many subsidies and claims from the govt and yet bit the hand that fed them. Rearing dogs than this lying couple would have been better!

Corrections regarding falsehoods in Mr Leong Mun Wai’s social media posts (12 Feb 2024) and republished by The Online Citizen and Gutzy Asia
False statements in Mr Leong Mun Wai’s social media posts about the assistance rendered to a husband-and-wife couple
5 min read Published on 15 Feb 2024

Mr Leong Mun Wai made Facebook and Instagram posts on 12 February 2024 which contain falsehoods about the financial assistance received by a husband-and-wife couple who are staying in West Coast. Mr Leong has identified the couple by a photograph. Those falsehoods were later republished by The Online Citizen (on Facebook) and Gutzy Asia (on Facebook, X and the Gutzy Asia website).

Financial assistance for daily expenses

• It was falsely claimed that the couple only receives a Home Caregiving Grant (HCG), and currently does not receive any other form of financial assistance from public sector agencies in relation to their daily expenses.
• In truth, the couple also receives financial assistance each month from the People’s Association in the form of NTUC vouchers (since February 2022) and Community Development Council Utilities Vouchers (since March 2022).

• Since 2021, the couple has received approximately $39,000 in cash and vouchers from various public sector agencies and community partners. This included $21,000 in ComCare assistance from May 2021 to April 2023.

MediSave funds

• It was falsely claimed that the woman had used up most of the funds in her MediSave account to pay for an operation on her leg.
• In truth, the cost of the woman’s inpatient treatment at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), including her leg operation, was about $8,580. After Government subsidies of about $6,300, MediShield Life and MediSave, her remaining bill amount was about $240. Prior to her leg operation, the woman had more than $60,000 in her MediSave account. As at 12 February 2024, she continues to maintain a balance of more than $60,000 in her MediSave account.

Affordability of physiotherapy

• It was falsely claimed that the woman stopped attending physiotherapy sessions at a hospital because she had to pay $100 to the hospital for each session.
• In truth, all of the woman’s outpatient physiotherapy sessions at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), which cost around $25 per session after Government subsidies, were fully covered by MediFund. She did not have to pay any cash out-of-pocket.

Assistance for transport costs

• It was falsely claimed that the couple’s application to a public sector agency for assistance with transport costs was rejected.
• In truth, the Ministry of Transport granted their household’s application for the Public Transport Voucher (PTV) in the 2021 exercise. PTVs were also granted to them in the 2022 and 2023 exercises. The man redeemed the 2023 PTVs on 15 January 2024.
• The man has also been receiving subsidised medical escort and transport services from community care providers since 2021. When the woman fractured her ankle, the Silver Generation Office (SGO) offered to refer her to subsidised medical escort and transport services, but she had declined the offer.

Further background

• The man is 60-years-old and the woman is 55-years-old. They currently have more than $100,000 in total in both their CPF Retirement Accounts. The woman was entitled to and did withdraw $5,000 from her CPF account in April 2023.
• The man has been receiving the HCG since November 2022. Since March 2023, the HCG provides him with $400 each month.

• The couple also receive non-financial support. An officer from the People’s Association also visits the couple regularly, and has ferried them for hospital visits, bought meals for them when they could not leave the house and helped them run other errands.

Advisory

False statements, such as those made by Mr Leong in his social media posts, erode public trust and mislead the public about the support that is available and provided to families who are in need.

The Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Health has instructed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) Office to issue Correction Directions to Mr Leong, The Online Citizen, and Gutzy Asia. The Correction Directions require recipients to insert a notice against the original post, with a link to the Government’s clarification. We advise members of the public not to speculate and/or spread unverified rumours.

 

[Scrooball (clone)]

Leong Mun Wai getting ready to go out...

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Ah Leong is now being treated like Donald Trump.... singkieland styles

 

[JohnTan]

Pofma order issued to Leong Mun Wai, The Online Citizen, Gutzy Asia over falsehoods on lack of financial aid for West Coast residents​

[IMG alt="A screenshot of a Facebook post made by Mr Leong Mun Wai on Feb 12, 2024.
"]https://onecms-res.cloudinary.com/i...15_lmw2_facebook.jpg?itok=Gbct0mMW[/IMG]Leong Mun Wai/Facebook
A screenshot of a Facebook post made by Mr Leong Mun Wai on Feb 12, 2024.

• Opposition party chief Leong Mun Wai received correction orders under the anti-fake-news law
• He alleged on social media that a married couple with mobility problems did not get enough financial aid from the Government
• Alternative news sites The Online Citizen and Gutzy Asia also received the order for carrying Mr Leong's statements in their social media posts
• The Ministry of Social and Family Development debunked these claims, listing the various ways that the couple had been receiving support
• Mr Leong later put up a correction notice on his social media accounts

BY

AMANDA YEAP​

Published February 15, 2024
Updated February 16, 2024
WhatsAppTelegramFacebookTwitterEmailLinkedIn

SINGAPORE — Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chief Leong Mun Wai, as well as two sociopolitical websites, have been issued with correction directions under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (Pofma) for publishing false statements regarding financial aid for a couple.
These statements were made in Mr Leong's Facebook and Instagram posts on Feb 12, and were subsequently published on Gutzy Asia and The Online Citizen the following day.

In a statement on Thursday (Feb 15), the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said that Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, has instructed the Pofma Office to issue correction directions to the three parties over the posts.

Mr Leong, a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament, said in his post that a married couple with mobility problems living in the West Coast area did not receive any financial assistance from the Government other than the wife's Home Caregiving Grant.
The Home Caregiving Grant provides a monthly cash payout of up to S$400 to defray caregiving costs for eligible recipients.

READ ALSO​

Singapore Eye, Gutzy Asia and The Online Citizen Asia get Pofma orders over falsehoods on woman’s death in Yishun​

Mr Leong added that she had depleted most of her Central Provident Fund (CPF) MediSave account to fund a leg operation, had to pay monthly instalments for her walker aid and leg cast, and gave up physiotherapy because she could not afford the cost of S$100 a session.

He also said that the couple's application for further assistance, such as transport bursaries, was rejected.
Mr Leong did not identify the couple in the post, but had posted a photograph taken with the couple.
He later removed the posts from his Facebook and Instagram accounts, and correction notices were put up as of 12am Friday to address the false statements.
He also published a new post, saying: "I spoke about their circumstances, and the assistance they were given in a 12 Feb 2024 post on my Facebook and Instagram pages, not knowing that this may not be the full picture."

THE FACTS​

MSF said that the couple presently receives financial assistance for their daily expenses from various public sector agencies and community partners.

READ ALSO​

Pofma restrictions imposed on The Online Citizen Asia; operator cannot receive financial benefits​

These include the Home Caregiving Grant, South West Community Development Council Utilities Vouchers, and NTUC FairPrice supermarket vouchers from the People’s Association, as well as cash of S$300 a month from a temple. They receive a total of around S$830 a month in cash and vouchers.
"Since 2021, the couple have received approximately S$39,000 in cash and vouchers from various public sector agencies and community partners. This included S$21,000 in ComCare assistance from May 2021 to April 2023," the ministry added.

In addition, MSF said that the couple have more than S$100,000 in total in both their CPF retirement accounts, and the woman received a lump sum payout of S$5,000 in April last year.

With regard to the woman's ankle operation at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in June last year, the ministry said that although the total hospital bill was S$8,580, her remaining bill amount was about S$240 after MediShield Life and MediSave subsidies.

"The woman had more than S$60,000 left in her MediSave account after that withdrawal," it said, adding that this sum was as of Feb 12.
On the woman’s physiotherapy sessions at the same hospital, MSF said that each session cost around S$25 after government subsidies and the sessions were fully covered by MediFund.

READ ALSO​

Speaker Seah Kian Peng dismisses Leong Mun Wai's complaint against Murali over 'rent control' remark​

"She did not have to pay any cash out-of-pocket for those sessions. She will continue to receive full MediFund assistance for her outpatient bills until June 2024, at which point her eligibility for MediFund will be re-assessed."

MediFund is an endowment fund set up by the Government that provides a safety net for patients who have financial difficulties with their remaining bills after receiving government subsidies and drawing on other means of payment including MediShield Life, MediSave and cash.

MSF also said that the couple had received public transport vouchers in the current and past two Public Transport Voucher handouts, with the man having received subsidised medical escort and transport services from community care providers since 2021.

"When the woman fractured her ankle, the Silver Generation Office offered to refer her to a subsidised medical escort and transport services, but she had declined the offer."

An officer from the People’s Association visited the couple regularly, ferried them for hospital visits, bought meals for them when they could not leave their house, and helped them run errands.

MSF said that the false statements in Mr Leong's posts "erode public trust and mislead the public about the support that is available and provided to families who are in need".

READ ALSO​

New PSP chief Leong Mun Wai defends 'confrontational' style, says party focusing on building support ahead of next GE​

Under the correction direction, Mr Leong, The Online Citizen, and Gutzy Asia will be required to insert a notice in the original post with a link to the Government’s clarification.

Oppie Leung is a disgrace to mankind.

 

[Hightech88]

Opposition Parties tend to attract mediocre people as all of the talented candidates have already joined PAP or planning to join them for greater career prospects and prosperity, LOL.

And comes every GE, opposition party members will always either tio fixed and tend to self-pwn themselves with scandals sexposed while PAP continues to bring in fresh heavyweights from the military, public service or the private industry, creating a never-ending vicious cycle.

 

[GaoFar]

Mr Leong kena sabo by this couple?

 

[Hightech88]

Mr Leong kena sabo by this couple?

Of course. He is not politically shrewd enough like WP to do proper due diligence and investigation before making an official statement.

It's a lesson learned for PSP.

It is obvious now that residents, esp. those with gripes against the government tend to lie or over-exaggerate their predicament to pour their sorrows during oppo members visit so as to vent their frustrations without thinking about the consequences.

It's like a trap for any naive oppo members to fall into and self-pwn themselves.

 

[GaoFar]

Of course. He is not politically shrewd enough like WP to do proper due diligence and investigation before making an official statement.

It's a lesson learned for PSP.

It is obvious now that residents, esp. those with gripes against the government tend to lie or over-exaggerate their predicament to pour their sorrows during oppo members visit so as to vent their frustrations without thinking about the consequences.

It's like a trap for any naive oppo members to fall into and self-pwn themselves.

wabian eh, must check properly first ma, you see lah, kena fired back liao loh!

 

[Hightech88]

wabian eh, must check properly first ma, you see lah, kena fired back liao loh!

Yes, actually the background checking is damn simple one.. just do up a simple table, then taiji and email to MSF or relevant agencies to check all the facts versus resident's claims, gao dim.

E.g.

 

[orh mee suah]

Financial assistance for daily expenses

• It was falsely claimed that the couple only receives a Home Caregiving Grant (HCG), and currently does not receive any other form of financial assistance from public sector agencies in relation to their daily expenses.
• In truth, the couple also receives financial assistance each month from the People’s Association in the form of NTUC vouchers (since February 2022) and Community Development Council Utilities Vouchers (since March 2022).
• Since 2021, the couple has received approximately $39,000 in cash and vouchers from various public sector agencies and community partners. This included $21,000 in ComCare assistance from May 2021 to April 2023

Assistance for transport costs

• It was falsely claimed that the couple’s application to a public sector agency for assistance with transport costs was rejected.
• In truth, the Ministry of Transport granted their household’s application for the Public Transport Voucher (PTV) in the 2021 exercise. PTVs were also granted to them in the 2022 and 2023 exercises. The man redeemed the 2023 PTVs on 15 January 2024.
• The man has also been receiving subsidised medical escort and transport services from community care providers since 2021. When the woman fractured her ankle, the Silver Generation Office (SGO) offered to refer her to subsidised medical escort and transport services, but she had declined the offer.

Further background

• The man is 60-years-old and the woman is 55-years-old. They currently have more than $100,000 in total in both their CPF Retirement Accounts. The woman was entitled to and did withdraw $5,000 from her CPF account in April 2023.
• The man has been receiving the HCG since November 2022. Since March 2023, the HCG provides him with $400 each month.
• The couple also receive non-financial support. An officer from the People’s Association also visits the couple regularly, and has ferried them for hospital visits, bought meals for them when they could not leave the house and helped them run other errands.

This younger senior couple has a more comfortable life than many senior citizens who still have to work as lowly paid cleaners into their 70s and 80s. Some of them have bent backs.
The public sector agencies must reach out to these senior citizens. These baby-boomers may not have heard of the govt's generous financial assistance.

 

[k1976]

This younger senior couple has a more comfortable life than many senior citizens who still have to work as lowly paid cleaners into their 70s and 80s. Some of them have bent backs.
The public sector agencies must reach out to these senior citizens. These baby-boomers may not have heard of the govt's generous financial assistance.

Sad turth is there are many fractured layers in our society