Does the Singapore government hire foreign APOs to retain political power?

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The Singapore Government Does Not Hire Foreign Auxiliary Police Officers to Retain Political Power

The Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed opposition politician Kenneth Jeyaretnam to correct statements he made alleging that the government hires foreign Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) to maintain the ruling People's Action Party's (PAP) grip on power. The MHA clarified that APOs are employed by auxiliary police forces, not the government, and these forces, rather than the government, determine APO salaries.
APO Employment is Managed by Auxiliary Police Forces

Contrary to claims that the government hires foreign APOs for political ends, the MHA stated that APOs are employed by auxiliary police forces. These forces operate under regulations set by the Singapore Police Force, and their hiring decisions are not directly influenced by the government. The ministry emphasized that the auxiliary police forces themselves determine the salaries for APOs, refuting suggestions of government manipulation of pay scales to favour foreign hires.
Foreign APOs Constitute a Small Proportion of the Workforce

As of the end of January 2025, Singaporeans form the majority of APOs employed. Foreign APOs, drawn from specific countries such as China, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, represent a very small segment of the total APO workforce, accounting for approximately 3 per cent. This demographic breakdown underscores that the APO force is predominantly local.
APOs Possess Limited Powers Compared to Regular Police

The MHA also clarified that APOs do not hold the same extensive powers as regular police officers. While they can make arrests under specific circumstances while on duty, they lack the investigative powers granted to police officers under the Criminal Procedure Code. Their responsibilities and powers are thus distinct and more narrowly defined than those of the Singapore Police Force.

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Does the Singapore government hire foreign APOs to retain political power?

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