Manickam Manohar, 72, was charged in court on June 11, 2026, with six counts under the Protection from Harassment Act for sending abusive emails to Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Hany Soh and town council staff between August 19 and October 6, 2025 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The messages included insults such as "useless manager" and "idiot," and accusations of stealing, cheating, misusing power, and accepting bribes [4, 6].
Manickam had previously been investigated for similar misconduct towards MP Soh and other town council employees. Between 2023 and 2024, he allegedly posted abusive notices at various public locations in Woodlands targeting MP Soh [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. For example, in May 2024, he put up 10 such notices at Blocks 572A and 572B Woodlands Avenue 1, followed by another notice in June 2024 in the corridor of Block 572A [4].
Police said they have zero tolerance for harassment and abusive conduct aimed at public officers and town council workers who serve the community. They urged the public to raise issues through official channels rather than resort to abuse. "Members of the public who have concerns regarding municipal or public service matters should raise them through appropriate official channels," police said [2]. Another statement added, "The police have zero tolerance for harassment and abusive conduct directed at public officers and town council personnel who carry out their duties in service of the community" [6].
Under the Protection from Harassment Act, if convicted, Manickam could face up to S$5,000 in fines and/or up to 12 months in jail [1, 2, 3, 5, 6].
The police issued a media statement about Manickam’s charges on June 10, the day before the court hearing [1, 2, 3, 6]. The next court date for his case is scheduled for July 9, 2026 [6].
