http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20080819/tap-437-singapore-ease-ban-political-vid-231650b.html
Singapore to ease ban on political videos, public
demonstrations
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, August 19
SINGAPORE: Political engagement in Singapore is set to change with
the advent of new media.ADVERTISEMENT
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged this as much and said
the government will have to adapt, get used to it, and turn it to
positive effect.
Hence, the government will ease up on the ban on political videos
and outdoor public demonstrations, he said at his National Day
Rally on Sunday night.
The new—generation Singaporeans, weaned on the likes of Facebook
and YouTube, are getting news off websites and discussing issues
online.
"By the next GE (General Election), 5 years will have passed. Cyber
years are like dog years. One year in cyberspace equals to 7 years
in real life," Mr Lee said. "That’s the pace at which things
change. So 5 years times 7 means 35 years in the real world."
Mr Lee even conceded that his National Day Rally has become a
multi—media event.
To show this, he took out a mobile phone and proceeded to film the
audience before him in the auditorium. Behind him, on a giant
screen, the audience saw themselves featured on the Web page of the
Prime Minister’s Office — live.
"There you are, simple as that. I’ve just made our first
non—political video," he said to laughter from the audience.
And since anyone can do this anytime, anywhere, Mr Lee said an
outright ban on party political films is no longer sensible.
But there will still be safeguards.
"Some things are obviously alright — factual footage,
documentaries, recordings of live events. But I think some things
should still be off limits... (for instance) if you made a
political commercial so that it’s purely made—up material, partisan
stuff, footage distorted to create a slanted impression," he
said.
Unlike the last General Election, podcasts, videocasts and election
materials will be allowed. But those who upload such material
online will have to maintain accountability and
responsibility.
The Advisory Council on the Impact of New Media on Society — led by
former Singapore Press Holdings editor—in—chief Cheong Yip Seng —
will set out its recommendations on these issues later this
month.
The restriction remains for outdoor demonstrations, but Mr Lee said
the government needs to find ways to allow Singaporeans to express
themselves safely.
He said Singapore will allow outdoor public demonstrations at the
Speakers’ Corner, a public space for free speeches. This is as long
as the demonstrators adhere to basic rules of law and order, and
stay away from issues of race, language or religion.
The government will manage the liberalisation with a light touch,
said Mr Lee. So there is no need for the Police to be involved. In
fact, the NParks will manage the Speakers’ Corner, instead.
Mr Lee said: "The overall thrust of all these changes is to
liberalise our society, to widen space for expression and
participation. We encourage more citizens to engage in debate, to
participate in building our shared future.
"We will progressively open up our system even more. If you compare
today with 5 years ago, 10 years ago, it’s much more open
today."
Even then, Singapore cannot progress just by copying others. Mr Lee
said the country must find the right path for itself.
— CNA/ir