Recently, there have been many allegations made against the
editors of the popular web portal, the Online Citizen (TOC):
http://theonlinecitizen.com/
The TOC editors have been accused of being either funded by the
PAP, or at the very least, closely associated with the PAP. In
addition, TOC is alleged to have threatened legal action on at
least one blogger. Just a couple of days back, TOC wrote a lengthy
blog post fervently denying these allegations. Many readers also
weighed in on the subject and expressed their support for TOC.
I too would like to express my support for the Online Citizen.
TOC provides a wide diversity of views and opinions on what is
happening in Singapore, some pro-establishment, and some
anti-establishment. This curious blend of neutral reporting and the
ability to look at each issue from many sides without ever taking
an unwavering stand is seldom found in cyberspace.
Although the PAP is confident that its policies are sound, will
benefit Singaporeans over the long run, and will definitely stand
the test of time, the PAP also recognizes that people must be free
to air their views, provided that they do so responsibly and
moderately. TOC is one good example of responsible and moderate
reporting that the PAP would certainly approve of.
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (praise and blessings be upon him!)
and the Old Guard singlehandedly brought Singapore from 3rd World
to 1st, and built a nation of peace and prosperity, security,
racial and religious harmony, and social progress. It is entirely
due to their incredible dedication, hard work, and monumental
sacrifices that Singaporeans today have a nation that they can be
very proud to call their home. We and our families owe a lifelong
debt of honest gratitude to these courageous men and women who put
their lives on the line to build a modern and prosperous
Singapore.
The PAP government (may the PAP progress!) has created a social
environment that fosters intelligent questioning and debate of
social and political issues, and encourages Singaporeans to play an
active role in shaping the future of our society. It is out of this
vibrant and thriving culture created by the PAP that TOC was born.
TOC's articles are balanced and well-written, and always based on
the facts, although there have been many occasion when those facts
presented were incomplete and did not portray an accurate picture
of reality.
Although many TOC articles are critical of PAP policies, their
arguments are presented in way that is thoughtful and measured,
even if those arguments are often flawed.
Indeed, the PAP does not expect that everyone will agree with
all its policies. Not everyone has access to all the facts and
information, and certainly TOC does not. As time goes by however,
the PAP hopes that eventually most Singaporeans will come to see
the wisdom and strength of its policies.
In the meanwhile, TOC still plays an excellent role by offering
an alternative platform and alternative set of views that
encourages mature debate and logical thinking. That is what the PAP
would like to see as well, as these qualities of logical thinking
and mature debate will eventually lead people to see the goodness
of its policies, and lead them back to the PAP.
All in all, TOC plays a vital role in shaping the kind of
society the PAP would like. Let us thus put aside our petty
differences and squabbles, and focus on the greater tasks ahead.
Let us join in the Great and Noble Cause of Nation Building.
Together with the PAP, we can reach for the Pot Of Gold!
Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!
Goh Bock Seng
