PM Lee talking about the haze!!!
PM Lee calls for responsible journalism which will help improve the
lives of people
By May Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 06 October 2006 2200
hrs
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that responsible journalism
will help improve the lives of people.
Mr Lee was speaking at the 7th Asian-European Editors' Forum.
Citing Japan, Mr Lee said that it has been very successful at
improving people's lives without an aggressive media.
He said: "Their approach is different from the Western one but it
suits Japan's culture and circumstances and has contributed to
Japan's success. As with the political system, in the media too,
each country will have to evolve its own model of the media that
works for it."
Mr Lee said that even in this Internet age, there will still be a
role for serious journalism.
That's because people still want information sources which are
reliable and insightful.
Using Singapore as an example, Mr Lee said that the government
manages the Internet with a light touch but still applies the same
defamation and sedition laws to it.
And the government is mindful of the increasing impact of the new
and changing technology.
Mr Lee said: "Our position will evolve as we feel our way forward,
but we do not believe that we should just drift with the tide. We
still need anchor points that reflect our values, our
vulnerabilities and our ambitions.
"The media in Singapore must adapt to these changes, do their best
to stay relevant and continue to contribute constructively to
nation building."
As economies develop, Mr Lee emphasised the need for good
governance.
Mr Lee added that as new generations come of age, they will want to
have more say in their countries' affairs.
"Leaders must be able to respond creatively to this new situation
and political systems must evolve to remain effective. Each
country, including Singapore, will have to make changes in its own
way and strike its own point of balance, taking into account its
unique circumstances," he said.
Mr Lee said Asian countries face major challenges despite the
positive economic outlook.
But groupings like ASEAN and the Asia-Europe Summit Meetings can
help establish greater relations and encourage dialogues.
Mr Lee said: "ASEAN aims to be the centre of these networks of
cooperation both within Asia, between Asia and Europe, as well as
the Pacific with the US. But to play this role, ASEAN must also be
a strong and cohesive organisation, able to partner China and India
effectively."
Mr Lee was addressing some 40 international editors from countries
like China and France.
When asked during a question and answer session about Temasek
Holdings' deal with ShinCorp, Mr Lee said it was a commercial
decision which also reflected Singapore's confidence in Thailand's
economy.
He added that Temasek complied with the rules and requirements of
Thailand when inking the deal. - CNA/ir
nah he's more concerned about other sh!t
