Posted by theonlinecitizen on January 18,
2011
The Prime Minister has decalred TOC as a political
association.
In its email received at 4.29pm addressing Acting Chief Editor
Joshua Chiang and our two founders Choo Zheng Xi and Andrew Loh, it
states that TOC is “not a passive website”, especially when
it ”hosts social or political commentary by individuals which
have nothing to do with it”.
The PMO further substantiated its stand by saying that TOC has
“organized online and offline campaigns to change legislation and
Government policies…polls on public support for local politicians
and on other political issues concerning Singapore” and is “a forum
for local politicians”.
It argued that the definition of “political association” under
the Political Donations Act (PDA) clearly refers to TOC – whether
or not it considers itself non-partisan.
Expressing concerns for foreign fundings used by international
lobby groups, the letter stated that the purpose of the gazette “is
to protect our political process from being manipulated by foreign
interests.”
The PMO assured TOC that other than the declaration of its
donations, it can function as per normal and that our new
status will not “impede its [TOC's] freedom of expression”.
Ending off the letter, the PMO once again called for the
submission of identities of the owners, editorial team and
administrators of TOC within 14 days of the date of the original
notice dated 10 Jan 2011.
TOC must also designate a President, Treasurer and Secretary;
these people will be held accountable for the accuracy of its
donation reports.
TOC has six more days to reply.
