IN LAST Saturday's report ('The battle for eyeballs is on'), we
learnt that political parties have been using the new media.
The article noted that since the ban on party political films
was lifted last year, 'parties are able to produce and disseminate
videos so long as they are factual and objective'.
Indeed, some opposition parties have posted politically themed
videos online, with the Singapore Democratic Party chalking up 47
videos on its YouTube channel so far. My own check on the People's
Action Party website reveals the ruling party has posted more than
30 videos.
But Section 14(1) of the Films Act states that 'every film in
the possession of any person shall be submitted to the Board (of
Film Censors) without any alteration or excision for the purpose of
censorship'.
Earlier this year, I had complied with the above by submitting
my video recording of a speech by political detainee Dr Lim Hock
Siew to the censors. The film is now gazetted as a prohibited film
because the Minister deemed it to be 'against public interests'. I
was also told to remove the film from YouTube and from my blog,
which I duly complied.
My other film, Zahari's 17 Years (2006), an interview with
political detainee Said Zahari, has remained banned.
Given the Government's dim view of films and videos with
political content, I would like to know what is the position of the
relevant authorities with regard to the production and direct
uploading of videos onto the Internet, particularly those of
political parties.
Martyn See
