IN RESPONSE to last Friday's article ('MG Chan on rumour: I'm
not related to Mr Lee'), The Temasek Review posted on its Facebook
page a quote from the article by teacher Koh Wen Zhu, 27, a
People's Action Party member who had made a police report against a
blogger for alleged defamatory comments against former prime
minister Lee Kuan Yew and Acting Minister for Community
Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing.
Mr Koh had been critical of 'irresponsible' online comments
against the Government. The quote drew a slew of unpleasant
comments on Facebook. Some hurled abuse not only at Mr Koh, but
also our nation's leaders.
If the aim of The Temasek Review is to incite its readers to
oppose the ruling party for the sake of it and to condone their
unruly behaviour on its sites, I definitely do not wish to be a
part of it.
While every person has a right to his or her own opinion, I
strongly feel that owners of such alternative sites must do their
part to ensure that their readers do not cross the line of decency.
Let us all be mindful that unruly online behaviour can potentially
cause discord, division and resentment among Singaporeans.
As alternative voices are on the rise in the social media, I am
genuinely concerned that some of these sites are placing their own
interests above social and moral responsibility. As young people
are becoming more politically aware, it is of utmost importance
that comments posted on alternative political sites be screened
regularly by their respective site owners.
If this is not observed, I suggest that the authorities step in
to prevent unregulated online behaviour as a last resort.
For many decades, we have had the privilege of enjoying
stability and security in Singapore. I do not wish to see the
social media rocking the foundations of this nation, motivated by
self-interests.
Joyce Neo (Ms)