PM Lee on govt's approach in engaging S'poreans in new
media
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 27
March 2010 1143 hrs
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has spoken of
the government's approach on how it engages Singaporeans in the new
media.
Speaking at a forum for the national feedback arm, REACH, Mr Lee
noted how easy it is to mount online campaigns.
He cited the example of the AWARE saga, where he said he received
many emails from opposing camps.
But the Prime Minister said he noticed many emails were identical
and obviously cut and pasted from a template.
He said the government cannot make decisions simply based on the
volume of emails supporting or opposing a particular
situation.
Mr Lee noted the government must also be cautious of what he calls
"Astroturfing" campaigns.
That's where individuals or groups fake identities and orchestrate
online movements.
He pointed to another example - recent emails criticising the
government on property prices were circulated.
He said upon verifying the emails, the names and phone numbers
attached turned out to be fake.
Mr Lee said the campaign was clearly a covert attempt to pressure
the government for personal benefits.
So authorities must assess such attempts critically and
carefully.
Mr Lee noted, though, that online feedback can be useful, as seen
in REACH's digital platform.
He said REACH has also found that the best way to engage
Singaporeans is a combination of online and face-to-face
engagement.
- CNA/ir
