Singapore
Gagging web debate
Prime Minister calls on citizens to dare to speak up then his official issues warning to online election commentators they could face prosecution.
Apr 4, 2006

Singapore - The government has warned people who post political commentary on websites could face prosecution, saying online political debate could fuel "dangerous discourse".

Senior minister of state Balaji Sadasivan said in parliament that anyone using the internet to "persistently propagate, promote or circulate political issues" during election periods was breaking the law, Reuters reported.

"In a free-for-all internet environment, where there are no rules, political debate could easily degenerate into an unhealthy, unreliable and dangerous discourse, flush with rumours and distortions to mislead and confuse the public," Mr Sadasivan said.

This message appears to contrast – at least in spirit - with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s TV invitation to Singaporeans three days earlier to dare to speak up ‘armed with facts and perspective’.

Mr. Lee said, "With regards to politics, whether you agree or disagree, be it subversive views or otherwise, they will all be accepted. But politics must be treated seriously."

With general elections probably months away, the Internet has been abuzz with activity with much of postings and weblogs largely ctitical of the ruling People’s Action Party.

Existing laws require political parties and individuals to register if they want to post political content on the internet.

Reuter added: “Print media in Singapore are tightly controlled, but the internet is rife with websites that discuss Singapore politics, from the critical newsgroup sg_review to the comical www.talkingcock.com and blogs such as singabloodypore.blogspot.com.

“It is not clear whether any of these sites have registered with the government.”

Mr Sadasivan said the government's approach was to take "a light touch" in regulating the internet.

Political activists have, however, complained that the rules are too broadly defined, preventing an open debate. He said a change of the law had been ruled out.

The rules also apply to podcasting.

Last year, opposition politician Chee Soon Juan launched a podcast on the Singapore Democratic Party's website in an attempt to reach a wider audience and bypass the pro-government media, Reuters said.
Apr 4, 2006