[MinMin]

Value opening up of political space in S'pore

I REFER to reports on the proposals on new media made by the Advisory Council on the Impact of NewMedia on Society (Aims).

It is heartening to learn of the Government's recent initiatives to make more room for political expression, the establishment of Aims and its significant recommendations.

The Government has recognised the impact new media had in the recent political crises which rocked South Korea and Malaysia, and is learning from these experiences.

Bearing the above in mind, Singapore is seeking to move towards a more open society, with a higher level of tolerance for freedom of speech and political expression.

Singapore has seen its share of political turbulence and chaos in the 1960s and 1970s. It has drawn lessons from these events, and values political stability, economic growth and social harmony.

Singapore's political approach since Independence has been a conservative one, and the opening of the political ground is a gradual process.

Its methods of gathering feedback through Reach and other government agencies are exemplary.

This time, the Government has taken a bold step in expanding the boundaries of political expression for Singaporeans, and while it has done so in its own unique fashion, we should value this attempt and make full use of the opportunities it presents.

Mr Teo Kueh Liang

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