Often criticised around the world for its tight control over its press and freedom of expression, Singapore has promised to relax its grip. So said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long in the country’s National Day Rally.
In his annual address to Singaporeans, Mr Lee acknowledged that in the technological age of today it is unfeasible to impose a ban on political videos because anyone can make one, anytime.
To prove his point, he whipped out his Nokia mobile phone and proceeded to film the floor. Immediately the image was flashed on the screen behind him, and online at the Prime Minister’s Office webpage.
Drawing laughter from the crowd, he said: "There you are, simple as that. I’ve just made our first non-political video."
So for future elections, podcasts, videocasts and election materials of political parties will be permitted. In previous general elections, any such material was banned.
But don’t equate that for zero policing – uploaders will have to be responsible for their work.
"Some things are obviously alright – factual footage, documentaries, recordings of live events. But I think some things should still be off limits," Mr Lee said.
Such acts include posting a "political commercial so that it’s purely made-up material, partisan stuff, footage distorted to create a slanted impression."
The official guidelines will be released later this month by the Advisory Council on the Impact of New Media on Society. The council is led by the former editor-in-chief of The Straits Times, Cheong Yip Seng.
Compared to five years ago, Mr Lee described Singapore as a more open society today, and said he intends to continue moving in that direction.
In his speech: "The overall thrust of all these changes is to liberalise our society, to widen space for expression and participation. We encourage more citizens to engage in debate, to participate in building our shared future."
However, restrictions will stay for public demonstrations even as the government tries to more avenues to allow for more freedom of expression.
For instance, citizens, if they avoid controversial topics of race, language or religion, can demonstrate at the Speakers’ Corner. The National Parks Board will oversee the corner, which is situated at Hong Lim Park.
Critics have slammed the Speakers’ Corner before for its tight restrictions, among them the need for registration before a speech.
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