SDP - Push for media freedom important

[Cosmos10]

Hi forum brothers, after days and days of reading all the "quarrelsome" news between the AHPETC and the NEA, here is a little something from the SDP for a refreshing change and positive action.

Added on: Monday, June 10, 2013
by the Singapore Democrats

http://yoursdp.org/news/push_for_freedom_of_the_media_important/2013-06-10-5645

The SDP has fought for our fellow citizens' right to freedom of the press. This is because without a free media, the public is often misled by those who rule over them.

For decades, the PAP has controlled the print and broadcast media and, as a result, been able to shape public opinion with little debate. This has led to the problems that society encounters today from high housing prices to unsustainable population growth to unaffordable healthcare.

Presently, the Government is stepping in to regulate the Internet through the Media Development Authority (MDA) by requiring websites to post a $50,000 bond.

Internet bloggers and users are concerned by such a measure and have taken to protest against it over the weekend -- and rightly so. Our right to information is not an esoteric subject. Access to media free from government control allows our people to make informed choices during elections.

In other words, without our rights we are unable to protect our well-being -- including our material well-being.

This is where the effort to roll back the control of the media in Singapore -- starting with the regulation of online websites -- is crucial. Singaporeans must continue, even step up, the effort to establish a free media, both traditional and the new. Something as important as the future direction of our nation requires the kind of debate that only an open and pluralistic media can provide.

The SDP acknowledges that there are people working in Mediacorps and the Singapore Press Holdings who also want to see the media moving out from under government control. It is important that they, too, contribute to the effort, even in their limited capacity, to achieve this goal.

Our political rights and civil liberties -- matters that the Singapore Democrats have been advocating -- form the basis upon which we build our lives and our nation. Freedom of the press is an integral part of those rights.

 

[tanwahp]

Hi forum brothers, after days and days of reading all the "battle" news between the AHPETC and the NEA, here is a little something from the SDP for a refreshing change and positive action.

While I welcome the change, media freedom is a very old subject. SDP should aggressively attack the 2 dengue deaths. Link it to the failures of the floods, increase in littering, dirtier toilets etc. This will hammer NEA and Vivian a bit more without having to work with WP.

 

[Cosmos10]

While I welcome the change, media freedom is a very old subject. SDP should aggressively attack the 2 dengue deaths. Link it to the failures of the floods, increase in littering, dirtier toilets etc. This will hammer NEA and Vivian a bit more without having to work with WP.

Agree that media freedom is a very old subject, but it will always remain a very important subject that should be on the front burner at all times. Without media freedom, there will be no fair elections.

http://yoursdp.org/news/2013-06-05-5642

MDA regulations will curb online activity during elections

Added on: Wednesday 05 June 2013
by the Singapore Democrats

The Media Development Authority's (MDA) decision to regulate online news sites is worrying in and of itself. Any attempt to curtail the flow of information on the Internet in Singapore must be viewed with extreme caution.

There is, however, another area of concern in this matter. The way that the regulations are crafted will easily extend to cover websites and blogs during elections.

In the lead up to general elections, Singaporeans look to alternative online portals for political news and information. This drives up traffic for the websites which can easily surpass the 50,000 monthly unique visitors mark that the MDA has set as the trigger point for regulation.

The SDP relies on this website to help us disseminate information about the SDP's policies and candidates. In the weeks and months leading up to the polls, the number of visits to our website increases significantly.

In the 2011 elections, the number of visitors went beyond the 50,000 mark. We have every reason to expect this trend to intensify in the 2016 elections.

The requirement to put up the $50,000 bond will add to the already onerous $16,000 election deposit that a party has to make for every candidate. The playing field will be further tilted.

The decision to impose restrictions on Internet news will only frustrate Singaporeans' desire for the development of a viable alternative to the PAP. It is regrettable that instead of abiding by the people's wishes, the Government has instituted measures that will further stymie the progress of democracy in Singapore.

Our nation is at a crossroads. Our economy has reached a stage where it needs an open society that will foster innovative thinking and spur entrepreneurial activity. Without them, Singapore cannot compete with the best the world offers. If the PAP continues with its heavy-handed approach towards governance, Singapore will continue to remain unimaginative and conformist. These traits will not propel us forward.

For the good of our people's future, we repeat our call for the Government to rescind the MDA regulations and leave the Internet free from Government interference.

 

[methink]

The requirement to put up the $50,000 bond will add to the already onerous $16,000 election deposit that a party has to make for every candidate. The playing field will be further tilted.

The decision to impose restrictions on Internet news will only frustrate Singaporeans' desire for the development of a viable alternative to the PAP. It is regrettable that instead of abiding by the people's wishes, the Government has instituted measures that will further stymie the progress of democracy in Singapore.

PAP has an ulterior motive. Watch carefully their every move in next GE.

 

[Leepotism]

methink, there are lots of fake opposition supporters in this forum. Sometimes their cover give way when their postings unwittingly expose themselves.