While the government talks about Internet Code of Conduct, policing the net and taking people who abuse the net to the law etc., the ruling party awards one of his infamous netizen members for cyberbullying, trolling and showing "courage" by closing down his blog.
What an irony. And Online Warrior?
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Comrade Sear Hock Rong has embraced the rough and tumble of life online and is a constant presence on Facebook and Twitter, where he stands up to the PAP’s critics.
It hasn’t been easy. In 2009, a rumour circulated that he had taken advantage of his party affiliations to benefit commercially. But the 26-year-old did not let this hold him down.
That was the year, he said, when the PAP faced “a tsunami of untruths and one-sided arguments”. His active online presence gave him a prominence that resulted in the attacks. “I was one of those who felt strongly that we should fight to defend what we believe in.”
For this and his other efforts, the chairman of the Young PAP’s Eunos Branch was awarded the Youth Medal, which is given to activists who help the Party to “stay in tune with the changing Online warrior times and electorate”.
Looking back on those dark days, he said: “Support from family and friends helped me stay strong against allegations and attacks.” Party activists also stood by him. “They know what kind of person I am.”
His experience has not stopped him from speaking up, and he urges other activists “to collectively go in and defend what we believe in”.
He adds: “The PAP has to engage members more meaningfully, to make them feel more involved. That way they’d be willing to step forward to fight. And in the long run, we’ll forge greater loyalty in the Party.”
His advice to those who step out to do battle: “Go out and have fun. Stick to the facts and don’t take things to heart. On the Internet, everyone is entitled to his views.”
What an irony. And Online Warrior?
==========
Comrade Sear Hock Rong has embraced the rough and tumble of life online and is a constant presence on Facebook and Twitter, where he stands up to the PAP’s critics.
It hasn’t been easy. In 2009, a rumour circulated that he had taken advantage of his party affiliations to benefit commercially. But the 26-year-old did not let this hold him down.
That was the year, he said, when the PAP faced “a tsunami of untruths and one-sided arguments”. His active online presence gave him a prominence that resulted in the attacks. “I was one of those who felt strongly that we should fight to defend what we believe in.”
For this and his other efforts, the chairman of the Young PAP’s Eunos Branch was awarded the Youth Medal, which is given to activists who help the Party to “stay in tune with the changing Online warrior times and electorate”.
Looking back on those dark days, he said: “Support from family and friends helped me stay strong against allegations and attacks.” Party activists also stood by him. “They know what kind of person I am.”
His experience has not stopped him from speaking up, and he urges other activists “to collectively go in and defend what we believe in”.
He adds: “The PAP has to engage members more meaningfully, to make them feel more involved. That way they’d be willing to step forward to fight. And in the long run, we’ll forge greater loyalty in the Party.”
His advice to those who step out to do battle: “Go out and have fun. Stick to the facts and don’t take things to heart. On the Internet, everyone is entitled to his views.”
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