DPM Teo: Social media is unproductive...

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[TD] Coffeeshop Chit Chat - DPM Teo: Social media is unproductive...[/TD]
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[TD="class: msgtxt"]PAP must continue bringing in able, committed people to stay in power: DPM Teo
By Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 06 August 2011 2042 hrs SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said that for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) to stay in power, it has to continue to bring in people who are able and committed.

It must also be able to develop policies that will boldly steer Singapore forward.

This was among the points he highlighted at the 'Singaporeans in Conversation 2011 "Your Next Move: Youth Politics and the Future"' dialogue session with some 200 students.

The students came armed with questions, ranging from foreign talent to social media, and one student asked if it is possible that the PAP won't be in power some day.

Mr Teo said: "Yes, I do see a possibility that the PAP may not stay in power all the time. Do I see a smooth transition to a system that's more glorious? The answer is no. I think it will be a very difficult transition. I'm not sure what the outcome will be and I'm not convinced the outcome will be a better one."

<b>In response to questions on social media, Mr Teo said it is a very important tool in amplifying the voice of the people.

He said: "One negative I personally don't like in social media is anonymity because anonymity allows you to make statements without responsibilities. I don't think we can have a responsible discussion if one is not asked to be responsible for what he says and to hide behind anonymity. That results in a discussion which quite often becomes skewed and unproductive."</b>

Another question that kept surfacing was the voice of youths in policymaking.

One student asked if the government will see youths who have a different opinion from the government as the opposition, or will it try to incorporate their views into policymaking.

Mr Teo said there will always be different views but the aim is to try to arrive at a consensus.

To ensure greater interaction throughout this dialogue session, a Pigeonhole Live was used for the first time. It is a simple Q&A tool available on the mobile web where the audience was able to ask and vote for questions which interested them.

A poll was also conducted during the session, asking the audience whether they feel they have a voice in shaping policies and 65 per cent said yes.

Mr Teo also encouraged youths to contribute to society.

"To take part, to be active and to make a difference, you don't have to be in party politics to do so. You can do so in your own very direct practical ways. If you believe more should be done for old people, or disabled or youths who are wayward, it is well within your power to do something about it in a very direct personal way.

- CNA/fa
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