The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Published on Aug 29, 2012
http://www.straitstimes.com/st/print/442505
Rein in offensive, insensitive one-eyed dragons online
I THANK Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for raising the perception issue in Sunday's National Day Rally speech ("Double standards towards foreigners worry PM"; Monday).
The behaviour of some netizens not only reflect poorly on Singaporeans, their postings are also extremely offensive. Netizens have been getting away - and going overboard - with their anti-new immigrant postings with impunity; particularly in attacks against mainland Chinese.
It appears that there exist some instigators whose sole intention is to agitate the young and discredit a rational immigration policy. I hope the authorities can act and rein in such a worrying trend which stands in the way of progress and prosperity. In fact, I wonder why the authorities are so tolerant especially in view of their immediate crackdown on scurrilous remarks that threaten social harmony.
Singapore has come a long way and the path travelled was not easy. Its achievements must be protected and not ruined by one-eyed dragons online.
Albert Tye
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