Regulation of political commentary on the Internet in Singapore

Technology - a useful yet dangerous product of many years’ trial and error. First came the telephone, communication through wires. Then came the radio, which revolutionised communications nationwide. The television, the first computer, the digital camera and the hand-held phone followed soon after. Communication had never been so convenient and quick, and the Internet only made it quicker. Technology is an important element in disseminating information, and it would not take long for the information to be accessible by nations worldwide. Henceforth, the privilege of technology can be abused to spread lies, defamatory accusations and rumours. As such, the Singapore government has limited the posting of such information. Such information, which can take the form of podcasts, videos, pictures or just plain text, can only be posted on the information as long as it adheres to certain guidelines.

Politics is what governs a country. It does not only decide how a country should be run, but it also decides the lifestyle and living conditions of the people. Hence politics plays a huge role in the society we live in, and it should not be tampered with. The regulation of political commentary on the Internet has been employed in Singapore mainly to prevent defamation of political candidates. This is to ensure fair competition between political candidates, as a wrong, and influenced, choice of candidates would affect how the country is governed.

I believe that this rule does have its reason behind it, but it does restrict our freedom of speech. By imposing such guidelines on us, we Singaporeans cannot voice our opinions on the leadership of the government freely, but instead, sugar-coat our words to avoid free lodging in a jail cell. Yes, this rule does prevent defamation of political figures, especially those of the ruling party, yet, this rule does prevent the government from improving as criticisms are limited by the guidelines imposed. Indeed, the government helps to run the country, but what constitute the country would be both, the people and the government. As the people are the ones who vote the political party to power, I personally feel that the people should have the rights to criticise the government. The government can be seen as an orchestra pulling the strings on stage, and the people are the judges, critics and most importantly, the audience. Would it be rational to ban the audience from criticising the performance? If this was so, the orchestra would never improve and learn from their mistakes. There is no denying of the capabilities of the orchestra, but the audience comes from a general point of view, and they want nothing else but to help the orchestra to improve.

Of course, this rule prevents the kindling of false rumours. As the Internet is widely available, anyone can post defamatory remarks on the Internet. To make matters worse, it is difficult to trace the people who post such remarks. Such remarks can create discord between the people of our country, resulting in chaos. These kinds of restriction help Singapore to maintain political stability that countries elsewhere have troubles attaining. Examples of countries without political stability would be Thailand. The lack of regulation of political commentary has resulted in different groups of people with varying ideologies, leading to riots and strikes. We cannot deny the presence of trouble-makers, people who have nothing to do but make silly and unbacked statements. Also, I feel that people who want to express their discontent at the government should not make outrageously cynical remarks, podcasts or videos openly, as this will ultimately stir up much debate between citizens.

Singapore is, ultimately, only a partially democratic country, unlike America. There are certain restrictions placed to help our country remain stable, and our economic growth can be a testimony to it. Such restrictions have their pros and cons, and by comparing both sides of the argument, we can judge whether such a restriction should be imposed. Personally, regulating political commentaries should not be employed as the people deserve the rights to voice their honest opinions, that is, if the government has nothing to hide. If the government has nothing to hide, I do not find reason in regulating political commentaries on the Internet, henceforth I feel that we Singaporeans deserve more freedom of speech.