Official Views

The Government has rejected the idea of responding to citizens who try to engage it through blogs. Instead, mainstream media will continue to be the designated mode for such interaction. Full Story

Over the years, Singapore's mainstream media have earned a reputation for credible reporting of Malaysian politics, compared with Malaysia's own frequently partisan newspapers and television stations. However, the Singapore media have now been told not too wield too sharp a knife in their coverage of the bizarre events across the Causeway. The warning has come from both the Malaysian High Commissioner and the Singapore Government. Full Story

The Chinese should learn to do what we have done, just take the western media on the western media's terms. I don't tell the western media you can't sell here. All I say is, you allow me the right of reply. I will not block you, because you will say I'm afraid of what you said. But I will restrict you and allow the other people, the other subscribers to photostat, fax, and now scan. You can twist my arm, I'll wring your neck. So, now we have reached a certain respect for each other. The Chinese can easily do that, but they don't, I don't know why. You take Tibet… they say, all western correspondents out. That means you have got something to hide. I think that was not very wise. Supposing it was Singapore, do we say, all correspondents out? No. I say look come on, stay, watch it, see what happens, see who started what. Full Story

To stay competitive on the global stage, Asian countries have to keep on moving in this direction of knowledge, scientific excellence and innovation. But it will not always be a smooth journey. In this new environment of raw, unprocessed information with instant worldwide impact, it will not be easy to keep the public debate on a high plane, especially on controversial issues where emotions rather than reason prevail. This will change the texture of societies everywhere. Full Story

Minister Mentor once told me that to govern, you must have your hands on three levers of power, namely the Treasury, the Army and the Voice. If you manage the economy well, the Treasury would be full and abundant. If you train the Army well, you need not fear your foes. If you want to win the hearts and minds of the people, you need to have a free press. Unlike western-educated liberals, to me a free press is not a tower of Babel. In extremis, censorship is necessary. The power to censor has to be used wisely and sparingly. Full Story

Singapore's information minister says the government is confident that mainstream media can continue to survive and even grow, despite the onslaught of online alternatives. Lee Boon Yang argued that mainstream newspapers and broadcasters had, in their favour, "professionalism and objectivity". Full Story

The CEO of the Media Development Authority scans the new media environment and reiterates MDA’s commitment to regulate with a ‘light touch’. Full Story