S’pore govt warms up to new media
But traditional media still has role to play, says PM Lee
PM Lee stressed, however, that traditional media will always have a place in presenting trusted, unbiased and informed opinions. But he didn't dismiss online views outright.
Jeremy Au Yong, The Straits Times
PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong made clear last night that the Government recognised the growing reach and influence of the new media and was evolving to deal with it. In an interview with Channel News Asia on the changing media landscape which aired last night, he said: 'We are still learning. It is not easy to make this transition. It is like going from sea to land or vice versa, you are changing your medium a
PM Lee said the Government was building up its capabilities in new media so it put its material up in a way that would appeal to the Internet generation.
It was also on the lookout for young MPs 'who are of that generation, who are with it and quite naturally comfortable with it and with the population who are also operating there'.
The feedback arm, Reach, is currently setting the pace in the Government's move towards more e-engagement.
But he was also realistic as to how successful the Government might ultimately be online.
'I don't think that we will be, how shall we put it, a very popular social networking website; but one where the information is there, accessible, and feedback can be taken and will be attended to,' he said.
What was clear from PM Lee's remarks was that new media cannot be ignored and could feature in the next general election.
He noted the role that the Internet played last year in Malaysia's general election and the United States' presidential polls, and added that the medium had become a 'natural way to do things' for the young.
'They organise parties, they do their school work, they do their office work, a lot of it on the Internet. And I think that's going to happen in politics too,' he said. This trend posed a big challenge for the Government in trying to get its message across, he said in response to a question.
'You cannot force people to watch you. I mean if you're boring they will just surf, they close, click, gone! And you can put anything you like on your website. Unless you can make people interested in it, they won't read your website, they don't have to read your website,' he said.
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THE GOOD AND THE BAD
'The new media – some of it are Wild West and anything goes. People can say anything they want, and tomorrow, take a completely contrary view. Well, that's just the way the medium is. But even in the Internet there are places which are more considered, more moderated where people put their names down and identify themselves. And there is a debate which goes on and a give and take, which is not so rambunctious but perhaps more thoughtful.' – PM Lee, on the airing of views on the Internet
