More Space For Political Discourse Expected

Channel NewsAsia ran this article on 9 January 2009:

More space for political discourse expected with liberalisation of online space
By Hasnita Majid

SINGAPORE: The Advisory Council on the Impact of New Media on Society (AIMS) has said it views the government's rejection of nine of its 26 recommendations as a reflection of its caution in using new media as a platform for discourse.

Speaking to Channel NewsAsia, AIMS chairman Cheong Yip Seng, however, is optimistic that the government's decision to ease its regulation on party political films and political broadcasts online will open up more space for political discourse in cyberspace.

Mr Cheong believes this will push the mainstream media to keep pace. He said: "It is foolish of the mainstream media to ignore the discussion online because people are going online for information.

"It's a major constituency and it's important for the mainstream media not to be seen as being behind, as in being out of the conversation.

"So, in terms of coverage in mainstream media, for example, on controversial issues, I think it is for their own interest that the mainstream media will have to attack this much more vigorously because of what is happening online."

Mr Cheong said that this is especially so during the general elections.