PM Lee on govt's approach in engaging S'poreans in new media
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PM Lee on govt's approach in engaging S'poreans in new media
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 27 March 2010 1143 hrsSINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has spoken of the government's approach on how it engages Singaporeans in the new media.
Speaking at a forum for the national feedback arm, REACH, Mr Lee noted how easy it is to mount online campaigns.
He cited the example of the AWARE saga, where he said he received many emails from opposing camps.
But the Prime Minister said he noticed many emails were identical and obviously cut and pasted from a template.
He said the government cannot make decisions simply based on the volume of emails supporting or opposing a particular situation.
Mr Lee noted the government must also be cautious of what he calls "Astroturfing" campaigns.
That's where individuals or groups fake identities and orchestrate online movements.
He pointed to another example - recent emails criticising the government on property prices were circulated.
He said upon verifying the emails, the names and phone numbers attached turned out to be fake.
Mr Lee said the campaign was clearly a covert attempt to pressure the government for personal benefits.
So authorities must assess such attempts critically and carefully.
Mr Lee noted, though, that online feedback can be useful, as seen in REACH's digital platform.
He said REACH has also found that the best way to engage Singaporeans is a combination of online and face-to-face engagement.
- CNA/ir -
REACH is effective? lol that's new. The way he's talking about one side of the coin suggests that he is rather detached from reality.
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Me wonders what kind of a life is that...your entire life, never having to worry about putting a roof over your family's head, the food on the table, the medical bills for your parents in old age, the children's education etc.
To have the tongue slip and say mee siam has hum is one big indicator of such a life :)
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Having so much suspicion, is he real at all to hear it from the ground?
It is still a top down communication.
What is the name of this wayang?
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But the Prime Minister said he noticed many emails were identical and obviously cut and pasted from a template.
I also cut and pasted this article.
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That is the wonder of a small mind.
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He must have meant brainwashing Singaporean through his new media.
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You complain to him some more, he will hike up more things for you to pay.
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