(long awaited) Minister of Home Affairs: Media Censorship in Singapore - Role played by the Government

The Singapore Government always takes into account the concerns and values of the majority of Singaporeans. We understand that some Singaporeans frown upon the media censorship implemented by the Singapore Government, however, we have to realize that Singapore is a relatively conservative nation. While most of our younger generations of Singaporeans are exposed to Western culture which tend to be more liberal towards media censorship, we cannot forget the family values that bind our nation together. Ever since Singapore became independent in 1965, respecting family values has been the foundation for our growth. When the rating system for movies was first introduced in 1991 with the R(A) rating to allow those aged 18 years and above to watch more adult-type films, there was a wave of objection among the general population who are family-oriented. Hence, the rating system was revised and the age limit was lifted from 18 to 21 years old.

In regulating media censorship, the Government has to balance between providing greater space for free expression and the values upheld by the majority. Over the years, media censorship has been relaxed to provide greater freedom for the younger generations of Singaporeans to express their views on issues that concern them. For example, The Straits Times started a column 'YOUthink' in 2005 for youths to express their views on issues of their concern. Channels such as the Speakers' Corner have been in place for our citizens to voice out their concerns regarding the well-being of Singapore. A five-minute registration is all it takes for anyone above the age of 21 to contribute at the Speakers' Corner.

Having said that, the Government has to maintain control over the freedom of media in Singapore. Since the media is the window of the public to the world, it is important for the Government to filter out the dust in the air so that our people can grow up in a healthy environment. The cleanliness of our room will directly and indirectly affect the prosperity of our nation. Keeping out "inappropriate" information has always been the stand of the Government. We want our people to remain united as one in times of crisis. While the Government does not doubt the media maturity of our people, we have to ensure that there is no one being left out in our pursuit for public morality. A black sheep could essentially destroy a whole group of people.

We believe that Singaporeans are mature enough to make the right choice. However that does not necessarily mean that they are rational all the time. People do stray from their values sometimes, whether out of curiosity, pressure or just for fun. The younger generations may be curious about the content of a R21 film compared to, say a M18 or NC16 film. Some teenagers believe that they are mature enough to be exposed to adult content without being influenced. Is this belief mature? This of course does not apply only to films. It extends to video games, articles, advertisements and speech.

As can be seen, media is all-encompassing and has a role in every aspect of our lives. Media is also a major source of influence and could affect important matters such as internal security and public morality. As such, there is need on the Government's part to ensure that content damaging towards society or having negative influences does not harm the people of this country. Hence, although the people keen on Western ideologies might criticise that the Singapore Government does not allow freedom of media, we believe that this is a necessary evil to protect our country.