Daily Lesson from Life 19 August 2008

"S'pore to ease bans on political films, demos

This in order to keep up with the spread of video and other free expression on the Internet. -Mon, Aug 18, 2008 Reuters

SINGAPORE, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Singapore, which currently bans political films and demonstrations, may ease curbs on both to keep up with the spread of video and other free expression on the Internet, its prime minister said in remarks released on Monday.

"We've got to allow political videos but with some safeguards," said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a televised address recorded on Sunday. "I think some things should still be off limits ... there will be grey areas."

The southeast Asian city-state, which has been ruled by the People's Action Party for more than 40 years, bans the production and screening of all political films, imposing a maximum fine of S$100,000 ($73,000) or a two-year jail term on offenders.

Lee said an advisory panel could be set up to review such films, in the same way that non-political films are now classified. "Our worry is that films are an emotive medium ... passions can get stirred up and people can get carried away. I think this is a valid concern but I don't think an outright ban is still sensible because this is how people communicate on the Web in daily life," Lee said.

But public protests in Singapore are rare and an assembly of five or more people requires a permit from the police. The tiny multiracial state insists it needs tough laws on assembly to maintain peace and stability.

"We have to move away from this total ban and find ways to allow people to let off steam a little bit more, but safely," Lee said. The prime minister said Singapore should allow outdoor demonstrations at its Speakers' Corner, modelled on London's Hyde Park haven of free speech.

"I think we'll still call it Speakers' Corner, no need to call it Demonstrators' Corner," quipped Lee, adding that it would still be subject to rules of law and order and would have to stay away from issues of race, language and religion."

This is a small step for Singapore but a big step for the ruling party of Singapore. It is courageous and commendable.

The lessons for me are；

1. when you are successful for a long time, you need to look out for sign of 'over-confident' to the point of 'arrogant' and complacent. There must be a DELIBERATE process to have check-and-balance to provide a reality check on our OWN power. This is best done by cultivating a group of 'dissenters' and 'critics';

2. when you try to change there will be risk, be prepared for the worst risk and launch the contingency plan at the 1st sign of your assumptions being proven correct! In this way, we can limit the damage locally and within control easily;

3. there will be skepticism and knocks when you try to change. So, be steadfast and be opened to such 'dis-believers'. Let your actual actions show them that you are serious about the change. Take it on the chin if you like in the 1st few round of the new change efforts;

4. there are some fundamental things that CANNOT be compromised. They are: race, religion, and language. We as leaders have to make sure that EVERYONE knows this limitation and comply to it as different in opinions on these issues can destabilize the nation quickly!

So, I welcome the wind of change for liberalization and that the small baby step will grow to become a giant step in the future.