Broad phrasing of guidelines open to wide interpretation
July 13, 1996
I WRITE this letter with a strong sense of disappointment. The Singapore Broadcasting Authority's Internet guidelines are a step back in the Government's efforts in creating a thinking and gracious citizenry.
The extremely broad phrasing in the guidelines is a source of deep concern as it can be open to all forms of interpretation depending on the situation.
The US' Communications Decency Act (CDA) was shot down last month.
Yet, in spite of that, the SBA has gone ahead with its version of the CDA.
As a Singaporean, I cannot understand why there has to be this high level of distrust that the Government has of its people.
I am sure all Singaporeans are proud people who can discern good from bad and fully able to be useful and constructive contributors to the well-being of this land.
We do not need such draconian guidelines, even if the SBA says that they will be interpreted gently.
What if the political situation changes? Who then decides on the interpretation of the guidelines?
Our method uses a lot of discretionary powers vested in the minister concerned. This is both good and bad.
Good in that regulations can be brought into being quickly without the need to amend the laws, and bad in that regulations can be enacted without any considered debate in Parliament.
THe SIG (SBA Internet Guidelines) are an example of administrative decrees that must be cleared by Parliament. This is not a life-or-death situation and definitely warrants proper scrutiny.
NMP Kanwaljit Soin is spot on in saying that there is no evidence of the Net being abused to warrant SBA's guidelines.
HARISH PILLAY
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