Will recording or filming of events which are considered illegal in law now itself be considered illegal? This is what the Home Affairs Ministry seems to propose to amendments of the Films Act.
Does this mean that no one is allowed or will be allowed to film an illegal protest, for example? (Read Martyn See’s take on the issue.)
The following is a copy of the report in the Straits Times, January 23 – which was published at the bottom of page C6.
Yes, but the problem is that relatively harmless protests like what happened outside MOM (report) would fall under the category of ‘illegal events of a political nature’ according to the Films Act.
Whilst I agree that the antics of CSJ and gang are of no consequence to anyone but themselves, I feel that others like in the case of the above mentioned incident are worth the man-in-the-street coverage.
“Chin up guys! So far only the SDP is likely to conduct ‘illegal’ activities anyways. So it doesn’t affect the rest of the parties.”
Unfortunately it means that anyone who post political firm in Youtube is liable. It is because the SDP push the boundary of the law that we get to see how the law can be twisted and turn to the kangaroo’s liking. This law does affect the other opp parties in just the matter of time, probably when election becomes near that you will see Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt perpetuated by the hegemony, when ambiguousity and confusion about what citizen can and cannot do that will deter many from posting political footage, legal or “illegal” on the safe side of thing. Remember you don’t ‘t need to catch all but just arrest one or two to serve as a warning.
All they need to do now to pretend the liberalization and downplay the impact and repercussion of the law to prevent backslash and public scrutiny but enact the law at the “most critical moment” with LKY providing the firepower and threat, and once election over, it will be the same cycle again. They using the same pattern over and over again. Though it might be less effective as LKY’s days are numbered.
Daniel,
it is entirely possible that there will be people who will not give two hoots about that law and simply upload anyway.
After all, it is daft, and really makes our nation look damn sia suay.
Loyola,
it is possible that people will still will upload anyway. What the gov want to do is to create the fear to discourage people from posting. On the whole, the majority of singaporean is still the obedient and fearful lot, unwilling to tread against the law.
Just imagine in education system, the teacher warn and threaten the student not to post any political video online (other than one that praise and glorify the hegemony since they know that for sure acceptable to the regime) due to such confusing law, such practice will further entrench the fear culture in the cyberspace.
I once read something about an old chinese emperor. He did not trust his people and made many laws. The people didn’t trust the emperor and thought of ways and means of avoiding the laws. The emperor made even more laws and the people became even more clever in avoiding the laws. So it goes on and on and on … what will happen? Will we be smarter than whoever makes the laws? Can we avoid becoming a nation of prisoners? Or are we already prisoners?
Hey, this law was already in place but now then they are releasing to us.
It was already in place during mas selamat escape lah…his escape from detention center was an illegal activity..that’s why they didnt film / record it…hah, ha,
By the way this is another of govt’s ‘mother’ of all cunning laws..
There’s a difference between Pro Government and Pro Pap.
My point exactly, Daniel. I believe the Gahmen knows that these laws will not deter the Chees and Seelan Pillays from doing what they’ve always been doing. But because in recent years there have been signs of people slowly joining Chee’s ranks (eg the twelve Tak Boleh Taheners), or becoming more vocal, (TOC btw, is rumored to be ‘blacklisted’ by the MSM, meaning the MSM will no longer quote or even mention TOC anymore because the negative publicity for TOC is still publicity)… the intention behind the ‘stupid’ law isn’t really to stop anything except create a climate of fear. They know it’s stupid and ridiculous, but it’s really them saying ‘nia nia nia nia nia!’ to us. The last thing we should do is get discouraged.
is suicide and escaping from a facilitly considered an offence in Singapore ? I think it is, does this mean that we need to remove our cams in those areas … example someone jumping off to be hit by a moving train and someone climbing out of the toilet window and down a pipe……
I really feel sorry for them. At first I did not think that Chee and gang could not create much of an impact but now I have to admit that Chee has succeeded to some extent. Chee might be behaving like a monkey but others are begining to look like idiots. His expose has made them look bad and attempts to rebutt him have made them look desparate and clueless at times. So now we have a bunch of what someone called the Chee “laws” which really makes them look even more pathetic and desparate. I do feel sorry for them.
Does it mean that the new law (proposed by WKS) would make sure that nobody (unless authorised by the govt) can make a film of any event that is illegal according to the law, e.g. a corrupted officials taking bribe, policemen committing an illegal action, crimes taking place in the open/public, or a rape taking place in a private/hotel room, etc.?
Hi “Confused Citizen”
The filming is illegal only if the film has a political connotation. So, the filming of a rape case is not illegal unless the rape involves a politician or an MP. For example the filming of the ex-Malaysian Health Minister Chua Soi Lek of his sexual sojourn, if it had been a Singapore case, would be illegal.
It is impossible to divorce politics from life. Everything we do is an act of politicisation.
Hahaha so if the politicians are taking bribes or getting discounts, film evidence would land the filmmaker in prison…
Frankly, I am afraid to think of what will happen to our children’s life in 50 or 100 years’ time.
1. This place is becoming too expensive – food, rent, housing, transportation, entertainment, etc.
2. This place is becoming too restrictive – too many laws, rules, regulations, etc. and penalties and punishment are becoming more and more heavy and harsh.
3. Jobs are becoming too competitive, due to foreign talons taking away most of the jobs available.
4. Wages are becoming less and less, due to deliberate policies.
5. Space is becoming more congested as population density grows.
6. Public transports and facilities are being utilised by more and more foreigners.
7. Playgrounds, public areas, entertainment joints, etc are becoming more congested.
8. People are becoming less caring and more money-minded.
So, the best solution for us, the ordinary citizens, is to get out of this “elite uncaring society”. Make plans and preparation to get your future generations out of this condemned place, the soonest the better.
Garuda.
Hi (63) Loyola,
“So, the best solution for us, the ordinary citizens, is to get out of this “elite uncaring society”. Make plans and preparation to get your future generations out of this condemned place, the soonest the better.”
There is a difference between society and gov. The society is made up by those who live in the same place/country, whereas the gov is elected by the society. So I don’t think our society is “uncaring” but what I have read here and in other uncensored sites make me feel that the gov is becoming “uncaring”.
I love Singapore, but I may not love the gov if they don’t care about our society. I am feeling more and like living in prison with all these new regulations/laws. Not as if these regulations/laws are going to affect me directly, but it will affect my fellow citizens who have something to share with me. I wish I can still say, “This is home truly, where I know I must be”.
What goes up MUST come down.
Be patient, the evil regime WILL fall in time.
It’s Cosmic Law.
Dun pray pray.