SINGAPORE (AFP) — Singapore will ease restrictions in a 10-year-old law that bans films promoting a political party or agenda, a report said Saturday.
The Straits Times quoted Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, as saying his ministry will table a bill in parliament to amend the Films Act early next year.
His statement followed an announcement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that the city-state was planning to ease its ban on political videos and outdoor protests as part of a gradual liberalisation of society.
"The government accepts that our policies must evolve to remain relevant in the current media landscape. It is no longer realistic to disallow all forms of party political films," the information minister said.
The Films Act bans political advertising using films or videos, as well as movies directed towards any political end such as promoting a party.
Information minister Lee said however the amendments will draw the line on the type of political films that will be allowed.
"We think films which are factual documentaries or recordings of live events held in accordance with the law ought to be allowed. Such films are less likely to turn politics into an emotional and irrational debate with all the dangerous consequences," he said.
Dramatised films and political commercials that "distort issues or create a slanted impression" are likely to be disallowed, he said.
The information minister also said regulations that currently ban the posting of election materials online during an election period were being reviewed but did not say when amendments would be made, the newspaper reported.
Singapore's leaders say tough laws against dissent and other political activity are necessary to ensure stability, which has helped the island-nation achieve economic success.
But activists say such laws have stifled creativity and a healthy political discourse.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
