Restrictions on Political Films

Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether the Government will review the earlier recommendations by the Advisory Council on the Impact of New Media on Society (AIMS) to gradually liberalise the restrictions on party political films.

Madam, the Advisory Council on the Impact of New Media on Society (AIMS), chaired by Mr Cheong Yip Seng, submitted its report in December 2008. One of its recommendations was to gradually liberalise the restrictions on party political films (PPFs).

The Government has accepted the recommendation and amended the Films Act in 2009 to allow political films that do not depict events, persons or situations in a dramatic way. This was done to allow greater space for political discourse, while ensuring that political debate in Singapore remains serious and robust.

Both objectives remain relevant. However, we recognise that it is useful to periodically review and assess if existing rules governing PPFs continue to be the best way to achieve these objectives as our society changes and our polity matures.

I announced during the recent Committee of Supply debate that my Ministry is reviewing the Films Act and intends to introduce amendments to the Act to, amongst other things, allow the industry to self-classify videos. As part of the review, we are also reviewing the existing PPF restrictions.

I thank the Minister for the reply. First question: the changes that were made recently concerned films in general but, given that the topic at hand is about party political films, does the Ministry intend to seek feedback since the political landscape has evolved in 2009? Perhaps there may be new considerations at this point.

We can allow greater space for civic discourse while keeping political debates serious and robust. And in that process, we will do the necessary due diligence to ensure whether or not the changes will be in line with what is happening within the society.