By Benson Ang

DRINK driving, carjacking, drug-dealing, committing robberies, running down pedestrians and visiting strip clubs - why is the Government allowing our young to do these things, an MP wanted to know.

Mr Christopher de Souza, MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, was referring to Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA), a video game known for its violent and sexual content.

He asked why the Government had allowed the game to be sold here, and how its approval aligned with efforts to encourage Singaporeans to stay clear of crime, drugs and gangsterism.

Access

He suggested that the game's Mature 18 rating was 'largely artificial', given that those under 18 could still have easy access to the game.

'The question ought really to be if this game should enter the market in the first place,' said Mr de Souza.

In reply, Minister for Information Communications and the Arts Dr Lee Boon Yang said the game's rating here is in line with that in other countries like the US, UK, Australia and Japan.

He said the Media Development Authority (MDA) has been educating the public about the classification system and addressing parents' concerns about video games.

Dr Lee said: 'When rating the game, the MDA took careful consideration of the content, themes and storyline found in the game, recognising that adults are better equipped to discern fact from fiction.'

The Government decided to allow GTA under its Video Games Classification system, launched in April this year.

The M18 rating means it can be sold to those who are 18 years and above. Retailers must check the age of customers at the point of sale.

It seems most people agree with the Government's viewpoint. The New Paper interviewed 10 people, and eight of them believed GTA will not adversely influence the young.

Said technician Hafsham Sukhaimi, 24: 'Only a kid who cannot think will be influenced. I'm sure everyone else knows the practices in the game are not acceptable in real life.'

He did acknowledge those under 18 can bypass the classification. 'Just ask your older brothers to buy the game for you,' he said.

Taxi-driver David Aw, 44, was concerned about stories of teen violence in the US and Japan.

The father of a 15-year-old boy said: 'I see my son play these games through the weekend, and I'm worried. They are just too addictive.'

Last month, a student, 18, stabbed a taxi driver to death in Thailand, apparently inspired by GTA. The game was subsequently banned there.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Sep 17, 2008.