Anti-establishment element inherent in new media: PM Lee

Anti-establishment element inherent in new media: PM Lee

SINGAPORE - There will always be an anti-establishment element in a new media environment, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a forum last week.

He said that to get the support of the people, the government must continue to do its work, try its best to communicate and involve people in its initiatives to give them a stronger sense of satisfaction.

"We can't wish for new media not to exist, but we can try our best to use it," Mr Lee said in Mandarin, in response to a question from a member of the audience, who asked how the government regards online views about how it is disconnected from the people.

"Satisfied people don't have time to go onto the Internet. Unhappy people often go there," Mr Lee said.

"I'm not saying all opposing views are just grouses, but this is a worldwide phenomenon of the new media that we have to understand. If people conclude that the new media is reflective of the views of an entire country, we are in trouble," he said.

Mr Lee was speaking to 300 members of the Chinese community, including readers of Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao, academics and students, at The Zaobao Forum held at the Singapore Press Holdings auditorium. Lianhe Zaobao is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and also launched its web portal, zaobao.sg.


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