Singapore to ease ban on political films: minister
2009-01-10

Nations Singapore Category Regions Regions Asia Pacific Rim Source (AFP) Types Movies

SINGAPORE (AFP) - Singapore will ease a blanket ban on films promoting a political party or agenda, the information minister said in remarks published Saturday.

However, films deemed "harmful" to society would remain prohibited, Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts Lee Boon Yang said in remarks carried by The Straits Times.

Lee said the Films Act would be amended so that factual documentaries, video recordings of actual events and biographies would be allowed as part of Internet election advertising by political parties. The changes could come as early as March, he said.

An independent panel comprised of respected Singaporeans and headed by a retired senior district judge will be set up to assess the films.

Political parties can also advertise using podcasts, blogs and other Internet tools during election campaigns under new rules to be enacted.

Singapore's small opposition political parties have complained they lack access to the pro-government mainstream media.

The planned changes in the Films Act are among the recommendations by a government-appointed council which was formed to study the impact of the new media on society.

Lee said a key distinction was that political films must not promote debate "based on distorted presentation of issues".

Despite the relaxation, the government would not decriminalise the making of party political films in general, he said.

In 2007, the government banned a film on former political detainee Said Zahari, calling it a "misleading and distorted portrayal" of his detention which could undermine confidence in the government.

The film entitled "Zahari's 17 Years" was directed, shot and edited by Singaporean filmmaker Martyn See, who had earlier been investigated by police for making a film on opposition leader Chee Soon Juan.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said last year the government accepted that its policies must evolve to remain relevant in the current media landscape in which Internet use has become more widespread.