Dear readers

As part of a group of online websites and bloggers calling ourselves #FreeMyInternet, leongszehian.com will be protesting against the Media Development’s Authority (MDA)’s move to impose “a “licensing framework” that would require “online news sites” to put up a “performance bond” of $50,000 and “comply within 24 hours to MDA’s directions to remove content that is found to be in breach of content standards”.”

We believe that the introduction of the licensing regime has not gone through the proper and necessary consultation and had been introduced without clear guidance. In a typical public consultation exercise, a government agency will publish a draft regulation with detailed explanation and issue a press release to invite members of the public to send in feedback for consideration. We observe this is not the case for the licensing regime.

We call on the Ministry of Communications and Information to withdraw the licensing regime. We call upon our elected representatives to oppose the licensing regime.

It is in the interest of Singaporeans and the long-term future for Singapore that the licensing regime be withdrawn.

In line with one of the group’s planned course of action, leongszehian.com will shut its website down for a period of 24 hours, commencing on 6th June 2013 @ 0001 hours.

A protest will also be held on Saturday, 8 June 2013 at the Hong Lim Park, from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. If you believe in protecting your right to read and know, and be informed, we would urge you to attend the protest to send a strong signal to the government that the interests of Singaporeans should be respected.

It is in the interest of all of us to protect our independence and guard against all incursions onto our rights and civilities.

You can join the Facebook event page at this link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/185882738236629/

You can also sign the online petition to advocate to the government to withdraw the licensing regime, and to protect our freedom to read, know and think:

http://www.petitions24.com/petition_for_the_immediate_withdrawal_of_the_licensing_regime

Thank you for your continued support.

leongszehian.com