Gahmen circular about blogging

Update: I have removed the actual extract from the memo. Better safe than sorry, right? This is Singapore, after all.


This is a memo entitled "Guidelines on Public Communication", sent to public servants.

So hor, technically, does that mean public servants cannot come out and say "Casino idea sucks!" on their blogs?

And given that the Gahmen is the biggest employer in Singapore, that's a lot of Singaporeans who cannot, without permission, "comment or provide inputs on public policies" and have to "do so via internal channels".

I understand the need to not blog about work, and for a public servant, gahmen is your boss, but "public policy" is a very broad term, isn't it?

What about teachers, for instance? They are civil servants too. So if a teacher cannot comment or criticise public policy via blogs or any other form of public expression, then what do they teach their kids?

"'Cher 'cher! Can I write about how much I hate NS on my blog?"

"No child. We must consult the Instructional Manual (IM) first. Or better yet. Wait, better ask the Permanent Secretary."

"Orh."

"Now stop asking such seditious questions and go back to your Knowledge & Inquiry lesson."

Here's another thought. How do we create a nation of engaged citizens when the bulk of them can only comment publicly on their "personal experiences, hobbies, etc"? Also, can a civil servant comment on a policy publicly if it is not part of his ministry's work?

Learned comments welcome.

And in case you are wondering, I found this circular on the road on the way to work. No civil servant sent it to me. That may violate Official Secrets Act (OSA) and it would a Very Bad Thing.