Internet: WYSIWYG

Calvin Cheng, the ex NMP, wrote to the ST forum today with the title, ‘Seeking clarifications on line a disturbing trend’. This is one of his statement referring to Ravi Philemon’s internet comments on the haze and N95 mask problems, ‘That said, his actions were part of a rather bewildering and disturbing trend: that of questioning the veracity of govt statements during a national crisis, and the belief that it is better to clarify uncertainties over the Internet rather than with govt agencies.’
 
Calvin Cheng’s argument is not about questioning the govt but about using the internet to do so. His assumptions are that the internet is full of nonsense from unqualified and unreliable people. Only the govt and the respective official agencies will have the expertise and to tell the truth. He even asserted, ‘In a crisis, our Govt has never been known to lie. It is ridiculous to think it would start now.’
 
Ahem, I am sure all of you reading the above are raring to say your piece about how ridiculous and flawed his assertions are. All I can say is that the internet is WYSIWYG, minus the biases of the editor and whoever that thinks that the right answer should be what they think is best to be printed. In the internet, everything you see is what the bloggers want to say, minus those with a hidden agenda which can be quite easily to fish out. Many bloggers are genuine and simply expressed what are in their minds, untainted by political considerations and the need to say the right thing.
 
The reasons why people are seeking the internet to express their views speak for themselves, and why they are not going to the main media or the agencies concerned. Other than not having faith in getting a reasonable reply, what they sent in may not see daylight and could end up in the waste bins. The internet is also a very convenient and efficient means for circulation of information, instant and immediate, no need to wait for the sun to rise. And it is the platform for everyone with no one thinking that he is the lord and his views prevails.
 
Step aside main media. You are history, partly of your own doing, partly due to the advancement in technology. The internet is now a platform of choice of the people to air their views and grievances. And there is nothing bewildering or disturbing about this trend.