Correction of Information on Gov Factually Website
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the criteria for selecting falsehoods corrected on the Gov Factually website, as raised by Mr Leon Perera. Minister Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim stated that Factually clarifies common misperceptions of Government policy or assertions harming the social fabric. He emphasized that the platform focuses on factual matters rather than opinions, using examples like the economy and the Zika virus outbreak. Minister Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim clarified that information is sourced from government agencies, statutory boards, and periodically through public engagement sessions. He noted that the Government considers feedback from non-government organisations and the public to clarify matters that generate significant interest.
Transcript
5 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Communications and Information what criteria are used to determine the selection of falsehoods corrected on the Gov Factually website.
The Minister for Communications and Information (Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim): Factually aims to clarify widespread or common misperceptions of Government policy or incorrect assertions on matters of public concern that can harm Singapore's social fabric.
Over the years, the site has addressed inaccurate assertions about various matters, such as housing, the economy and finance. During the Zika outbreak, we allayed public misperceptions about the virus. This is part of the Government's efforts to ensure Singaporeans have access to accurate information on important matters.
Factually, as its name suggests, concerns itself with facts, not opinions.
Mdm Speaker: Mr Leon Perera.
Mr Leon Perera (Non-Constituency Member): I thank the Minister for his answer. Just one supplementary question; maybe this is just a confirmation. The process that Factually follows to decide which issues to talk about, is that process fundamentally about collecting feedback from various Ministries, Government agencies and Statutory Boards? Or has Factually in the past and will it in the future, be open to feedback from other non-government organisations to address on the website?
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Madam, the Member is correct that we do source the information and the claims from various sources within the Government and also from outside the Government. In fact, periodically, we do public engagement exercises and sessions, and during these sessions, some concerns may be raised by members of the public and we will look into them. If we think there is enough of interest in that subject matter that has purveyed some misperceptions, we will clarify.