The MDA says that the YPAP videos are not "political films" as defined under Sect 33 of the Film Act because they do not have "animation or dramatic elements".
Also, the video is made by a political party and comprises its manifesto and ideology, on the basis of which the party's candidates will seek to be elected.
No where is this found in Sect 33 of the Film Act which merely states that:
"party political film" means a film —
(a) which is an advertisement made by or on behalf of any political party in Singapore or any body whose objects relate wholly or mainly to politics in Singapore, or any branch of such party or body; or
(b) which is made by any person and directed towards any political end in Singapore;
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a film is directed towards a political end in Singapore if the film —
(a) contains wholly or partly any matter which is intended or likely to affect voting in any election or national referendum in Singapore; or
(b) contains wholly or partly either partisan or biased references to or comments on any political matter, including but not limited to any of the following:
(i) an election or a national referendum in Singapore;
(ii) a candidate or group of candidates in an election;
(iii) an issue submitted or otherwise before electors in an election or a national referendum in Singapore;
(iv) the Government or a previous Government or the opposition to the Government or previous Government;
(v) a Member of Parliament;
(vi) a current policy of the Government or an issue of public controversy in Singapore; or
(vii) a political party in Singapore or any body whose objects relate wholly or mainly to politics in Singapore, or any branch of such party or body."
It seems that in Singapore, the laws are interpreted and applied based on who is the subject. If it is PAP, the law is favorably and liberally interpreted. For its opponents, a draconian approach is adopted.
In common parlance, we call this "shifting goalposts". It's the equivalent of a cheating football team moving its goalposts so it can win the match or not lose any penalties.
Boycott Straits Times & Zaobao