'It's in keeping with the times,' Mr Goh replied. 'I have always received mails and faxes from members of the public. Giving my e-mail address is an extension of giving my office address. It makes it easier for those who wish to write to me.' Mr Goh said he had received 20 e-mails since the initiative was launched, on subjects ranging from Islamic schools and animal homes to bank charges and luring foreign talent. He said he would personally check his e-mail account almost daily, but conceded he had designated an official to reply on his behalf where necessary.
At least two ministers - Finance Minister Richard Hu and Community Development and Sports Minister Abdullah Tarmugi - admitted to having appointed officers to sieve through their e-mails.
Senior Minister Lee received two copies of the devastating ILOVEYOU computer virus among his inaugural batch of Internet messages.
Among his first 11 e-mails was one from the Public Works Department apologising for accidentally having sent him the virus, which has caused an estimated US$10 billion (HK$7.78 billion) worth of damage worldwide since last Thursday.