in september 2010, "today" newspaper reported that statistics from the national parks board indicated that the number of groups registering to stage events at speakers' corner had fallen from 39 between september 2008 and august 2009, to nine between september 2009 and august 2010. the number of individuals registering dropped from 102 to 57 during the same periods. senior minister goh chok tong, who was prime minister when speakers' corner was set up, expressed the view that its use had declined because there were now other avenues for people to express themselves such as the internet (including the government's online feedback portal reach), newspapers, and radio and television channels. also, people might feel that the venue is not always the best place "to meaningfully and constructively press their views on issues". he saw speakers' corner as "playing the same role as envisaged – mostly dormant but good to have".