Activists protest against media control outside SPH
Saturday, 03 May 2008
Singapore Democrats
A group of
Singaporean activists marked World Press Freedom Day by staging a
protest outside the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) building at Toa
Payoh today.
The SPH controls all the local newspapers except Today which is published by MediaCorp. The organisation is run by former deputy prime minister Dr Tony Tan.
Activists unfurl a protest banner outside the SPH building
The
activists comprising of Mr Chong Kai Xiong, Mr Ho Choon Hiong, Mr
Isrizal, Ms Noora Zul, Mr Seelan Palay and Mr Shafiie released the
following statement:
Today is World Press Freedom Day, an
opportunity to reflect upon the principles of press freedom. Press
freedom must be championed and protected as it comprises the
fundamental Freedom of Expression (Article 19, Universal Declaration of
Human Rights). UNESCO's 2008 themes for this day are Access to
Information and Empowerment.
In resonance with this, we as
independent activists marked World Press Freedom Day 2008 this morning,
with a series of messages to share our thoughts on the state of press
freedom in Singapore.
Censored news is no news
It's
no big secret that Singapore, though proudly claiming to be a
'First-World' country, is ranked 141 out of 167 in 2007's World Press
Freedom Index (Reporters Without Borders). 142 is Afghanistan. For the
same year, Singapore is ranked 157 out of 195 countries in the Freedom
of the Press World Ranking (Freedom House). 158 is Iraq.
Freedom
House clearly establishes Singapore's status as "Not free". Not free.
Shackled. Clipped. Censored? A common criterion to these indices is an
evaluation of the level of censorship. Though news in Singapore may not
be overtly censored, the problem is self-censorship.
Free press, free minds
A
freer press empowers people as it gives them pluralism in sources of
information as well as access to diverse points of view. All of us have
the right to form and express our opinions and respect should be
accorded to this right through freedom to access information.
Newspapers and Printing Presses Act = Repression
The
Newspapers and Printing Presses Act was introduced in 1975. In effect,
the Act enables the State to impose such restrictions as:
•
Permits (to be renewed every year) granted on a discretionary basis for
locally published newspapers. In addition, these permits may be granted
with conditions such as the State's specification on the language in
which the newspaper may be published.
• Permits required for the
sale and distribution of foreign newspapers. In addition, individuals
will need to comply with this permissibility for any papers brought in
which may be for personal consumption. Complementary provision for
powers of examination of packages and articles is included.
Other incidents of repressive media management include lawsuits against foreign newspapers such as the Asian Wall Street Journal and the Far Eastern Economic Review (FEER), a publication currently banned in Singapore. Yet let us not
forget one of the most glaring examples: persecution of journalists.
Most notable was the 17-year detention under the Internal Security Act
of Said Zahari, editor of then-locally published Utusan Melayu.
No to media monopoly
Today,
the press in Singapore is monopolised by the Singapore Press Holdings.
It publishes all but one of the dailies (the exception is Today published by Mediacorp) – a far cry from a lively press and publishing
history in Singapore (pre-1975). There were several papers published in
Malay, Indian and Chinese languages as compared to just these main
non-English newspapers: Berita Harian, Tamil Murasu, Lianhe Zaobao (& Wanbao) and Shin Min Daily respectively.
Get alternatives, get online
Though
press freedom in the professional arena should be safeguarded,
individuals can overcome a restrictive and biased press through citizen
journalism. Through the new medium of the Internet, citizen journalism,
which increases participation in the exchange of news and information,
is on the rise. Alternative sources are available on the internet on
web portals and blogs that allow individuals to express themselves and
engage with others in open discussion.
Open discussions and
dialogue on all human issues are vital for us to engage with each other
in an environment of respect and dignity. The role of a free and
pluralistic press as such a forum enshrines the fundamental freedom of
expression for everyone.
To continue this dialogue on press freedom and efforts to promote it in Singapore, email Noora at
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[email protected]
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sure kenna from police again.
Originally posted by maurizio13:sure kenna from police again.
No problem one..... just sell more red t-shirt lor......
... yes, MORE of such protests should be carried out...
... otherwise, the government assumes people are satisfied and agrees with the way they are doing things...
govt thought you ppl are satisfy with life here, no protest does not mean we agree with govt. Wait til post LKY era,then there will be press freedom. Can you wait ? longest 10 years, shortest 5 years, you decide....
Originally posted by HyperFocal:... yes, MORE of such protests should be carried out...
... otherwise, the government assumes people are satisfied and agrees with the way they are doing things...
correct, it has been taking us for granted for too long!
I think it is time to end state monopoly of the media in Singapore.
They keep on using the mainstream media to spread their state propaganda and serve their state interests.
There should be an independent media industry.
Now all is state propaganda.
I know Lee Kuan Yew doesn't like it.
He likes media to praise him, not criticise him.
But there is no other way.
It's about time for Lee Kuan Yew to go as well.
After he dies, no one will sue media for criticising him.
Last time chinese paper, got nanyang and sin chew, but they merged, become govt paper
Originally posted by Poh Ah Pak:I think it is time to end state monopoly of the media in Singapore.
They keep on using the mainstream media to spread their state propaganda and serve their state interests.
There should be an independent media industry.
assuming i am not saying that i like this idea, how could your suggestion be realised? pls give a little clue as i am curious.
"otherwise, the government assumes people are satisfied and agrees with the way they are doing things..."
not really they know how unhappy the people are; they are more concerned whether the people will act on that unhappiness.