Activists protest against media control outside SPH
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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 <!-- var prefix = '&#109;a' + 'i&#108;' + '&#116;o'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy39304 = 'n&#111;&#111;r&#97;z&#117;l' + '&#64;'; addy39304 = addy39304 + 'gm&#97;&#105;l' + '&#46;' + 'c&#111;m'; document.write( '<a ' + path + '\'' + prefix + ':' + addy39304 + '\'>' ); document.write( addy39304 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> [email protected] <!-- document.write( '<span style=\'display: none;\'>' ); //-->Click here to see more pictures
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sure kenna from police again.
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Originally posted by maurizio13:
sure kenna from police again.
No problem one..... just sell more red t-shirt lor......
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... 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...
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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....
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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!
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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.
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Last time chinese paper, got nanyang and sin chew, but they merged, become govt paper
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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.