SINGAPORE : The Singapore government has rebutted an
international report questioning the independence of the country's
judiciary system.
A statement from the Ministry of Law described as "absurd" a
suggestion by the International Bar Association Human Rights
Institute - that honourable and upright judges in commercial cases
become compliant and dishonourable when dealing with defamation
cases involving government ministers.
In its first report on Singapore spanning 72 pages, the
human rights arm of the International Bar Association expressed
concern about judicial independence and the limitations on the
freedoms of expression, assembly and the media.
Among its 18 recommendations, the institute suggested that
Singapore abolish criminal defamation as an offence, and that the
government pass legislative limits on civil defamation pay-outs,
particularly in cases initiated by government officials.
In response, the Law Ministry said the lawsuits brought by
members of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) usually related
to scurrilous and untrue allegations of corruption against them,
and the decisions of the courts were matters of public record which
could be analysed.
The ministry said instead of substantiating the allegation with
evidence, the report's argument that "regardless of any actual
interference, the reasonable suspicion of interference is
sufficient" when it comes to cases involving PAP members or their
associates, is a feeble justification.
The ministry added that the government has listened
carefully to all advice and decided on the right balance for its
people, and so far, Singapore had not done badly.
Source: Channelnewsasia