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 [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from
spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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