The blatant lop-sided bias in the state media's election
coverage has raised its ugly head again as the PAP goes on a
massive propaganda overdrive to secure victory for its candidates
in the coming general election.
It is little wonder that the Singapore media is ranked a
pathetic 133th in terms of press freedom by international media
watchdog Reporters without Borders last year.
The Straits Times, better known as "PETIR Times", carried
two large photos showing PAP rally flags and 8 photos of
smiling PAP leaders today to shape public opinion in favor
of the repressive PAP regime. In contrast, the opposition is
featured only in three photos.
Singaporeans should not underestimate the impact of such subtle
propaganda. Photos showing a smiling, pleasant and confident PAP
leaders will inspire a sense of good-will among voters towards them
while those portraying the opposition candidates in negative manner
will have the opposite effect.
The Straits Times also gave an inordinate amount of attention to
the PAP with a total of six articles dedicated to the party's
preparations for the coming election as compared to two for the
opposition though the PAP is merely another political
party and not the Singapore government now that parliament has been
dissolved.
No efforts were spared to call on Singaporeans to give the PAP
another "mandate's to enable "leadership renewal" within its ranks
while conveniently ignoring the key issues such as the relentless
influx of foreigners, rampant inflation and sky-rocketing HDB flat
prices.
Singaporeans seeking for uncensored news which truly reflect
public sentiments should visit online news portals like The Temasek
Review for the latest updates on the general election.
