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Supporting Chee Soon Juan's caféSupporting Chee Soon Juan's café I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café despite their political preferences” (July 16). The underlying objective of doing any business is to ensure it is viable and profitable. Otherwise, there is no point of undertaking risk for it. It is natural for...

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries? I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries” (June 14) by Mr Yoong Siew Wah. It has always been a controversial topic which concerns about our top political leaders who receive their salaries that are many times higher than those foreign political leaders. Our...

Steering with stability in transition timesSteering with stability in transition times I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial, “Steering with stability in transition times” (May 16). Let us analyze and interpret this specific subject from a broad perspective, how Singapore should respond and adapt to the evolution of the entire international situation and formulate its foreign policy that is extremely...

We will lead in our own wayWe will lead in our own way I read with interest The Today’s report, “'We will lead in our own way': : Lawrence Wong takes office as 4th prime minister of Singapore” (May 15). We can get some inspiration or enlightenment from the story of the 108 heroes in Water Margin: they originally had their own abilities, aspirations and ambitions. They...

Chinese villagers living on cliffsChinese villagers living on cliffs In the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province in China, there is a small isolated village on a cliff 1,400 meters above sea level. This is the village of Atuler, known as the Cliff Village with 72 families who has been living there for almost 200 years. All travel is by a ladder that leads to the sky at almost right...

Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the westUkraine will cease to exist thanks to the west Scott Ritter is a former Marine intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union, implementing arms control agreements, and on the staff of General Norman Schwartzkopf during the Gulf War, where he played a critical role in the hunt for Iraqi SCUD missiles. From 1991 until 1998, Mr. Ritter served as a Chief Inspector...

Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride priceBride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price Contrary to popular beliefs, many couples in China are unable to afford to get married. With the exception of rural villages, those in the cities mostly asked for hundreds of thousands in bride price (聘礼/彩礼). According to our techie who has been in China for over a decade, the bride price may include monies intended...

Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian workers looking to moveHigher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian... I refer to the Independent Singapore’s Featured News SG Economy, “Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian workers looking to move” (Feb 22). In this era of rapid technological advancement, all countries are faced with the dilemma of being hungry for talent. Therefore, top talents in respective...

Where Romance Meets FinanceWhere Romance Meets Finance Sugarbook was launched by Darren Chan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a luxury dating website designed to resolve financial issues through emotional support. It provides a platform to grow your relationships through mutual benefits that are not restricted to mentorship, companionship, wealth and emotional support. It...

Marriage, children and practical concernsMarriage, children and practical concerns A couple bows before their parents and offers them tea, as is traditional in Chinese weddings. I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial “Marriage, children and practical concerns” (Feb 5). Since the history of human civilisation, the formation of individual family and the issue of procreation have become two...

Not in my backyardNot in my backyard I refer to the TODAY’s Commentary, “'Not in my backyard' — when some groups can protest more loudly, the most vulnerable ones suffer” (Jan 25, 2024). A few good points from the article are worth to be probed further and discussed. In December 2023, the announcement of plans by The National Environment Agency...

Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presenceOpposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presence I refer to The Independent Singapore’s SG Politics column, “Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presence” (Nov 29, 2023). As we know, Singapore political scene has been firmly dominated by the PAP since 1959. Thus, the opposition parties in Singapore have to face and withstand many challenges ahead...

Educating the next generationEducating the next generation I read with interest the Straits Times’ Editorial, “Educating the next generation” (Jan 5, 2024). Any form of spontaneous learning should provide you with a happy, positive, and memorable experience. However, only a small number of children are in exception. Therefore, based on this, parents should realize the...

GST increase in 2024GST increase in 2024 On 1 Jan 2024 GST rises 1% from 8% to 9%; this is a 12.5% increase in GST. I am not convinced that this is necessary. It will contribute to inflation, and cause economic hardship. The handouts to mitigate this are temporary and the increase is permanent. In 2015, when the possibility of GST rising was an election issue...

Race relations in SingaporeRace relations in Singapore I refer to the Today’s “Commentary: In 1954, David Marshall spoke about race relations in Singapore. Have we made real progress since then?” (Dec 15). For any country to be prosperous and powerful, it must first achieve political and social stability, and its people must live in harmony and be united. Only in this...

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Editorial
Rare typhoon-like storm hits Singapore

Rare typhoon-like storm hits Singapore

Strong winds that people called a mini typhoon hit Singapore on Tuesday evening, September 17, toppling...
Super typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu...

Super typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu...

After hitting Shanghai on Monday (17th Sept), Typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province....
Why storms and typhoons are wrecking havoc in Asia...

Why storms and typhoons are wrecking havoc in Asia...

Typhoon Bebinca has made landfall in China on Monday (16th Sept). Shanghai has been slammed by the city's...
Super typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc In Shanghai

Super typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc In Shanghai

The mega city of Shanghai was brought to a standstill on Monday (16th Sept) as residents at home had...
Severe flooding wrecks havoc in Europe

Severe flooding wrecks havoc in Europe

Severe flooding continues to wreak havoc across central and eastern Europe, following days of torrential...
Iran poised to launch mega-retaliation against Israel

Iran poised to launch mega-retaliation against Israel

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a high-ranking IRGC commander, has announced that Iran will soon...
Super typhoon Yagi batters Hainan island in China

Super typhoon Yagi batters Hainan island in China

Heavy rains and strong winds swept through Hainan province Friday as a powerful typhoon, dubbed Yagi,...
Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Mongolia for a visit, despite the risk of arrest under...
Axis of Resistance vows to escalate attacks on Israel...

Axis of Resistance vows to escalate attacks on Israel...

The Axis of Resistance groups in Iraq have escalated their threats against Israel and the US. They have...
Russia pounds Ukraine for the second consecutive day

Russia pounds Ukraine for the second consecutive day

In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia, hundreds of missiles and drones were launched targeting...
Russia pounds Ukraine in retaliation for invasion of...

Russia pounds Ukraine in retaliation for invasion of...

Russia unleashed a massive missile and drone assault on NATO-backed Ukraine amid rising tensions over...
Houthis ready to strike Israel

Houthis ready to strike Israel

Houthi-installed defence minister in Yemen has warned that his forces are ready to strike Israel. Major...
Israel imposes restriction on media to hide damages...

Israel imposes restriction on media to hide damages...

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is set to present proof or videos of attacks near Tel Aviv. Israeli...
Hezbollah hints at 'full response' after major rocket...

Hezbollah hints at 'full response' after major rocket...

The Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones towards Israel on...
How strong is Singapore's fighter jets?

How strong is Singapore's fighter jets?

Singapore's fighter jets are supposedly the most advanced force in the entire Southeast Asian region. What...
Major escalation fears as Hezbollah pounds Israel with...

Major escalation fears as Hezbollah pounds Israel with...

Hezbollah and Israel both have announced large-scale military operations against each other. Israel is...
WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

Covid Done, New Virus Emerges: 100s Killed, WHO Declares Global Health Emergency. The World Health...
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was seen as a safe pair of hands when his party installed him three...
Opinions
A random thought on the comedy of error

A random thought on the comedy of error

The comedy of error that is circling around in Singapore although mind-boggling but amuses Singaporeans...
The Great America, No More

The Great America, No More

America was propagated as the Great Nation in the last century when I was born, even though the world...
A glimpse of the obscurantism of Singapore society

A glimpse of the obscurantism of Singapore society

This is not an attempt at self-exaltation but to give a glimpse of the obscurantism of the Singapore...
Excess Deaths in Singapore

Excess Deaths in Singapore

I applaud ST journalist's effort in pursuing this issue of Excess Deaths in Singapore (which is one of...
Throwing out the baby with the bath water

Throwing out the baby with the bath water

Mr Shanmugam says Singapore has laws and policies to prevent riots like those seen in the UK recently...
Let dead dogs lie

Let dead dogs lie

Alas, Pritam should have let dead dogs lie. I am surprised that he is making a bid to have his case...
Total Policy Reset

Total Policy Reset

Lawrence Wong talked about "reset" but up till now, I am still not quite sure what is installed in his...
The divination of a self-exaltation myth

The divination of a self-exaltation myth

The euphoria that accompanied the appointment of Lawrence Wong as prime minister is understandable.because...
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally

I have more praises than criticisms for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally. He...
Build Our Core

Build Our Core

On this very day of celebrating our 59th National Day, we as a people, a country and the Singaporean...
More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General...

More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General...

More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General Election (GE)- CNA online 22 July 2024. There are...
Excess Deaths Comparison Chart

Excess Deaths Comparison Chart

This is the Excess Deaths Comparison Chart that MOH has neither disputed nor commented on. It...
Focusing on frail, senior patients

Focusing on frail, senior patients

Tan Tock Seng (TTS) focuses on frail, senior patients as it celebrates 180th anniversary- ST online,...
Who is replacing us?

Who is replacing us?

My fellow Singaporeans,we face an existential threat,that is exacerbated by PAP policies. The number...
Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

We first thought the attempted assassination of Trump was a "Lone Wolf" incident. However, there are...
Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance

Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance

Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance- 18 July 24, Straits Times. Allianz has done its...
I am not a 'woke'

I am not a 'woke'

I am known to be a Democratic Socialist. Democracy comes before Socialism. Traditionally, people regard...
Assassination attempt on Donald Trump

Assassination attempt on Donald Trump

I strongly condemn the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the United States Republican presidential...
Letters
Supporting Chee Soon Juan's café

Supporting Chee Soon Juan's café

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café...
Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?

I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries”...
Steering with stability in transition times

Steering with stability in transition times

I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial, “Steering with stability in transition times” (May 16). Let...
We will lead in our own way

We will lead in our own way

I read with interest The Today’s report, “'We will lead in our own way': : Lawrence Wong takes office...
Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for...

Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for...

I refer to the Independent Singapore’s Featured News SG Economy, “Higher salaries lead Singapore...
Marriage, children and practical concerns

Marriage, children and practical concerns

A couple bows before their parents and offers them tea, as is traditional in Chinese weddings. I...
Not in my backyard

Not in my backyard

I refer to the TODAY’s Commentary, “'Not in my backyard' — when some groups can protest more loudly,...
Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary...

Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary...

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s SG Politics column, “Opposition parties seek to strengthen...
Snippets
Singapore Tightens Casino Regulations to Combat Money...

Singapore Tightens Casino Regulations to Combat Money...

In a move to strengthen its position as a well-regulated financial hub, Singapore is set to implement...
The All-Time Top Singaporean Poker Players

The All-Time Top Singaporean Poker Players

Poker is one of the world's most popular games with games being played recreationally and professionally....
How to Increase Image Size without Compromising Quality

How to Increase Image Size without Compromising Quality

In our digital world, crisp, top-notch images make your content pop, whether on a website, social media,...
Chinese villagers living on cliffs

Chinese villagers living on cliffs

In the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province in China, there is a small isolated village on a cliff...
Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the west

Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the west

Scott Ritter is a former Marine intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union, implementing...
Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price

Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price

Contrary to popular beliefs, many couples in China are unable to afford to get married. With the exception...
The fall of Alibaba's Jack Ma

The fall of Alibaba's Jack Ma

The story of how Jack Ma betrayed everyone that helped and gave him what he has today. The video also...
中國唯一的一妻多夫制的地方

中國唯一的一妻多夫制的地方

A land enshrouded in spirituality, Tibet is home to distinct cultural traditions and astounding natural...
Sticky & Recent Articles

与时俱进的新加坡政制变革?

与时俱进的新加坡政制变革?

作者:《新加坡文献馆》04/05/2010 按官方喉舌的说辞,新加坡修改国 会宪法与选举法是与时俱进的变革,是为了保证国会不是一言堂。改革着眼于国家的长远发展,也保障国人的长远利益。改革的直接结果是国会的意见多元化,提高 国会辩论水准,让国民对政策利弊有全面认识。改革亦是为了重视与满足新一代高学历多见识国民的政治需要。 这些说辞是政党文宣的创作,纯粹是为新政策涂脂抹粉,没有历史根据。 新加坡国会制度的变迁有其历史背景与政治目的,完全和一言堂,国会意见多元化,提高国会辩论水准和让国民对政策利弊的认知都沾不上边。此外,新政策对新加坡长远发展,保障国人长远利益亦没有什么关系。 这一说法是有所依据的,因为从国会体制与选举的制度变迁历史来看,过往的政策变革,其基本动力与真正目的都是为了确保李光耀政权的千秋万代。这一观点可以在好些有关新加坡的政治文献中获得佐证,比如Garry Rodan和James Cotton,两位非常熟悉新加坡政治生态的教授就持类似看法。 在探讨政制变革的历史轨迹之前,或许可以先看看,什么才算是真正的与时俱进?如果政改不是与时俱进,那又反映了些什么样的政治现实?此外,此番新加坡的政改到底是否确实是与时俱进。 这个课题可以从几个层面来看:首先,新加坡自我定位为第一世界。以经济指标而言,新加坡是第一世界的说法是有所根据的。因此,从新加坡是第一世界的定位标准而言,所谓的新加坡与时俱进政制变革,应该就是指朝向第一世界的政治指标发展。 什么是第一世界的政治指标?以西敏寺国会模式而言,行政,立法与司法的三权分立是其核心的宪制架构。简单的来说,立法议会是由通过公正平等的选举程序而产 生,在国家议会中占最多数席位的政党组织政府以领导国家的运行。在国会的立法过程中,人民代议士保护与争取其所代表的社群人民的利益。在这机制当中,一人一票的选举制度是人民选举国会立法议员的不二法门。此外,独立司法权更是维护三权分立的的基本保障。 按西敏寺标准来看,显然的,与时俱进的新加坡政制变革,理所当然,应该是要推翻当前的一党专政和司法受命于政府的政治体系,转而朝向制定三权分立的宪法体制去发展。在这其中,特别重要的是,宪法与司法都必须否定当前的无竞选集选区的人民有投票权力却无投票机会的伪选举制度,以确保人民的一人一票选举权力确实是有所保障,并且能够确实实践这一基本权力。这就是说即便是在无竞选集选区,人民也必须有实践投票的机会,以验证对胜出政党的支持程度。 然而,新加坡的修宪是要‘在不动摇政治基本面的前提下,加强国会多元声音的选制改革’。换言之,修宪要在不动摇人民行动党的政治权力前提下进行。说白了,任何政改都绝对不可以动摇人民行动党的执政权。 这一种政治思维在根本上否定了投票的真正意义,更嘲弄了整个国会体制的崇高尊严;投票为的就是能够有改朝换代的机会,否定了这一个可能性,也就否定了投票的意义。试问,这种模样的政制改革岂能算是与时俱进?这种与民主精神背道而驰的政治发展方向,是否更清楚的反映了新加坡人权每况愈下的政治现实? 其二,‘增加非选区议员的人数和确立官委议员为新加坡政治体制的永久性部分’,可以‘保证了国会里将不会因为执政党的强大而成为一言堂’的说法是不切实际的。 非选区议员与官委议员都不是新鲜事,他们以前无法做到的事情,是不可能单凭多增加3名非选区议员,以及把官委议员正规化就可以扭转乾坤突破原有的一言堂现象。 这是一种浪漫的想法,政治现实并非如此。非选区议员的宪法权力是有限的;一名内阁部长就直接了当的在国会里告诉惹耶勒南:公务员没有必要给非选区议员的去函给予答复,因为他们不是任何人的代议士。因此,要推行真正的与时俱进的改革,就必须增加此类国会代议士的政治权力,比如给予更多的发言时间和发言机会,享有权力要求官僚提供与民生社会有关的信息和数据等等。 期待官委议员正规化会带来国会意见的多元化,是过于乐观的想法。这是因为这一制度的机制本身就否定了这一种意见多元化的可能性。这个道理是显而易见的。官委议员的遴选程序是由执政党的人脉主持与定案,所以是按内定指标选出。据悉,邓亮洪就曾受推荐但却不成功。邓亮洪在名声,资历与社会贡献上皆有优秀的条件出任官委议员,但何以他却不获委任?从过去的历史来看,官委议员即便有不 同的声音却也无能突破一言堂现象。 政改无助于提高国会辩论水准和让国民对政策利弊有全面认识。新加坡国会缺乏政治辩论的最大原因是一言堂现象;这是一种思想受到拘束的必然结果。滋养政治辩论文化的先决条件是百花齐花的思想空间;有了思想自由,才会有辩论的欲望与激情。同样的道理,有了言论自由,不同政见都可以浮出台面,那么,政策利弊自然会显现。在这一层面上,与时俱进的政制变革是解放李光耀政治思维的枷锁,打破李光耀创造新加坡奇迹的神话。 其三,新政策为的是保障李光耀政权的屹立不摇,这一政治目的和新加坡长远发展和普通国人的利益是没有什么特别的关系。巩固执政党权力的作为,对当前水深火热的贫苦大众是没有丝毫的意义,也不会改善他们的生活困境,因为这是两码事。 此外,另一个更重要的原因是,李光耀政权不是新加坡生存与繁荣的必需条件。简言之,新加坡有其独力的生命轨迹。回溯历史,新加坡在李光耀政权出现之前就已经存活与繁荣了100多年,理所当然的,从李光耀政权消亡的那一分秒开始,一个新纪元的新加坡历史就会立即开展。显然的,李光耀政权的兴衰存亡只会对既得利益集团有所影响,和其他老百姓是没有什么关系的。 最后,政改是为了满足新一代选民的政治需要,这一说法具歧视性。民主权力是没有种族,年龄,宗教,资历,财富上的分歧;人人生来平等。 要全面了解何以人民行动党政府会如此持之以恒的修正宪法与选举法,还得从新加坡政治历史中寻求答案。 新加坡的选举政治是在二战后的国际反殖民运动背景下展开。1948年3月的立法议会选举是首次人民投票经验,1951年有另一回合的选举。1953年的林德修宪后,全面性的大选于是开始。1955年4月工人党上台,马绍尔出任首席部长。1959年人民行动党上台,李光耀出任自治邦总理。在这时段前后大约30多年的各场大选都是按一人一票的民主精神去完成组织国会的政治过程。然而,从1980年代起始,李光耀打破这个民主议会传统,开始逐步修正宪法与调整选举制度。 1968年到1981年的大约13年之间,由于社阵退出国会而造成李光耀的人民行动党垄断国会全部议席。1981年安顺区补选让惹耶勒南单枪匹马突破执政党垄断国会的格局。随之,1984年的大选反对党又再胜出,取得4个议席。人民行动党痛失13个百分点的支持票,得票率下跌至63个百分点。 Garry Rodan (1990: 4) :李光耀立即威胁将修改一人一票制度。‘有必须尝试加入一些保护机制以阻止人民利用选票来讨价还价,要挟,推抢与争夺他们所要得到的东西,而不必顾虑到他们会失去政府提供的服务’。内阁部长拉惹勒南批判这一场选举的结果为人民对政府的勒索,‘这是人民企图勒索政府,那么,我们必须展示我们是不可以被勒索的’。 这一场执政党竞选失利事故与随之而来的李光耀政治思维的改变,是推动往后新加坡政体改革的最原始原因。显而易见的,李光耀从这一天开始就置疑了一人一票的选举制度,认为‘不可预知的选举结果’会推翻人民行动党的政权。于是乎开始设计与采取各种各样的宪法修正与制度调整来巩固政权。这其中市镇理事会,组屋翻新等等都是配套措施,让政府通过资源分配上的不同待遇来奖赏与惩罚不同的投票结果。诚然,这一新制度的结果是把人民勒索政府的可能性,彻底转换为政府勒索人民的政治现实。 新加坡历史清楚的解释了人民行动党政府修宪的起因。明显的,新加坡修宪的真正目的是维护李光耀政权。这一历史解读是合理和可以接受的,不具争议性。  Read More →

新聞自由天天等日日問

新聞自由天天等日日問

作者:林放 2010.05.02 世界新闻自由日(按:五月三日)其实不是胜利的庆典。这一天是要重复提醒从业员坚守己责,继续捍卫和维护新闻自由的完整性。正由于新闻自由仍然披荆带棘,朝这个目标的前路仍崎岖险阻,新闻从业员更需提振无畏无惧的精神去实践这份理想。 这一天也让民众苏醒记忆,每年有数以千计的记者在战场前线牺牲性命;在受到打压制的国度,一些新闻从业员指陈暴政的狞狰面目,或是深入腹地勇敢揭发社会时弊, 有得惨遭杀害,有的身系牢狱之灾。广义而言,那些为民主、自由和人权奋斗的志士,也应归纳在新闻自由战域的范畴,让他们分享这份荣誉。 《世界人权宣言》规定,“人人享有的见解自由和言论自由权,包括持有主张而不受干涉的自由和通过任何媒介和不论国界寻求、接受和传递消息和思想的自由。”宣言虽然举世认同,但个别国家的统治阶层都阴奉阳违,各行其是制定法令和动用高压行政权箝制、干预新闻自由。 通过“灭绝”不利执政者的言论、剥夺人民的知情权来粉饰太平。 实质上,捍卫和传扬新闻自由,利益也延伸到民众的知情权和言论自由,进而保障更广泛层面的人权养份得以舒展广泽。 执政者多数仍残存一种迂腐的观念,以为控制平面或电子媒体的新闻,足以影响群众的取向以达到巩固政权和长治久安的目的。随着信息日益多样化,人民可通过更多管道搜寻信息,对已被标签为“政府喉舌”或受到制肘的报章的新闻“自由”营养深感贫乏,转而对近年来旺火朝天的网络媒体推心置腹。 联合国前秘书长安南于2006年世界新闻日早就预言:“部落客等参与式媒体正成为主流媒体报导的补充。”这说明了,当今的新闻范围已不再局限由主流报章发挥影响力;取而替之的是,人们宁可相信不受政府时刻监督管控的网媒,可以享有不受约束的“新闻自由”所提供的正确信息。虽然网媒的报导和评述未必精准到位或是可能造假,但是,却能取代他们存有怀疑在先的政府管制的报章。这种掌握新闻信息改了跑道,是执政者始料莫及的。 全球的急速步伐促进了一个自由、多元、独立和专业媒体的形成,新闻自由权的重要意义从未像现在这样明显。可以预料,随着新生代心倾网络的信息,报章必须实行更宽广的新闻自由,才能立足于商业现实。任何政府若仍迷信控制传统新闻媒体就等同对政权手到擒来,这个时代已走入历史。 安南指出,新闻从业者应当负责任地行使新闻自由的权利。媒体不应成为煽动或侮辱的工具,不应成为散布仇恨的工具。负责任的审慎报导与新闻自由应该是并行不悖的。 可以预料,政府对媒体新闻自由的制约,将是作茧自缚,面对网媒的进击,管制也逐渐力不从心,政府若高瞻远瞩,则必须见容平面媒体发挥更广阔的新闻自由空间,让肩负责任的媒体绽放社会的荣光。 来源:《星洲日报》  Read More →

Singaporean wants state media to observe cooling-off rules

Singaporean wants state media to observe cooling-off rules

A Singaporean by the name of Paul Chan has written to the Straits Times Forum today urging the Singapore media to observe the rules on cooling-off day. He is writing in response to an earlier letter by Mr Jeffrey Law calling on Singaporeans to have "faith" in the Singapore media. The cooling off day was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong lately to prohibit political parties from engaging in any form of campaigning on the eve of polling day to enable voters to make a "rational" and "informed" decision. However, the media will be still be allowed to report on election news. Mr Chan felt that the cooling-off day rules should apply to the mainstream media as well: "I disagree that news media need not comply with complete blackouts of reporting any politically sensitive content - comments by political heavyweights, lawsuits against candidates, announcements of policy and rule changes, and press statements and advertisements by government departments - during the cooling-off period. Voters should not be bombarded with such news." There is some element of truth in Mr Chan's remarks judging from past elections. For example during the 1997 General Elections, then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong was reported in the Straits Times as promising Cheng San residents a bag of goodies should they vote for the PAP. Cheng San was a hotly contested GRC between the PAP and the Workers' Party. The state media also carried unfavorable reports of the WP candidates Tang Liang Hong and J.B. Jeyaretnam as well. A smear campaign was launched by the PAP against Tang using the media to portray him as a "Chinese Chauvinist" when the latter is fluent in English, Chinese, Malay and even Tamil. It is widely believed that WP would have won Cheng San if not for the last minute media onslaught by the PAP to discredit the opposition. Mr Chan added that the cooling-off day is of little significance to voters who have made up their minds already: "The cooling-off day will truly be observed as a peaceful day where no politically sensitive content appears in any form. The truth is that Singapore will continue to function without any political news for one day, and voters having made up their minds over the cooling-off day can go to the polls without distractions." With the next election looming ahead, the Singapore media has gone on an over-drive to "sweeten" the ground for the PAP by churning out propaganda on a daily basis. All printed newspapers in Singapore are owned by a single media company SPH whose Chairman is a former PAP minister. The Singapore media is ranked 133th in terms of press freedom by international media watchdog Reporters without Borders last year.     Please join our Facebook discussion on this article here and invite your friends to do so as well to raise awareness among fellow Singaporeans. This page is maintained independently by a TR reader.   Copyright © 2009 – 2010 The Temasek Review  Read More →

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