Then, take a look at what was being reported in the ST during that same period, placing the PAP on an invisible pedestral and in a postive light. Apparently, the public are rather discontented with the way the media works in Singapore, in particularly, its censorship. During the ST's coverage of the GE, complaints from the public kept rolling in.
There are so many invisible border markers drawn out for the local media, and most industry practitioners practise self-censorship.
While a foreigner may take huge pride and forsake his stable job and pay check in the name of journalistic integrity (which, apparently, one did), you hardly see Singaporeans doing the same.
The furthest a Singaporean would ever go would probably be to grumble about the media system and the extensive control the government has over it. And, the next day, you see him or her reporting for work at 8.30 in the morning.
Most are scared to burnt their asses.
Recently, I had a chat with the director of one of the top universities in Australia. He confirmed the above fact. And, interestingly, this is what he had to say:
"You can't write about critical issues in the local paper. But, in America, the system works differently. You can say that the Prime Minister is an idiot, and you wouldn't have to worry about losing your job or going to jail."
You blog about racism in Singapore, and if you're lucky, you get to see your picture in the ST on front page news the next day, along with the headline, "Racist blogger convicted in Singapore". And, if you strike gold, you get free accomodation for the next few months at least. Don't expect the five star treatment, though, you'll be lucky enough to get toilet paper to wipe your ass.
I would like to cite a particular scenario over here that took place sometime ago.
This important figurehead of Singapore went overseas, and during his trip there, made a statement to the foreign press.
When he came back, he spoke to the local media officially regarding this particular incident. Apparently, he had gotten his facts wrong, and made an incorrect biased accusation against an overseas organization.
Subsequently, this young reporter from a local newspaper reported on his statement. There was nothing wrong in her published article as she said everything as it was. It was very well straight reporting, with quotes gotten straight from the horse's mouth.
When the foreign organization came to know about the incident (presumeably from the local press), they issued a statement to clarify that the facts had been taken out of context, and were in no way accurate.
This young reporter was called to tea, along with the Editor and those who were indirectly responsible for the coverage of the press statement.
They were taken to task. While the rest were being fired, the reporter got to keep her job. However, she had her press license revoked and was banned from ever being a reporter for the local publications any longer. She was being assigned to another department.
Logically speaking, this reporter has done absoutely nothing wrong. She was at the mercy of the stringent laws that govern the local press, and an unwilling victim in the process.
The government is forever encouraging Singaporeans to be more creative and innovative entrepreneurs. But, at the same time, they put laws here and there.
How are Singaporeans going to put their creative juices to full use if they are always worrying about whether they are going to be penalized for what they say or write or blog? Any typical Singaporean adult would likely just involuntarily subscibe to this system rather then put their pay-check at risk.
Instead of paying lip service by telling us to be creative and think out of the box, the government might actually consider DOING something.
They could start by scrapping off ridiculous laws.
Like the toilet flushing fine.
No comments:
Post a Comment