Not Just The Chewing Gum Ban

In the west, Singapore is always known for its chewing gum ban. Not anymore. In the past two weeks, I've heard Singapore being mentioned twice, once by the Prof for my media law and ethics class, the other, in a book I'm currently reading. Both times, Singapore is mentioned in relation to the lack of freedom of the press. I know this is a long standing issue and we've all heard this before. But what I can say is things will change in time to come. It must change, and this change is inevitable. "Journalism provides something unique to a culture - independent, reliable, accurate, and comprehensive information that citizens require to be free. A journalism that is asked to provide something other than that subverts democratic culture. This is what happens when governments control the news, as in Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union. We're seeing it again in places like Singapore, where news is controlled to encourage capitalism but discourage participation in public life." - Bill Kovach & Tom Rosenstiel from The Elements of Journalism. The press in Singapore defends itself by saying that its reporting is "pro-Singapore", not "pro-government". Being a member of the press, I'd like to think this is true and believe there is some truth to this statement. Fortunately for us, we have a good government and for now, both the government and the press are working towards the same goal: to put Singapore on the world map and at the same time, give its citizens equal opportunities to make something of themselves. But I wonder if one day when the government changes hands, and the "pro-Singapore" becomes secondary to "pro-government", would we as the press stand its ground and stay true to journalism, despite the odds and the external pressures? Only then can Singaporeans and the world see the Singapore press for what it truly is.
It's unsettling and alarming to see Singapore being likened to Nazi Germany in the way the governments control the news. Well at least the two names aren't mentioned in the same sentence!

NEWSFLASH: As I'm typing this blog, I see a bushy-tailed squirrel momentarily scurry along the branch of a small tree just outside my window. I decide to enjoy the moment and not pounce to get my camera, which will scare it off anyway. It is within sight for just a few seconds. What a pleasant way to spend a rainy Saturday morning, sprawled on my luxurious sofa, legs stretched out, laptop on my lap and enjoying the gloomy but quiet morning which is just starting to break with the sound of traffic waking up.