Our press ranking- 151st

The PAP is so familiar with ranking. In fact, one can argue that the party is obsessed with it.

Singapore would probably rank no.1 or 2 for having the highest proportion of resident foreigners.
We have also been labelled the world's fastest walkers by a CNN study.

One area the PAP regime fares not so well is press freedom.
Not so well is really an understatement.

Our State Media, effectively Singapore Press Holdings, which publishes The New Paper, Shin Min, Straits Times and nearly everything else, including women's magazines, is ranked a shameful 151st in Freedom House press rankings, earning itself the unflattering title of "not free".

Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports the expansion of freedom around the world. Freedom House supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights.

Why is it important to have a "free press"?
To quote from an academic study:

"They keep people informed of the march of events in the world. They are a guardian of citizen. They expose social, economic and political evils. They are a link between the people and the government. They are a mirror to the heart of poor. They protect the liberty of people and safeguard their right. They awaken national consciousness and raise the mental and moral standard of people. They serve as a national link.

But the press should be responsible. It should not spread false reports or news. It should not throw mud on others. But to perform its function properly, press must be free to express public news, views or reviews, without fear or favour. The freedom of the press is a sacred privilege of the nation. Freedom of press is a vital necessity for the working of democracy."
Our National Pledge tells us to "build a democratic society" and freedom of press is essential for this.
So the fact that our press is "less free" than the likes of Iraq, Pakistan and Zambia means that Singaporeans seriously need a reformed press.

Also, "It should not spread false reports or news".
Shin Min today carried a full page on Nicole Seah's Facebook plea for supporters to donate money into a personal account to defray the cost of NSP's Marine Parade campaign.
The author deliberately raised suspicions that the money donated could be misappropriated by Miss Seah.
It is not surprising for opposition candidates to solicit donations from supporters. Unlike the PAP machinery, which is awashed with funds (we don't actually know where they come from), opposition candidates need to account for every cent spent.
And in all honesty, it is not surprising for the NSP to use Nicole's popularity for this purpose and supporters would identify better if the money went directly to her bank account.
Thus, such low ball tactics to destroy the credibility of a rising Opposition star is dastardly, deceitful and cheap.

Not too long ago, SPH journalists helped Dr. Vivan Balakrishnan sensationalise the sexuality of Dr Vincent Wijeysingha. They also succeeded in painting Dr. Chee Soon Juan as some sort of "loose cannon".
Who knows how these gross untruths affected the polling results?

Unless there is an alternative mainstream press that can challenge the might of SPH, many Singaporeans and new citizens will forever live in the fantasy world that PAP wants them to believe in.
More lies will be told and talented people like Tan Jee Say will never get a chance to serve Singaporeans.
It was absolutely absurd how SPH came up with articles claiming that Goh Chok Tong's former aide wanted to abolish manufacturing and that he was crazy.

However, I do believe what goes around comes around.
While not deeply religious, I have enough direction on my moral compass to know right from wrong.
And if you believe the long arm of the law, you would believe that the unjust will one day get their just desserts.

That day will come.