THE CONTROL OF THE PRESS IN SINGAPORE : A STUDY OF THE STRAITS TIMES

Abstract

Defending the freedom of the press is premised on its being an intrinsic human right as well as on its utilitarian function in enhancing the discovery of truth and in checking the abuse of authority. Journalists have frequently argued that the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press should be absolute. Absolute freedom is indeed fascinating as a concept but we must face realities. While the ideal view of the press is for it to operate as an autonomous entity , a more realistic and pragmatic way of looking at the press would be to define its role in terms of other institutions and forces. This is because its role is defined by the larger socio - political infrastructure of the society. It cannot stand outside society and inevitably takes on the form and coloration of the social and political structures within which it operates. A range of controls have succeeded in " taming" the press m Singapore. A credible press cannot be associated with the image of conformism and it does not mean that a press gains credibility by being contentious. The press in Singapore occupies a precarious position as it is subdued by a system of controls that ensures that it remains subordinate to the government. This academic exercise is about the controls that proliferate in the press at the macro and micro levels.