The Straits Times' Relationship With The Singapore Government

The Straits Times and the Singapore Government-- Mutual

Masturbators in Public

The Straits Times is the most hated and criticised Singapore newspaper--politically spineless, predictable and long discredicted by its own group of unabashedly PAP ball-carrying, deceitful, unprincipled and, most importantly, well-paid "journalists". Lee Kuan Yew's role in transforming the long-established national newspaper into a big mouthpiece for the PAP Government is already well-known. God knows how many intelligence and security officers and agents from the PAP Government had been associated with the newspaper in various capacities, guises and positions in the past--and how many of the newer members are now serving in the current paper as "journalists"!

Truly independent, honest and fair-minded journalists--with professional integrity, pride and self-respect--would never have willingly allowed themselves to be so controlled and manipulated by the PAP rulers, day-in and day-out. They are not brave and honest enough to provide a true and accurate account of Singapore's developments, achievements and successes--with particular reference to the denial and suppression of human rights and democratic values by the PAP rulers.

For instance, they repeatedly and easily assume, like the PAP rulers, that Singapore's economic successes have provided them with a justification for the PAP Government's trampling of democratic values and human rights in Singapore. They refuse to question the durability and sustainability of a system based solely or mainly on economic successes. They just repeat the old argument by the PAP rulers that political freedoms will bring chaos and disintegration to Singapore society. They never ask how convincing and effective the curent PM is, as a "good" and "able" national leader?

The Straits Times tries to keep up with the times and move in tune to the age of electronic media by joining Internet surfers and bloggers in more active online expressions and discussions. But they forget that it is not the medium of communication that determines how credible or professional you are as a journalist. Rather, both the chosen subject matter (and you know how ST journalists choose--or not choose--certain subjects!) and the preferred manner of its presentation and expression (which, at present, is highly technocratic and scientific) will determine how readers or net surfers accept or reject their ideas, values and opinions--and also the presented facts and information (cunningly selective, contrived or manipulated, as commonly practiced by them at present).

I cannot clearly see how the present newspaper can change from its long-time government-controlled journalistic practices adopted in these two aspects of journalism--until there is a change of government, from the present autocratic and authoritarian one to a truly democratic and responsive government.

I can easily predict that The Straits Times will continue to be detested and dismissed by readers and online surfers for its lack of credibility, independence and professional integrity.