Singapore media and the Jeyeratnam trial

New York Times: Aug 20

"Government-controlled television did not mention that the lawyer, George Carman, questioned of Prime Minister's truthfulness, but did report the accusation that the governing party members were using the courts as a weapon to try to drive one of three opposition members from the 84-seat parliament."

London Times: Aug 23:

"The case has generated considerable interest both internationally and in Singapore. The Straits Times, the island's leading morning newspaper, has carried reports on several pages every day and, while the coverage has certainly been more favourable to the PAP leaders than reports from foreign journalists, most of the issues raised by Mr Carman have been faithfully covered, albeit usually in the back pages."

Prime minster Goh under cross-examination: Aug 19.

Carman: On your understanding, the press in Singapore is a totally free press?

PM Goh: It is a free press but it is a very responsible press ... We believe that the               press reports responsibly, factually and objectively.

Carman: Does that mean you censor it if it's not?

PM Goh: No.

Carman: Can it publish what it likes, subject to the laws of the land?

PM Goh: Yes.

Carman: Does the Government influence what it publishes on political matters?

PM Goh: No, it is up to the press. But we reserve the right of reply when there are                inaccuracies in the reports ...


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