Censors exempt range of imports but...

The good news is that audio material previously considered "borderline" under the Restricted Publications Scheme because it "only offends a certain section of the public" will no longer have to be submitted for heavy censorship.

This material will include songs that daringly have a moderate amount of swearing or include mildly suggestive lyrics.

The bad news is shops must ensure such music is not played on their premises, nor can it be prominently displayed or promoted by advertising, marketing or special offers.

But that's not all.

Only songs from critically acclaimed albums and by artists or songwriters of a high standing will be exempted.

Plus, the songs must contain positive themes - such as an anti-drug message - according to the Ministry of Information and the Arts, the republic's censors.

The new system, which is effective from December 1, means such material will swiftly pass through censors in minutes - instead of the hours or days that it took before.

As long as it is brought in by a pre-registered importer, that is.

"Representatives from the publication and audio industry have expressed support for the registration scheme as it will mean a faster turnaround time for imported materials," an Arts Ministry spokesman said.

But the new system does not mean young Singaporeans are going to have wider access to the latest rantings by their favourite Western pop and rock stars.

The new system will initially be limited to classical, jazz and folk music.

Instrumental music will no longer have to be censored, according to the official list.

As for the kinds of books that will be given swift entry to the country, the exempt list ranges from architecture and art to business publications and technical manuals.

But a fantasy category has been left in.

 Published in the South China Morning Post. Nov 27, 1997