Muzzled
in Singapore
Letter to the editor, New York Times.
June 16, 1997.
AMBASSADOR Chan Heng Chee's veiled suggestion of cultural imperialism by the United States (letter, NYT, June 12) diverts attention from the real issue underlying international criticism of the People's Action Party libels suits.
Ambassador Chan's statement that "what Singapore should do is for Singaporeans to decide" may seem compatible with the American tradition of political independence. However, such decisions should be the product of informed judgment. To this end, any speech uttered during a political campaign, even if false, deserves protection.
The antidote to false speech is more speech, not less. Only then can Singaporeans make the informed decisions necessary to escape authoritarianism.
Teresa Wyszomierski Maspeth,
Queens. NY,
USA.
Published in the New York Times June 16, 1997