Newsradio 93.8 FM presenter Fauziah Ibrahim is off the air. Ms Ibrahim who announced live over radio (Dec 11) that an item International Human Rights was re-edited at the request of Radio Corporation of Singapore's (RCS) management was presenting her show until last Thursday (Dec 14) and then was off the air since Friday (Dec 15).

When Station Administrator, Ms Florence Lim was contacted today about Ms Ibrahim's "disappearance", she is reported to have said Ms Ibrahim is on leave until January. Wwhen asked about Ms Ibrahim's return, Ms Lim was not able to provide any specific dates.

According to Think Centre's sources, a management meeting was held Dec 14 at RCS and the outcome resulted in Ms Ibrahim taking a "leave of absence".

The Think Centre's statement asks, "Is her disappearance connected to the comments she made on air about self-censorship at Newsradio 93.8?

"It seems too much of a coincidence. If of course, she might be on a holiday... but when she's been on holiday in the past she's mentioned this on the program and told her listeners when she'll be back. She did not mention this Dec 14.

"And if she is on holiday, presumably Newsradio 93.8 can confirm when she'll be back presenting the program.

"It would be ironic if Newsradio 93.8, in the face of criticisms concerning self-censorship, has exercised even more censorship by taking its presenter off-air.

Think Centre said it sent a letter Dec 18 to Ms Rose Tan, Assistant Vice President (NewsRadio 93.8FM), Radio Corporation of Singapore asking for-

a transcript/recording of the said radio program;

reason why the presenter announced that the programme was re-edited at the request of the management;

if the editing was routine as claimed by RCS management; and to provide an update on any other further developments surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the centre's statement says the matter has been referred to Media Group Chairman and Nominated Member of Parliament, Zulkifli Baharuddin Feedback Unit, Ministry of Community Development and Sports, to evaluate how the group can take up the matter.