CENSORSHIP IN ARTISTIC PUBLICATIONS

CENSORSHIP IN ARTISTIC PUBLICATIONS

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(Basis): **

17.

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, in light of the ban on Leslie Kee's book " Superstars " (a) what is the basis for censorship in artistic publications; and (b) whether there is a need for comparison of Singapore's level of liberalisation with other emerging global cities in Asia like Shanghai.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Current guidelines do allow for nudity in artistic works, including photography publications, provided they are suitably depicted and not excessive. In the case of "Super Stars Special Edition" by Leslie Kee, the publication features excessive nudity with photographs showing full frontal nudity, with pubic hair and genitals clearly visible. The book had exceeded the current content standards for publications. Hence, it was disallowed for sale. When consulted, the Publications Consultative Panel comprising members of the public, had agreed that the book should be disallowed.

There are no universal censorship standards. Every country develops its own regulatory standards based on its own social circumstances, norms and values. Over the years, we have progressively liberalised our content regulation, taking into account the changing expectations of Singaporeans while being sensitive to our multi-racial, multi-religious setting and conservative values of large segments of our society. So, while we try to compete and match other cities, we cannot just follow and do what we see happening in other countries. Fundamentally, Singapore’s censorship standards must reflect our societal development and be acceptable to our community.

The Media Development Authority will continue to work with the media industry and consult community partners to refine our censorship guidelines so as to provide choices to consumers within the accepted norms of our society.

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