PUBLICATION OF ASSEMBLY DEBATES IN NEWSPAPERS (Request for Statement)

Mr C. H. Koh asked the Minister for Culture whether any guidance is exercised, either directly or indirectly, by the Government in regard to articles published in the newspapers with particular reference to reports of Assembly Debates, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr S. Rajaratnam: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government answers enquiries from the Press to ascertain the correctness or otherwise of facts connected with Government matters. It also enlists the cooperation of the Press in giving publicity to important aspects of Government policy, for example, family planning.

With regard to reports of Assembly debates, the newspapers guide themselves in this matter giving what prominence they think fit to the speeches of Government Members or of the Member for Joo Chiat.

Mr C. H. Koh: Mr Speaker, Sir, does enlisting the co-operation of the Press include the asking of letters from the Nanyang Siang Pau, Sin Chew Jit Poh, Utusan Melayu and the Straits Times as to what they will print and what they will not print?

Mr Rajaratnam: As far as I know, we have had no occasion to ask any of these newspapers to send letters to us.

Mr C. H. Koh: Really!