OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN NEWSPAPER EDITORIALS (Policy)

Mr Simon S C Tay asked the Minister for Information and the Arts whether the Ministry's policy is that all newspapers, being private entities, must restrict opinions expressed in their editorials to strictly conform with Government policy, especially as regards views expressed on our ASEAN neighbours.

The Minister for Information and the Arts (Mr Lee Yock Suan): Mr Speaker, Sir, MITA does not control the editorial line of our newspapers, which are independent private entities. However, editorial independence does not mean complete freedom to write as they desire. Singapore newspapers must also be circumspect when commenting on the domestic politics of our ASEAN neighbours. Where Government feels an editorial is rash and inappropriate and not in the national interest, it will make its opinion known, as was done in the case of the recent Business Times editorial.

Mr Simon Tay: May I ask, given that the Government has no control but only acts in rash and inappropriate circumstances like the Business Times, whether the Government intends to take any measures or penalties against Business Times, or to review its printing permit?

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is no.

Dr Lee Tsao Yuan: The Minister said that the Government does not control the editorial of newspapers. Does the Government influence the editorials of newspapers?

Mr Lee Yock Suan: The Government does so when the newspaper is rash in its editorial policy.