2022 marks the 55th Anniversary of National Service
By Justin Ong, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 26 Mar 2022
To mark the 55th anniversary of national service this year, past and present operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen) from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Home Team will receive $100 worth of digital credits and a free one-year SAFRA or HomeTeamNS membership.
"It is quite clear to us that as a country, the sole responsibility of defence and making sure we protect our sovereignty - that's our own," he said.
"Seeing the Ukrainians and the resistance they've put up, that is a lesson for Singaporeans too."
Mr Zaqy added: "This mindset is something that cannot be built overnight. We've spent 55 years in the making (of NS) and I hope when the time comes, the need arises, Singaporeans are ready to defend the country."
At a media briefing, Mr Ho Chin Ning, the NS55 executive committee co-chairman and the Ministry of Defence's manpower director, reiterated that the Recognition Package was a small token of appreciation and that no amount could "ever make up for the contributions and sacrifices of our national servicemen".
Eligibility for the Recognition Package will be based on one's NS status as at May this year.
Full-time national servicemen (NSFs) who enlist by Dec 31 will also qualify for the benefits, after their enlistment.
They can be spent at physical and online merchants that accept digital payments through the PayNow or Nets QR formats.
These range from hawker stalls and e-commerce platforms to payments to government agencies and educational institutions.
NSmen who have served or are currently serving their operationally ready NS will also receive a complimentary one-year SAFRA or HomeTeamNS principal membership, which they must sign up for by Dec 31 this year.
SAFRA benefits include access to six clubs across Jurong, Mount Faber, Punggol, Tampines, Toa Payoh and Yishun, with a seventh in Choa Chu Kang by early 2023.
For HomeTeamNS, there are five clubs across Balestier, Bukit Batok, Chinatown, Khatib, and Tampines, with a sixth in Bedok by the end of the year.
Both memberships come with privileges and discounts at partner merchants, among other perks.
NS55 will be a year-long celebration paying tribute to the more than one million Singaporeans and permanent residents who have served NS since 1967, when the first batch of NSFs enlisted in two newly formed battalions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said this would open up exciting job opportunities for workers here, and develop new products for the global market.
He noted that as a small country, there are limits to what Singapore can do to influence global forces such as intensifying competition for investments, growing geopolitical tensions and the on-shoring of supply chains.
But it can and must adapt to them to stay competitive and to continue growing its economy, he added.
Singapore will also ensure that such growth is inclusive and benefits all segments of society, Mr Lee pledged.
Addressing an audience including Dyson founder Sir James Dyson, PM Lee said Singapore must remain open and connected to the world, not just in its borders and trade links but also in the character of its people.
"This is how we have built Singapore: drawing in the best scientists, designers, and engineers from around the world, embracing the diversity of ideas and cultures that congregate here, and adding our own Singaporean touch to make it work for our context."
This is not easy to sustain in an environment where there is every temptation, especially politically, to raise barriers to the outside world, to non-Singaporeans coming here to work, he noted.
"But if we succumb to the temptation to close our doors, we will surely end up hurting ourselves. Our economy will stagnate, Singaporeans will have fewer rather than more job opportunities, and the country’s long-term prospects will be endangered," he said.
The Republic will also keep at its formula of close collaboration between industry, researchers and government to spur innovation, while it welcomes and develops talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or Stem fields.
While these are all important strategies to build a more vibrant and dynamic economy, PM Lee said Singapore must also get its social policies right to continue to prosper.
“Even as we bring in investments and talents to grow Singapore’s economy, we must ensure that this growth is inclusive and lifts everybody up, that Singaporeans across all segments of our society can benefit from the fruits of growth, that those at risk of being left behind are given an extra helping hand, and those who may be displaced or disrupted by technological change are assisted and trained to stay employable and productive,” he said.
He noted that this year’s Budget aims to build a fairer and more inclusive society.
“Because ultimately, everyone must have a stake in Singapore’s growth so that Singaporeans will support keeping our country open, will continue to welcome others who are keen to fit in and play a part in our society, who are able to contribute to our development, and thereby enable us to maintain the virtuous cycle of growth and prosperity that Singaporeans now enjoy.”
Dyson, famed for its bagless vacuum cleaners and bladeless fans, is committing the $1.5 billion to Singapore over the next four years as part of a $4.9 billion global investment programme.
The Singaporean investment includes plans to hire more than 250 engineers and scientists in fields spanning robotics, machine learning, AI, sensing and vision systems and more.
Dyson currently employs over 1,400 people in Singapore, of which 560 are engineers and scientists.
But the changes to Covid-19 rules stop short of a complete opening up, and the Republic will maintain its measured approach to dealing with the virus that has served it well since the pandemic began, PM Lee said.
He also urged Singaporeans to be psychologically prepared "for more twists and turns ahead".
Major changes that will take effect next Tuesday (March 29) include masks becoming optional outdoors, doubling maximum group sizes to 10 people, allowing 75 per cent of employees to return to workplaces, and a substantial easing of border restrictions now that the Omicron wave is well under control, PM Lee said in his live broadcast to the nation.
He noted that countries that have taken a "Freedom Day" approach - where most or all restrictions are lifted all at once - have seen Covid-19 cases rise, and with that an attendant rise in deaths.
"They have declared the pandemic over, relaxed all restrictions at once. Now they are anxiously watching their infection and mortality numbers rising rapidly again," he said.
After next week's easing, the Government will wait for the situation to stabilise before deciding on its next moves.
If all goes well, Singapore will ease up further, PM Lee said, as he cautioned against thinking that it will be a straight path to a new normal from here.
"With more interactions, we too may see another wave of cases, and Omicron will not be the last variant we encounter," he said.
While the hope is that new variants of the virus will become progressively milder and more flu-like, it is also possible that more aggressive and dangerous mutants will surface, just like Delta did, he added.
If that happens, Singapore may have to backtrack and tighten up restrictions again, he said.
"We cannot rule this out, even though we hope it will not be necessary," said PM Lee. "But whatever happens, we now have the knowledge and the means to keep everyone safe."
This could be another booster jab, or administering an updated vaccine, he said.
While Singapore has come a long way in its fight against Covid-19, the country is not yet at the finish line, he added.
"Key to our response has been the trust that Singaporeans have placed in your government, in the medical authorities, and in each other," he said.
Singaporeans have kept faith with one another throughout this journey, and this solidarity remains crucial as the country tackles fresh challenges, he added.
PM Lee urged everyone to take the latest announcements in the right spirit, and resume more normal lives, such as enjoying larger gatherings, going outdoors without masks, or reuniting with loved ones abroad.
But do not throw all caution to the wind, he said.
"Each one of us must still play our part. Comply with the revised safe management measures. If you feel ill, test yourself. If you test positive, isolate yourself at home. If you test negative, and decide to go out, please wear a mask to protect others, even outdoors, just in case," he said.
"Let us all continue to exercise personal and social responsibility to keep ourselves well, to keep others safe, and to avoid adding to the burden on our healthcare workers.
"That way, even when new problems arise, we stand a much better chance of keeping things under control and staying on the path to a new normal."
Budget 2022 debate: Providing more pathways to support students' aspirations
Education system changes in line with push to encourage students to pursue strengths
By Amelia Teng, Education Correspondent, The Straits Times, 12 Mar 2022
Nearly every year, there are calls to scrap the PSLE.
This year was no different. Ms Denise Phua (Jalan Besar GRC) and Progress Singapore Party Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa each suggested during the debate on the Ministry of Education's (MOE) budget on Monday (March 7) that the PSLE be replaced with through-train programmes.
Instead of the standard explanation that the PSLE remains a necessary checkpoint for students to gauge their learning after six years of schooling, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing went back to basics.
He raised several fundamental points that policymakers and educators have been thinking hard about in recent years, as MOE unveils changes to an education system that has for decades been known for its highly competitive nature and focus on academic results.
In a lengthy response, Mr Chan made clear that the stress brought about by any major examination is unavoidable. Nor is it the aim of the MOE to remove all pressure for students.
Critics say that the changes by MOE do not go far enough to make any real impact, but based on previous polls, many parents hesitate to say that the PSLE should be postponed or scrapped.
In short, there is little consensus on what to do with the PSLE.
It was one of the plans announced by the MOE on Monday, to bring back the joy of learning and focus less on grades.
Most students will be relieved to have one less major exam to sit, and hopefully they will really be given more space to pursue other interests.
But the question is whether old habits die hard. The move would be in vain if parents and teachers feel it is too risky and end up replacing the mid-year paper with smaller but many more forms of assessments in school or at home.
Parents are also left wondering how exactly schools will implement the changes, and if it means a year-end exam that will carry more weight, which might just mean that the pressure builds up towards the end of the year.
In its place will be full subject-based banding, in which students take subjects at varying levels of difficulty based on their aptitude for relevant subjects.
MOE is seeking to support students' aspirations through more bridges and ladders across the education system.
Singapore must maintain fair and progressive system of taxes and benefits, says Lawrence Wong
By Justin Ong, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 2 Mar 2022
Even as it seeks to raise revenues to meet growing spending needs, Singapore must insist on "keeping faith" with both current and future generations through a fiscal structure that is fair, inclusive and progressive, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said.
This entails a good mix of income, asset and consumption-based taxes - which is why the goods and services tax (GST) cannot be ignored, Mr Wong said in rounding up the debate on Budget 2022 on Wednesday (March 2).
"Those who have greater means bear a higher burden, and they draw less on government support… Those with fewer means carry a lighter share, but they still contribute something and, in return, they receive more benefits from the Government," he said.
"In this way, we all do our part to help ourselves and one another, and we strengthen the trust that binds us together as a society," he added in a 1½-hour speech wrapping up three days of debate during which 64 MPs spoke.
The House on Wednesday endorsed this year's $109 billion Budget, including plans to raise the GST rate in two stages - by 1 percentage point on Jan 1, 2023, and by a further 1 percentage point on Jan 1, 2024.
Opposition members objected to these plans. Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh recorded his party's dissent, saying "no offset package lasts forever" in reference to a $6.6 billion raft of measures to help cushion the blow of the GST hike.
In their speeches earlier in the week, WP MPs and the Progress Singapore Party's (PSP) Non-Constituency MPs Hazel Poa and Leong Mun Wai had cited disagreement with the GST increase as their primary reason for objecting to the Budget.
On Wednesday, Mr Wong began his response by noting that the Russian invasion of Ukraine would have an impact on the global economy. The Government is monitoring the risk - in growth and inflation - to Singapore's economy, he said.
"If the situation worsens, we will not hesitate to take further actions to protect jobs and to help households and businesses deal with increased costs," Mr Wong said.
He then acknowledged MPs' earlier questions and suggestions on labour policies and the green economy, among other issues, though much of his speech was focused on taxes.
"In many countries, the tendency is for politicians to focus only on the spending side, because it is inconvenient to talk about taxes," said Mr Wong. "As a result, these governments spend beyond their means, they run up unfunded obligations and debt, and they kick the fiscal can down the road. We are not immune to such pressures."
He reiterated that an increase in healthcare and social spending would be necessary and unavoidable, given Singapore's rapidly ageing population. To fund these pressing revenue needs, the GST increase cannot be pushed back any further.
While addressing alternative revenue options raised by MPs, he slammed the WP and PSP for their "simplistic and divisive" proposals to make other groups - such as the wealthy, large companies, and future generations - pay more tax in lieu of raising the GST.
Singapore cannot sustain a system where the bulk of the tax burden is borne by a small group at the end, Mr Wong stressed.
He also said the opposition MPs' criticisms of the GST offsets being temporary and the tax hike disproportionately affecting the poor were "misguided claims", given the schemes to ensure the effective rate for the lower-income remains unchanged.
Mr Wong also promised that the Government would continually review and update its system of taxes and transfers, to mitigate the pressures of social inequalities.
Mr Singh later rose to point out that since the GST hike was first announced in 2018, global events like the pandemic have since pushed inflation to its highest in years. "Is this a reasonable thing to do in these circumstances?" he asked of the tax hike.
Acknowledging that it was a very difficult decision to make in view of concerns over rising prices, Mr Wong said this was why the GST hike was delayed and staggered over two steps.
"If indeed inflation turns out to be more persistent and higher than expected, which may happen, we will deal with that decisively," he said.
Later, in response to questions from WP MP Leon Perera (Aljunied GRC) on rules and the optimal level for the reserves, Mr Wong said he could not understand why the party was willing to touch the reserves, but reject the option of a GST increase.
"I can only therefore ask whether you are taking things too lightly, or whether you are raising this in opposition because of… political reasons, or other things, as opposed to seriously looking at the facts and doing what's right for Singapore," he said.
A move like a GST increase is not the popular thing for him to do, Mr Wong said in his speech. "Certainly not for my first Budget as Finance Minister. But I have a responsibility to do what's right, and what's in the best interest of all Singaporeans. Not what's politically expedient now," he said.
"I have confidence that Singaporeans can instinctively sense if any Budget is not worthy of them and fails to renew their trust in the Government, in each other, and in the future," Mr Wong concluded.
"They can decipher whether the Budget reflects our shared vision of a fair and just society, whether this Government is one they can trust to manage our resources in a way that is in line with our values, and whether this Government is keeping faith with them and their children."
While Ukraine is far away from us, we are following the crisis with grave concern. Its economic effects can already be felt here, for example, in rising electricity and petrol prices. But these are not the principal reason the situation in Ukraine is important to us.
This is an existential issue for us. Ukraine is much smaller than Russia, but it is much bigger than Singapore. A world order based on "might is right", or where "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must" - such a world order would be profoundly inimical to the security and survival of small states.
We cannot accept one country attacking another without justification, arguing that its independence was the result of "historical errors and crazy decisions". Such a rationale would go against the internationally recognised legitimacy and the territorial integrity of many countries, including Singapore.
That is why we are a staunch supporter of international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. The sovereignty, the political independence and the territorial integrity of all countries, big and small, must be respected. Singapore must take any violation of these core principles seriously, whenever and wherever it occurs. This is why Singapore has strongly condemned Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
It is heartbreaking to see the heavy casualties and the loss of many innocent lives, resulting from this unjustified attack and act of war. We strongly urge Russia to cease this offensive military action immediately, and to work for a peaceful settlement in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
Important lessons
There are important lessons for us to draw from this current Ukrainian crisis:
First, while international law and diplomatic principles are essential, they are not sufficient. The Budapest Memorandum was supposed to guarantee Ukraine's security by three nuclear powers - Russia, the US and the UK.
But agreements are meaningful only if the parties respect them, and if they can be enforced. The invasion of Ukraine demonstrates how quickly a vulnerable country can be overrun, especially when confronting a larger and more powerful opponent. This is the acute reality for all small countries, and Singapore is no exception.
Thus, we must never lose the ability to defend and look after ourselves. This is why Singapore has invested consistently to build up a credible and strong SAF (Singapore Armed Forces), and to maintain national service as a fundamental element of our nationhood. The capability of the SAF must be undergirded by Singaporeans' resolve - the iron determination of our people to fight and die, if need be, to defend what is ours and our way of life. Without such capability and resolve, no amount of diplomacy can save a country.
Second, it is all too easy for a small country to be caught up in the geopolitical games of big powers. Small countries must avoid becoming sacrificial pawns, vassal states or "cat's paws" to be used by one side against the other.
In a speech delivered in 1973, former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew shared his agreement with Julius Nyerere, then President of Tanzania, who had said: "When elephants fight, the grass suffers."
This is why we work hard to maintain good relations with all our neighbours and with the big powers. When situations arise, our assessments and our actions are based on clearly enunciated and consistently held principles that are in our own long-term national interests. Instead of choosing sides, we uphold principles.
Consequently, when we conduct our foreign policy in a coherent and consistent manner, we also become reliable partners for those who operate on the same principles. However, there will be occasions when we will have to take a stand even if it is contrary to one or more powers on the basis of principle - as we are doing now.
Third, as a young nation, it is vital for us to maintain domestic unity and cohesion, bearing in mind how easily internal divisions can be exploited by adversaries, especially in this Internet age and the advent of hybrid warfare.
Dividing and weakening an opponent internally, overtly and covertly, has become the standard complement to conventional warfare. Therefore, our domestic politics must stop at our shores.
Fourth, safeguarding one's sovereignty and national interests often requires some sacrifice and pain. The Ukrainians are paying the ultimate price for freedom with their lives and livelihoods. The rest of the international community that is taking a stand against naked aggression through sanctions will also have to bear some pain and pay a price.
Singaporeans too must understand that standing up for our national interests may come with some cost. We must be prepared to deal with the consequences, to bear the pain, to help one another, and to stand up together.
We continue to value our good relations with Russia and the Russian people. However, we cannot accept such violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity of another sovereign state.
We also participate actively at the United Nations. Three days ago, a draft resolution was presented at the UN Security Council to condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Singapore was one of 82 co-sponsors of this Security Council resolution. As expected, Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council, vetoed that resolution. So the resolution was not passed even though 11 of the 15 Security Council members voted in support and the remaining three members, China, India and the UAE, abstained.
The UN General Assembly will be debating a similar resolution later today. General Assembly resolutions are not subject to veto, but neither are they binding. However, as a responsible member of the international community, Singapore will comply with the spirit and the letter of the UN General Assembly decision.
Singapore has always complied fully with sanctions and decisions of the UN Security Council, but we have rarely acted to impose sanctions on other countries in the absence of binding Security Council decisions or directions.
However, given the unprecedented gravity of the Russian attack on Ukraine, and the unsurprising veto by Russia of a draft Security Council resolution, Singapore intends to act in concert with many other like-minded countries to impose appropriate sanctions and restrictions against Russia.
We must expect that our measures will come at some cost and implications on our businesses, citizens and, indeed, to Singapore. However, unless we as a country stand up for principles that are the very foundation for the independence and sovereignty of smaller nations, our own right to exist and prosper as a nation may similarly be called into question one day.
Finance Minister Lawrence Wong unveils major tax measures to fund spending needs
Singapore to raise GST from 7% to 9% in two stages in 2023 and 2024
Assurance Package increased to $6.6 billion; GST Voucher scheme beefed up to offset GST hike
Higher personal income taxes for top 1.2% of taxpayers in Singapore
Higher taxes on residential properties, luxury cars, as Singapore adjusts wealth taxes
By Justin Ong, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 18 Feb 2022
Singapore on Friday (Feb 18) unveiled a slew of progressive tax measures aimed not only at generating revenues to fund major programmes needed over the next few years, but also at addressing social inequalities.
The hike in goods and services tax (GST) to fund the recurring social and healthcare needs of a rapidly ageing population was further delayed to 2023 in response to concerns over rising prices.
The hike will be staggered over two steps - with GST rising from 7 per cent to 8 per cent on Jan 1 next year, and then to 9 per cent from Jan 1, 2024. The impact of the increase will be cushioned, especially for low-income households.
The wealthy will also pay more of other taxes.
"Those who earn more, contribute more," said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in his first Budget since assuming the portfolio in May last year, as he outlined increases in personal income, property, vehicle and carbon taxes as part of an expansionary $109 billion Budget, including special transfers.
He also announced a $6 billion draw on the reserves as part of Singapore's continuing fight against Covid-19, and over $1 billion in support for businesses, households and individuals hard-hit by the pandemic.
With a view to future challenges and opportunities, Mr Wong said he would commit up to another $1 billion or so to spur companies to invest in new capabilities, while further tightening workforce policies to ensure foreign hires of the "right calibre".
This year's Budget will run up an expected overall deficit of $3 billion, amid a tone of cautious optimism sounded by Mr Wong as Singapore enters a period of transition and recovery after two years of grappling with the pandemic and its fallout.
"The global economy is still vulnerable to pandemic-related risks, and further supply chain disruptions. Geopolitical and security risks loom," he warned at the start of his speech, which was around two hours long. "We may also see a slowdown in external demand as the major economies scale back their pandemic support, and central banks tighten their accommodative monetary policies to deal with the threat of inflation."
But barring fresh disruptions, Mr Wong said he expects the Singapore economy to continue to do well, and grow by 3 per cent to 5 per cent this year.
"That means everyone chips in and contributes to a vibrant economy and strengthened social compact, but those with greater means contribute a larger share," said Mr Wong, who also co-chairs a multi-ministry task force handling the pandemic.
To that end, personal income tax will be increased from 2024. The portion of chargeable income in excess of $500,000 up to $1 million, will be taxed at 23 per cent, up from 22 per cent currently. Chargeable income in excess of $1 million will be taxed at 24 per cent.
Property tax rates will also be increased, with more significant hikes for high-end properties, said Mr Wong.
For non-owner-occupied residential properties, including investment properties, tax rates will go up from the current 10 per cent to 20 per cent range, to 12 per cent to 36 per cent.
For owner-occupied ones, tax rates for the portion of annual value in excess of $30,000 will be increased from the present 4 per cent to 16 per cent, to 6 per cent to 32 per cent.
Luxury cars will be taxed at a higher rate, with an additional Additional Registration Fee tier for cars at a rate of 220 per cent for the portion of Open Market Value in excess of $80,000.
Meanwhile, the projected $6 billion draw on the reserves "to maintain a multi-layered public health defence" against Covid-19 has received in-principle support from President Halimah Yacob.
This will be the third year in a row that the reserves are being tapped, bringing the total expected drawdown for the three financial years of 2020 to 2022 to $42.9 billion - less than the initial sum of $52 billion the Government earmarked in 2020.
This reflects Singapore's prudence in the use of past reserves, he said, explaining that Singapore's pandemic response had averted worse public health outcomes, and that the rebound in economy and businesses had been stronger than expected.
Still, in recognition that some segments of society continue to struggle, Mr Wong announced a $500 million Jobs and Business Support Package, which includes a Small Business Recovery Grant for those most affected by Covid-19 restrictions, such as food and beverage and hospitality enterprises.
They will receive a $1,000 payout per local employee, up to a cap of $10,000 per firm.
A $560 million Household Support Package will also help Singaporeans with utility bills, education and daily essentials. It includes GST Voucher-U-Save rebates for the rest of the year, and additional $100 in Community Development Council Vouchers for all.
To plan ahead for a post-pandemic world and the opportunities it offers, Singapore will also commit an additional $200 million over the next few years to schemes to build digital capabilities in business and workers; and around $600 million to expand the Productivity Solutions Grant for SMEs to implement automation efforts.
New initiatives such as the Singapore Global Enterprises and Singapore Global Executive Programme will help larger firms grow overseas and attract the next generation of leaders.
At the same time, to ensure that incoming employment pass holders are comparable in quality to the top third of the local professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMET) workforce, from September this year their qualifying salary threshold will be raised from $4,500 to $5,000; and from $5,000 to $5,500 for the financial service sector.
Environmental sustainability was also on the Budget agenda, with Mr Wong revealing that Singapore will now target net zero emissions by or around 2050.
Its previous aim was to halve emissions by then, with a view to achieving net-zero "as soon as viable in the second half of the century".
To match these new ambitions, taxes on carbon emissions will be raised from the current $5 per tonne to $25 in 2024 and 2025, and $45 in 2026 and 2027, with a view to reaching $50 to $80 by 2030.
Another key plank of this year's Budget was renewing and strengthening Singapore's social compact.
For lower-wage workers, a new Progressive Wage Credit Scheme will see the Government helping businesses by co-funding wage increases between 2022 and 2026, for employees earning up to $2,500. For those earning above $2,500 and up to $3,000, co-funding support will be offered until 2024.
From Jan 1, 2023, the qualifying income cap for the Workfare Income Supplement will be raised from $2,300 to $2,500.
Mr Wong also sketched out other efforts in boosting retirement adequacy, investing in children, integrating social service delivery, preparing for future healthcare needs, and better supporting the charities sector; with more details to come when MPs debate the Budget and spending plans of various ministries in the coming weeks.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a Facebook post that this Budget will lay the basis for “sound and sustainable government finances, post-pandemic and beyond”.
“We are building a greener and more sustainable city, transforming our economy to create good jobs for Singaporeans, expanding our healthcare system for an ageing society, and strengthening social programmes so that no one is left behind,” he added.
"Looking back at what we have been through during these Covid-19 years, we have nothing to fear. We will always overcome. We will always prevail," he concluded.
"We will chart a new way forward together. We will see through the pandemic today, and build a better Singapore tomorrow."
IPS-Nathan Lecture: The Singapore Media's Long and Winding Road: 1824 to 2022
By Goh Yan Han, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 17 Feb 2022
The commonly cited Reporters Without Borders (RSF) index reflects its assessment of media laws in a country, rather than the quality of the journalism there, said Mr Patrick Daniel on Thursday (Feb 17).
He noted how RSF's annual World Press Freedom Index ranked Singapore 160th in its 2021 edition, and questioned if Singapore deserved its ranking, which was one spot above Somalia, one below Sudan, and well below Russia and Myanmar.
He pointed out that the index is a measure of "the level of freedom available to the media". It is not an indicator of the quality of journalism in the country.
"Many of our critics don't make that distinction."
RSF's view is that Singapore's media laws breach media freedom, Mr Daniel added.
He was asked if the Singapore media should engage with the people behind the index.
Mr Daniel said that in his many years as editor-in-chief of Singapore Press Holdings' English/Malay/Tamil Division, not once had those behind the index tried to engage him.
If anyone had asked to see him to discuss press freedom, he would have been happy to do so. "But there is a little bit of opacity in the methodology," he said. "I don't want to rubbish them, they've been doing it for a long time, but there should be some kind of audit of their methodology."
Of POFMA, he said in his lecture: "We will run afoul of people who are absolutist and say you can't have a POFMA. If you looked at what POFMA is, it just says you cannot communicate false facts, it's simple, that's it.
"So for everybody else who is doing a good job, talking truthfully, POFMA doesn't affect us."
