Do these show conclusively that press freedom and freedom of expression are very important for the future of Singapore?

Two persons were arguing, in the light of the debate on fake news, propaganda, etc – whether they should buy the newspapers?

Someone suggested that I try to compile the news in the mainstream media over the last seven days versus social media.

So, here’s the compilation:

“Starting pay for fresh uni grads hits new high” (Straits Times, Feb 27) vs “Graduates’ real starting pay increased $3.58 p.a. (0.13%) last decade?” (Feb 27)

“ST-SMU: Degrees versus skills –
Skills are something that activate your knowledge: Ong Ye Kung” (Straits Times, Feb 26) vs “Degrees vs Skills vs Foreigners?” (Feb 26)

“Nine in 10 senior flat buyers opt for shorter leases for two-room Flexi flats: HDB” (Straits Times, Feb 25) vs “HDB: Short-lease data shows flats “not affordable”?” (Feb 25)

“‘Severe implications’ if Singapore does not have sufficient reserves as buffer: Chan Chun Sing” (Channel NewsAsia, Feb 25) vs “Insufficient reserves: Severe implications for whom?” (Feb 25)

“SMRT raises starting pay, improves benefits for staff following union talks” (Channel NewsAsia, Feb 24) vs “SMRT: Pay peanuts, get monkeys?” (Feb 24)

“32,000 out of 405,000 HDB households in mortgage arrears of over three months” (theonlinecitizen, Feb 22) (Note: I don’t seem to be able to find this news in the mainstream media, although this Parliamentary reply is in the Ministry of National Development’s web site) vis-a-vis “HDB mortgage arrears in history?” (Feb 22)

““Freelancers may get help with payment disputes, insurance” (Straits Times, Feb 22) vs “Auto-deduct self-employed’s Medisave?” (Feb 22)

““GST decision made after all other options studies: Heng” (Straits Times, Feb 21) vs “Budget: Lower-income’s real pay up $2.80 a year, last 15 years?” (Feb 21)

I suppose our Press Freedom ranking is not at 151st for nothing!

Uniquely Singapore!

Leong Sze Hian