The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) in Singapore has issued a formal warning to Mr. Dominic Ziegler, the bureau chief for The Economist newspaper in Singapore, for his alleged “actions that constituted interference in domestic politics”. According to the MCI, Mr. Ziegler’s actions led to the comparison of Singapore to an “illiberal state” and the encouragement of Singaporeans to “embrace an alternative vision”.
In a press release issued on Friday (Sept 8), the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) stated that it had expressed its “clear expectation” to Mr. Ziegler that he does not engage in similar actions in the future. The warning comes in response to Mr. Ziegler’s public endorsement, in writing, of a local online publication, Jom, on Aug 25. The ministry expressed concern that Mr. Ziegler had “clearly crossed the line” from reporting on Singapore to participating in the country’s domestic affairs.
The MCI further emphasized that Singaporean politics should be reserved only for Singaporean citizens. It stressed that it has a longstanding policy against foreign interference in domestic politics and will not tolerate such actions, regardless of the individuals involved.
While foreign correspondents are free to report and comment on Singapore in their respective publications for a global audience, the MCI pointed out that the necessity to comply with the country’s laws and refrain from interfering in its domestic politics is crucial. The ministry highlighted that the Government insists on the right of reply to correct foreign reports that it considers inaccurate or biased, but does not prevent foreign correspondents from engaging with anyone they wish and reporting on Singapore in any way they see fit.
The Government of Singapore continues to welcome foreign correspondents and media outlets to operate out of and report on the country, including The Economist. However, it emphasizes that they must comply with the laws and regulations of the country. Foreign media outlets, including The Economist, have expanded their presence in Singapore in recent years, and the government has noted its willingness to accommodate such expansions.
In light of the warning issued to Mr. Ziegler, TODAY has reached out to The Economist and Mr. Ziegler for further comments on the matter.
The formal warning from the MCI to The Economist’s bureau chief has generated discussions on the role of foreign correspondents in Singapore, raising questions about the boundaries of reporting and the potential impact of foreign perspectives on domestic politics.
As the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) in Singapore takes a firm stance against foreign interference in domestic politics, it highlights the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the country and the need for foreign correspondents to abide by its laws and regulations. The case of Mr. Ziegler serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between reporting on a country and interfering in its domestic affairs, sparking a debate on the boundaries and responsibilities of foreign media in the international landscape.
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