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YAWN :oIo:
Jun 8, 2010
ST no slouch in covering social issues
ONE OF the gripes of my overseas friends is the issue of 'state-controlled media' here in Singapore, specifically The Straits Times.
Having come from the United States, Europe, India and Australia, these friends refuse to read ST because they feel it does not 'do its job' compared with the main papers in their respective countries.
I used to be apologetic about the fact, but as I have grown older, I must say I disagree with my friends more and more.
Sure, ST has a limited role in Singapore's political arena. But in recent years, it has proven it is no slouch when it comes to social issues.
Like going toe-to-toe with the old National Kidney Foundation (NKF) leadership, championing domestic helper or blue collar worker issues, tackling thorny subjects like foreign talent integration, casting the spotlight on the Association of Women for Action and Research's (Aware) sexual education programme and so on.
The most impressive to date has to be how ST has not shrugged off its responsibilities in covering the City Harvest Church investigation.
I dare say it's like ST has its finger on the pulse of the people and is seeking answers for questions asked in coffee shops, cocktail parties and golf clubs - the latest being the issue of mega churches and the privatisation of the pulpit.
I can see my friends giving me grief for sticking up for ST, but I am happy to say: You are more than a good read, ST. Please don't waver in your role as a local hero.
Anand A. Vathiyar
YAWN :oIo: