In April 1959, the PAP attacked the Straits Times. It was then a fledgling opposition party which still held true to its socialist roots.
Lee Kuan Yew, who was a member of the opposition at the material time, accused ST of peddling “vicious propaganda” by “distorting the news”. He did not mince his words as he made reference to the “blooming scoundrels” in ST.
The following is an extract from the report, which may still be relevant today when we deal with smear campaigns propagated by state media:
“If you read what you see in the papers you will think that we are extremists and wild men.
See for yourselves.
Are we wild men?
Or are those that say we are mad men?
Amongst other things, the PAP took issue with the ST’s coverage, or lack thereof, of the rallies.
You may read more about this incident at NLB – “PAP attacks the Straits Times,” The Straits Times, 16 April 1959, Page 7. Microfilm Reel NL04020.
ST responds with receipts
The Straits Time responded to Mr Lee’s charges of misinformation in respect of the rally by providing evidence of “consistent publicity” given to it.
David Marshall’s views on the Straits Times
It is ironic that the same party who routinely lambasted the ST would later be accused of the very thing they spoke up against.
During an interview in 1994, our first Chief Minister and founder of the Workers’ Party, David Marshall labelled the press “running dogs of the PAP” after noting how they painted him out to be a “bad boy”. Marshall, who often traded punches with the local press, has many colourful quotes about them.
In that interview, Marshall made reference to a 4-paragraph letter that he wrote to ST which it did not publish. The letter was eventually read out by Mr Ho Kwon Ping to a crowd of more than 300. In the letter, Marshall challenged the effectiveness and need for the mandatory death penalty. Claiming that death row was overcrowded, Marshall urged ST to start a petition (lol) to ask then President Ong Teng Cheong to commute all death-sentences to 20-year jail terms. (David Marshall: Praise as well as criticise Govt, Straits Times (Overseas Ed), 22 January 1994, page 6).
On another occasion, he also described the press as “bootlickers” constantly “looking over their shoulders in fear of displeasing the Government.” (Young PAP members rebut Marshall’s charge of ‘authoritarian’ Government, Straits Times (Overseas ed), 10 December 1994, page 5).
It sure is interesting to see how much the tables have turned in about half a century.
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