LAST Post!!!!

This post will be containing information and research that I have done for my final feature. Once again, my angle will be "The public's right to know may question the ethics and morals of a journalist."

First of all, there is no right to privacy in the Singapore constitution (Westby, 2004). Questions were raised in parliament with regards to the privacy rights in Singapore as well. If people were to find out that their pictures have been posted without their knowledge, it will be considered as a civil matter and they can ask for it to be removed or sue them for defamation or libel (Asiaone, 2009). My opinion on this matter is that perhaps Singapore does not need such a law as our media does not contain paparazzi that will be constantly watching celebrities or public figure's. Thus, in that sense I feel that Singapore's media is not as bad compared to overseas media.

However, sensationalising news still does take place. This takes place due to news company needing to make some profit. In that sense, Singaporeans, who are affected in these news may find that their privacy is violated as they do not have a choice but to speak with the press. Some even were not aware of their names being published in the papers. An unnamed source of mine was found victim to this as he did not know that his name was to be published for a minor offence that he committed. But he had to face the embarrassment of his family and relatives knowing and even nearly lost his job because of that. So do we need privacy in Singapore? and how far would a journalist go to get their story?

Well, this is my last post before I start on my feature properly. Well, happy graduation everyone. =)

References

1) Asiaone, 2009. S'pore's privacy laws to be reviewed [Online]. Available from: http://www.asiaone.com/Digital/News/Story/A1Story20090120-116000.html (Accessed 26th July 2011).
2) Westby, J.R., 2004. International guide to privacy. American Bar Association. p.124.