Singabloodypore

This highlights a longtime problem in local politics. When SPH reporters approaches the SDP , can we ever be sure that the information we give them will be used for the story and the story only.
Our experience has shown that much of what we tell them don't end up as print. Instead they may later be used against us in court.

For example, Mr Loh Chee Kong from the Today newspaper, swears in his affidavit that he "was present at the scene" and that the SDP's newspaper The New Democrat "sold briskly."

He sounds exactly like a police officer appearing as a prosecution witness ready to make the case for conviction. Is this what Mr Loh was taught in Journalism 101?

In fact, all four witnesses are not just affirming that their reports are true and accurate. They have highlighted in their affidavits portions of their reports that help to make the Lees' case.

Journalists in other countries have been known to prefer going to jail rather than divulge the identity of their sources. Of course, these are the ones who know something about integrity and journalistic principles. In Singapore, they volunteer as witnesses.

This raises troubling questions: Did the four reporters willingly step forward to testify? Were they presented a Hobson's choice given that their employer was the former deputy prime minister Dr Tony Tan? What did the plaintiffs' lawyers tell them to include and highlight in their affidavits?

Whatever the answers, it is tragic that the interests of Singapore - interests of a free media - are being sold down the drain for the benefit of the ruling two.

In the meantime, Dr Chee Soon Juan has applied to Judge Belinda Ang to conduct the hearing for the defence AEICs to be struck out in open court instead of behind closed doors in the Judge's chambers. She has yet to respond.