Freedom of speech doesn’t apply in Singapore?

Singapore says WSJ waging campaign against judges:

Woon, who was appointed as Attorney General in April this year, said that report was “ignorant” and the Bar Association did not understand the Singapore judicial system.

He also said the Western media had an axe to grind with Singapore because they disagreed with the country’s model of governance.

“The problem with the Western press, especially the American press, is that they think their first amendment right applies to them all over the world,” Woon said, referring to the U.S. constitution which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.

Um… I didn’t realise that foreign news publications don’t have the freedom to write about Singapore. Maybe only Singaporeans can write about Singapore. What about Singaporeans outside Singapore? Can we write news articles and profile / interview opposition politicians in the print media? Are we protected by our Constitution?

(Yes, those are all rhetorical and ever-so-slightly sarcastic questions.)

• 24 Sep 2008