World Press Freedom Index 2020

An alternative way to curtail press freedom

In 2020, Singapore’s colour on the World Press Freedom Index map changed to black, meaning that the situation there is now is classified as “very bad.” Despite the “Switzerland of the East” label often used in Singapore government propaganda, the city-state does not fall far short of China when it comes to suppressing media freedom. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s government is always quick to sue critical journalists, or apply pressure to make them unemployable, or even force them to leave the country.

The Media Development Authority has the power to censor all forms of journalistic content. Defamation suits are common and may sometimes be accompanied by a charge of sedition, which is punishable by up to 21 years in prison. As a result of judicial and financial pressure from the authorities, self-censorship is widespread, including within the alternative independent media. The red lines imposed by the authorities, known by journalists as “OB markers” (for out- of-bounds markers), apply to an ever-wider range of issues and public figures. The Singaporean authorities have also started sending journalists emails threatening them with up to 20 years in prison if they don’t remove offensive articles and get into line.

Finally, 2019 saw a significant deterioration with the adoption of an “anti-fake news” law with Orwellian provisions that allows the government to act as a combination of Ministry of Truth and censorship office for the social media era, ordering both media outlets and digital platforms to post “corrections” to any content deemed “incorrect.”

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Singapore uses “anti-fake news” law to eliminate public debate

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled by the totalitarian aspects of Singapore’s new, highly controversial “anti-fake news” law, under which the authorities issued two directives ordering “corrections” to Facebook posts within the space of a week.

The “corrections” are posted on a government web page called “Factually” that was up and running as soon as the law, the Protection from Online Falsehood and Manipulation Act (POFMA), took effect in October. This page claims to present the “correct facts” as opposed to what the law calls “online falsehoods and manipulation” and displays  each “corrected” item with the word “FALSE” stamped on it in large red letters.

The first directive was sent by the finance minister on 21 November to an opposition politician who had posted a note on Facebook questioning the investments made by two Singaporean sovereign wealth funds. It forced him to post a “Correction notice” at the top of his post with a link to the government web page with the “correct facts.”

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Freedom House: Freedom in the World 2020

Singapore’s parliamentary political system has been dominated by the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and the family of current prime minister Lee Hsien Loong since 1959. The electoral and legal framework that the PAP has constructed allows for some political pluralism, but it constrains the growth of credible opposition parties and limits freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.

Key Developments in 2019:

• The Protection against Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) was adopted in May, giving government ministers the power to determine whether content is false and to order removals or corrections. The law, which was enacted despite objections from academics and civil society, had been invoked several times by year’s end, including against the political opposition.
• The Electoral Boundaries Review Committee was appointed by the prime minister in August in preparation for the 2020 elections. The committee was tasked with reviewing and redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies—a process that has traditionally favored the ruling PAP.

Political Rights & Civil Liberties:

• Electoral Process
• Political Pluralism and Participation
• Functioning of Government
• Freedom of Expression and Belief
• Associational and Organizational Rights
• Rule of Law
• Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights

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Freedom House: Countries and Territories

Freedom House rates 210 countries and territories in Freedom in the World, and 65 countries in Freedom on the Net.

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Singapore falls 7 spots in press freedom ranking due to Pofma

Singapore now ranks below every country in SEA with the exception of communist Laos and Vietnam

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released its Press Freedom Index for 2020. In the report, 180 countries and regions are ranked based on how much freedom journalists are given.

This year, Singapore ranks 158th, going down seven spots from last year. Its global score of 55.23 is 3.82 points higher than it was in 2019.

At the top of the list is Norway, with 7.84 points, and ranked 180th is North Korea, with 85.82 points.

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RSF unveils 20/2020 list of press freedom’s digital predators

To mark this year’s World Day Against Cyber-Censorship, celebrated on 12 March, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is unveiling its list of press freedom’s 20 worst digital predators in 2020 – companies and government agencies that use digital technology to spy on and harass journalists and thereby jeopardize our ability to get news and information.

This list is not exhaustive but, in 2020, these 20 Digital Predators of Press Freedom represent a clear danger for freedom of opinion and expression, which is guaranteed by article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

On World Day Against Cyber-Censorship, created at RSF’s initiative, RSF is for the first time publishing a list of digital entities whose activities are tantamount to preying on journalism.

The 2020 list of 20 leading digital predators is divided into four categories according to the nature of their activities: harassment, state censorship, disinformation or spying and surveillance. Whether state offshoots, private-sector companies or informal entities, they reflect a reality of power at the end of the 21st century’s second decade, in which investigative reporters and other journalists who cause displeasure risk being the targets of predatory activity by often hidden actors.

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related:

World Press Freedom Index 2021
World Press Freedom Index 2020

World Press Freedom Index 2019
World Press Freedom Index 2018
World Press Freedom Index 2017
World Press Freedom Index 2016

Ramadan رمضان 2020

Muslims mark the start of Ramadan amid Covid-19 outbreak

Muslims in Singapore welcomed the holy month of Ramadan on Thursday (Apr 23) amid what has been described as a "different atmosphere".

Friday will be the first day of fasting, but Muslims here will be largely confined to their homes as the country is in a "circuit breaker" period to break the cycle of Covid-19 transmissions.

"We welcome the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan this year with a different atmosphere. Our country, as well as the rest of the world, is currently fighting the Covid-19 outbreak," said Mufti of Singapore Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, adding that besides fasting, Muslims should also play their part in the fight by staying home.

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Muslims mark Ramadan with unprecedented virus lockdowns

Muslims around the world began marking Ramadan under coronavirus lockdown on Friday (April 24) with unprecedented bans on family gatherings and mass prayers, while a pushback in some countries has sparked fears of a surge in infections.

This year, the holy daytime fasting month will be a sombre affair for many across Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

Widespread rules have been imposed banning praying in mosques or meeting relatives and friends for large "iftar" meals at dusk - a centrepiece of the month-long fast.

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COVID-19: No mosques, bazaars or communal breaking fast, but Muslims will make do this Ramadan

On some days during the holy month of Ramadan, public relations officer Badrun Nisa Abdul Razak, 32, would usually head to her uncle's place to break fast with about 30 members of her extended family.

Aunts, uncles and cousins with their spouses and children would gather over generous plates of bee hoon biryani, roti john and roti jala, catching up and taking turns to play with the young ones.

The elders would sit at the table and the rest would sit on the floor, sometimes playing games until the prayer call rings out to signal it is time to dig in.

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When is Ramadan in 2020?

Ramadan in 2020 will start on Friday, the 24th of April (24/4/2020) and will continue for 30 days until Saturday, the 23rd of May.

Note that in the Muslim calendar, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims will celebrate Ramadan on the sunset of Thursday, the 23rd of April.

Although Ramadan is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year, since the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. This difference means Ramadan moves in the Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days every year. The date of Ramadan may also vary from country to country depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not.

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When is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.

During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of each day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning.

During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer. The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the start of the next lunar month, Shawwal. This day is declared when the crescent new moon has been sighted or if sighting of the moon is not possible due to the weather, the completion of 30 days of fasting.

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The True Meaning of Ramadan

Before the feasting, there’s the fasting … And we’ve got a list of everything you need to know about Ramadan and Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya Puasa is an integral part of Singapore culture, and it’s a time for Muslims to focus on familial bonds. But before we get to the good food and celebrations, there is first a month of abstinence known as Ramadan.

What is Ramadan? It is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and a period of fasting prior to the Hari Raya Puasa festivities. During Ramadan (this year, it will last from June 16 to July 16), the Muslim community refrains from eating or drinking from dawn until dusk. It is also a time for physical and spiritual discipline and charity, and is considered to be an auspicious month for Muslims.

So what then, is Hari Raya Puasa? Contrary to popular belief, it is not the start of a Muslim New Year, but a celebration to mark the end of the fasting month.

How does a typical day of fasting go? The day begins with a pre-dawn meal known as sahur, followed by the fast until sunset, when families and friends gather for the iftar. This is when the fast is broken with dates before a full meal.

What are some of the traditions practiced during Hari Raya Puasa? On the morning of Hari Raya Puasa, members of the family seek forgiveness from their elders after prayers at the mosque, and young children are given little green packets of money, similar to the Chinese hong bao (red packet). Some families visit the cemetery on the morning of Hari Raya Puasa to pay their respects to departed relatives and loved ones. You’ll see families dressed in outfits of the same colour, which is a common way of displaying unity.

Should I bring a gift if I’m invited to a friend’s home for Hari Raya Puasa? While these are not required, you can bring along a small gift, or buah tangan, if you like. Recommended gift ideas include desserts such as cookies, cakes or traditional Malay kueh to share with visitors. You can find these at bakeries or supermarkets. But steer clear of all things alcohol and, of course, avoid pork.

Experience Ramadan - These two places are the best to soak in the Ramadan and Hari Raya atmosphere. Geylang Serai is transformed into a colourful world of food and fabric during the month of Ramadan. Besides textiles, Geylang is a vibrant foodie haven which houses a vast selection of savoury snacks and Malay street food like kuih gulung (green crepe with sweet coconut filling), keropok lekor (fish crackers), pisang goring (banana fritters), kebabs and the ever popular Ramly burger and Roti John (thick omelette sandwich) which hail from Malaysia. Look out for glittering lights and Hari Raya street decorations at Geylang Serai from June 13 to July 16!

To buy traditional Malay outfits, head for Arab Street, which has beautiful fabrics and ready-made baju kurung for women, and the baju Melayu for men.

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What is Ramadan?

It is a big week for the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims - 22 per cent of the entire global population - as they get ready for the holy month of Ramadan.

The annual period will see prayer, fasting, and giving to charity become the focus of their everyday lives for an entire month.

For non-Muslims and those less familiar with the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, here are the five main things you need to know about Ramadan 2016:

• Ramadan is the ninth month of Islam’s lunar calendar, a system which sees each month begin at the sighting of the new moon. According to some scholars, the month is said to be the one in which the Qur'an was first revealed, making it the holiest and most sacred month for Muslims.
• It is the period when Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset, and is one of the five pillars - or duties - of Islam. Not only do Muslims abstain from food and drink, it is also a time of deep contemplation and prayer to Allah, and also charitable generosity.
• All able-bodied Muslims are required to take part in Ramadan. Although there is some debate over the age at which young Muslims should begin to take part, it is typically at around ten to 12-years-old.

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What Rock Stars Would Look Like If They Were Alive Today

These Artists Were Brought Back to Life With CGI Technology

Often, the passion required to produce great art--great music--comes at the cost of a hard life. This, arguably, is one reason so many great musicians have met their demise at a young age.

We've all wondered, at one point or another, what could have been, or what would be different, if Kurt Cobain or, say, John Lennon were still alive. We'd have a musical landscape completely alien to what we have now, and one that would be impossible to imagine.

But thanks to the efforts of Sachs Media and their talents in CGI, we can at least imagine how some of them would look today if they were still around.

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What People Did On Their Free Time in the Middle Ages

It’s the weekend, and there is a wide range of things we can spend our free time doing. From sports to entertainment, mini vacations, seeing friends and personal hobbies, we all have our favorite things to do on our time away from our jobs and responsibilities to blow off some steam.

Now we’ve got it quite easy in this day and age, having ample technology, entertainment options and a whole host of activities we can choose from. With that in mind, think back to Medieval times, where life was hard and peasants worked intensely to earn their small keep.

Of course, they too had time away from their labors, with usually Sundays off and special church holidays or weeks off for events, weddings, and births. Not to mention the afternoons and evenings and in between their work.

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Worst Planes and Helicopters in History

The Fisher P-75 Eagle Turns Into a Let-Down

Have you heard of the Wright Brothers? They are amongst the best-known aircraft designers in history, but they also had many failures along the way.

There are some other designers that you wouldn't have heard about who tried and failed to come up with new designs for airplanes and helicopters. In the 1950s and 1960s there were many who tried to innovate aircraft so they could be one step ahead of their competitors and opponents. In the end, most of these designs were an utter disaster.

Unfortunately, this list doesn't only display failed military aircraft designs. There are also a few commercial airplanes that should have never been allowed to fly. It's a terrifying thought that people ever considered flying in these disastrous planes and helicopters.

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