MCI Issues Warning to The Economist's Singapore Bureau Chief for Political Involvement

10 Sep, 2023

MCI Issues Warning to The Economist's Singapore Bureau Chief for Political Involvement

The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) has issued a warning to Dominic Ziegler, the bureau chief for The Economist in Singapore, due to his public endorsement of the local online publication Jom. According to MCI, this endorsement was viewed as interference in Singapore's domestic politics.

In a statement released on September 8th, MCI expressed its concerns regarding Ziegler's actions. They accused him of comparing Singapore to an illiberal state and encouraging Singaporeans to embrace an alternative vision, rather than what was being offered by the state and what he described as a captive media.

Ziegler, who also authors the Asia-focused Banyan column for the British weekly, was featured in an August 25th Jom advertisement, in which he discussed how "in authoritarian states across the globe,., independent media need supporters." He pointed to these states and their captive media and highlighted Jom as a source that offers alternative visions of Singapore.

Jom is described as a weekly magazine about Singapore, with Charmaine Poh, Tsen-Waye Tay, and Sudhir Vadaketh listed as its co-founders.

MCI made it clear that they had conveyed a "clear expectation" to Ziegler that he should refrain from interfering in domestic politics in the future. The ministry argued that Ziegler's actions had crossed the line from reporting on Singapore to participating in the country's domestic affairs. They emphasized that Ziegler, not being a citizen of Singapore, had used his status as a journalist in a prestigious international publication to advocate for his viewpoint on Singaporean domestic politics.

Furthermore, MCI reiterated that Singapore has a longstanding policy against foreign interference in its domestic politics. They emphasized that Singaporean politics is reserved exclusively for Singaporean citizens.

While foreign correspondents are free to report and comment on Singapore for a global audience, MCI pointed out that the government reserves the right to reply to correct foreign reports it deems inaccurate or biased. However, they do not prevent foreign correspondents from engaging with anyone in Singapore and reporting on the country in a manner they see fit.

MCI acknowledged that many foreign correspondents and media outlets have established themselves in Singapore. The Economist, in particular, has expanded its bureau in Singapore in recent years, relocating many of its correspondents from other regions to Singapore.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to welcoming foreign correspondents and media outlets to operate in Singapore and report on the country. However, they emphasized that compliance with Singapore's laws and non-interference in domestic politics are essential requirements for foreign correspondents.