Freedom of Expression

In Singapore’s multi-racial society where there is cultural and religious pluralism, it is imperative that harmony is maintained among different religions and races. This would in turn, boost the country’s economic development and lead to prosperity.

I believe that a free press is essential in maintaining harmony and ensuring economic development and prosperity in a multi-racial society. A free press would mean the freedom to open dialogue, feedback and discussion. Such openness and transparency can come about only in a free environment for dialogue to take place.

I agree that freedom of expression is essential to any democracy. It gives rise to a greater diversity of ideas and helps people in the society to be actively engaged in democracy. Everyone in the society has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. For example, open discussions of candidates are essential for voters to make informed decisions during elections. Furthermore, people can influence their government’ choice of policies through speeches, contributing to good governance. A free media helps to keep the government incorrupt and efficient as it allows all the wrongdoings of the government to be exposed and highlights all unaddressed problems. Hence, freedom of expression should be allowed as it benefits Singapore as a whole when opinions are being voiced out openly and freely.

The problem of social responsibility needs to be addressed too. However, it does not always mean that a free speech is irresponsible, sparking chaos, violence and conflicts, leading to untold miseries for the people. Freedom of speech can come with responsibility by giving constructive opinions which benefit the society as a whole, rather than disrupting the country’s cohesiveness by putting the other religious group down.
In conclusion, freedom of expression should be allowed in Singapore as long as people make constructive opinions responsibly. The role of a free press aims to preserve the freedom of all people in the society. The preservation of freedom in Singapore should be an act of creating or building on constructive opinions, benefiting Singapore as a whole and overcoming those who disrupt the cohesiveness in our society.