I believe that Singapore should adopt freedom of expression whereby more focus is placed on social responsibility.
Singapore is a multi-racial society where sensitive issues like minority rights are dealt with great caution. Thus, freedom of speech in Singapore should be one that emphasise on social responsibility. Citing the publishing of the cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad incident, conflicts would arise if the media in Singapore were to publish such cartoons. Muslims in Singapore may feel that they were being discriminated against, resulting in resistive movements from the muslin community. Besides that, wrong information may be brought across to the younger generation, thinking that making insensitive remarks to sensitive issues is all right. Eventually, having such a mind set will lead to the problem of the young not able to get along well with people from other races or religions.
As raised by Singer, “ We must be free…to criticize the teachings of Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, and Buddha, as reported in many texts that millions of people regarded as sacred. Without that freedom, human progress will always run up against a basic roadblock.” I do agree that necessary discussions should be done in questioning the beliefs of the people. However, there is a limit to what can be said in such discussions. In a cultural and religious pluralism society, great caution should be taken in terms of discussing such sensitive issues. An intentional remark may spark off conflicts with ugly consequences. There should be a limit to the doubts raised when discussing such issues as the use of wrong words can easily offence another community. One should be responsible for their comments and ensure that they do not over criticize one community or make offensive remarks to certain community if such issues were to be discussed.
In conclusion, freedom of expression in Singapore should come along with social responsibility to maintain peace among all communities.
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