Singapore fell three places on an index measuring freedom of press.
According to Paris based watchdog Reporters Without Borders, Singapore dropped three places from 150 to 153 falling just behind Russia in an index that includes 180 countries. Singapore has recorded her worst standing since the index began in 2002.
There was no explanation for the drop in figure however Reporters Without Borders did voice their concern when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong took blogger Roy Ngerng to court for defamation. They consider the case a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation or “SLAPP” for short which is pretty catchy.
Scandinavian countries like Finland, Norway and Denmark take the top three spots respectively, retaining the same positions for the past five years. Whilst Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea fill out the bottom three. Neighbours Malaysia stand at 147, six places above us.
[plinker]