Roses and Rockets - Five
This "Roses and Rockets" idea comes from my old mentor, Reuters, which used it to distribute compliments (Roses) or criticisms (Rockets) to its large force of correspondents and sub-editors during the 60s and 70s.
It was all in good spirit done for a vital feedback purpose. Even the best got a rocket once a while; and the newest recruit would sometimes earn a bouquet of roses.
Readers' contributions that are concise, informed and reasoned are very welcomed - but please, no personal complaints or rude remarks. Littlespeck will, of course, subject itself to the same criterion.
June 22, 2003

Compared to 20 years ago, Singapore's newspapers are an improved lot, better writing, brighter headlines and generally more informed journalists. With the trio terror squad - Osama, Sars and unemployment- they are also more exciting. (See Media - trend "Not a dull moment")

Roses

On human interest stories, the most improved is The New Paper. More than anyone, its pages reflect life in Singapore with a human face, much of it exclusives not found elsewhere.

On June 13, for instance, the paper portrayed the agony faced by Singapore surgeons, who will separate the Iranian Siamese twin sisters, Lateh and Ladan, with the headline: "One could die. Who should live?"

There were others, including:

* An ex-addict father made a teary plea for her daughter to return; she had left 20 years ago.

* An interview with law lecturer Sylvia Lim, who made history as the first woman chairman of a political party in Singapore, the (opposition) Workers' Party.

* Police shooting crows, one fell dead on the forehead of a woman.

* A Bangladeshi who arrived here as a construction worker 12 years ago was given permanent resident status on his fifth attempt, together with his wife and two daughters. Over the years, he had completed seven courses and applied for employment passes seven times.

Rockets

Channel News Asia for highlighting a expert on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) saying: "If I was asked if TCM can be used to treat and cure Sars, I may say "yes".

What? Cure Sars!

When I first heard it I thought my ears were playing tricks on me. But no, she said it again and again. If that were true, Channel News Asia would have the worldwide scoop of a lifetime.

Everybody is trying to figure out a cure for Sars; indeed, most are still trying to fine out for sure what it is. More accurately was the phrase flashing across the screen saying TCM can help by building immunity.

And why did she say "I may say.." Either she is saying it or she isn't. And why did CNA not challenge her statement?

By her over-enthusiasm in spotlighting the role of TCM (I'm sure, it has its qualities), she may in fact have done a disservice to it.

Roses

TODAY for its Page 1 story on "Joblessness and the arts graduate" on June 19 on the plight of general degree holders..

Only 64% of 2002 batch found jobs. For science grads, it wasn't much better with 67% unemployed. And added reporter Grace Tay "If last year was gloomy, this one could be a nightmare.

Bread and butter stories, not always happy ones, are useful.

Maybe some one will report on the plight of the large numbers of fresh mass communication grads - not only locally but those returning from Australia and US.

It also broke news of corruption investigation of the Sri Muneeswaran temple at Commonwealth Drive with plenty of finger pointing over its development contracts.

(In 2001, there were complains - reports TODAY - that a fund-raising dinner ended with a topless show.)

A small Rocket

For TODAY on its report "What price, rhetoric?" which said, quoting US journals and America's ambassador in Kuala Lumpur, that Malaysia would pay a price for Dr. Mahathir Mohamed's anti-US stand.

Sure, the Americans keep saying it, but a reporting balance is called for in such a story.

Firstly, TODAY's failure to talk to Malaysian officials, who do not believe there will be any economic retaliation. US businessmen in Kuala Lumpur say the same.

The reason is obvious. The loud-speaking Prime Minister is leaving in a few months' time. So even if Washington wants to hit back, it will surely wait to see what the new Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi will do when he takes over.

Roses

I think the Straits Times did a better job handling this story. It talked of the minuses of an anti-US stand against Iraq - but it also wrote of possible gains from goodwill from Arabs - trade, investment, banking and tourism.

Dr. Mahathir is not a likable fellow for most Singaporeans, but he is no idiot; he usually does his Maths first before opening his mouth.

I fear the TODAY approach may give the impression that Singaporeans are gloating over Malaysia's problem with US.

Rockets

(Apologies from my "laugh-a-minute" website MrBrown.com, from where this information is stolen from). The rocket, of course, comes from us.

On Aug 23, 2002, Straits Times front-page headline declared "Job scene improves with 7,500 openings." That's okay as the news went.

But then on Page 3 (same paper) another headline read: "Job insecurity up with surge in layoffs". Come on, make up your mind.
By Seah Chiang Nee