Brit says Singapore authoritarian model, Straits Times thrilled

The Straits Times has gone gaga about a British academic praising the Singapore government's smart use of public relations.

I have not read the book but this is what the academic Jonathan Woodier said, according to the University of Queensland, where he did his research. And that makes the Straits Times look rather silly for it is a backhanded compliment at best. This is what the University of Queensland website says about Woodier:

Dr Jonathan Woodier, who recently completed his PhD with UQ's School of Political Science and International Studies , said despite a perception of an increased openness in some Asian countries, authoritarian states are still aided by the mass media, rather than challenged by it.

“There is an increased flow of information and entertainment products into South-East Asia and pressures for change in the region are apparent, particularly those driven by external influence and dominated by Western values and ideas,” Dr Woodier said.

“But with closer scrutiny, it is clear that the liberal contention that the media, and the globalised media in particular, has a liberalising effect is not as clear as it once seemed.”

He said Singapore was a prime example of this where local elites have been able to face the challenge of globalised media influencing their hold on power.

“The longevity of the successful, media-controlled modern state as modelled by Singapore, in particular, holds out an example to offer hope to all authoritarian regimes,” he said.

“China, and many other states in Asia, look to Singapore in particular, as they have increasingly followed a sophisticated media strategy, using the techniques espoused by public relations experts to ensure they communicate effectively in an increasingly complicated media environment.”

Compare that with the Straits Times report.

Comments

[CelluloidReality]

Someone's not heard of poetic irony.