An Asian Perspective on Human Rights & Press Freedom Prepared by Mr. Tommie Chen 27 th April 2010

Heresies: The Assumption of Moral Superiority  The aggressive Western promotion of democracy, human rights & freedom of the press would aggravate rather than ameliorate the difficult conditions under which the vast majority of the world’s population live.  The concept of despotism began as a distinctively European perception of Asian Government and practices.

Some Uncovered Heresies  A Free Press serves as the opiate of society (investigative journalism has not uncovered the real truth behind the stories put out by the government, big business and other major institutions).  A Free Press necessarily leads to a well-ordered society (Assumption that a good society needs a free press to keep abuse of power in check, note India vs. China, the Philippines vs. Singapore).

Some Uncovered Heresies  Objective Journalism exists (Manufacturing Justifications e.g. The Tiananmen Square Incident & the Vietnam War – as long as American Interests were fulfilled, there is no need to weigh eventual moral consequences).  An imperfect government that commits some human rights violations is better than no government in most societies (e.g. Thailand – Authoritarian Governments which are fully committed to economic growth/development should be allowed to run the full course). It is necessary for a developing society to succeed economically first before attaining social and political freedoms in developed nations.

Key Truths  There is no unified Asian view on human rights and press freedom.  These are merely Western concepts that Asians are expected to react to.  Most Asian nations are too preoccupied with more immediate challenges & have not had time to address these issues squarely.

5 Principles to Guide Asian/Western Discourse  Mutual Respect (Singapore – Utilitarian Existential Considerations over Rigorous Due Process – a Social Choice not meriting judgement).  Economic Development (as the most subversive force created in history- the only power to liberate the Third World. It has significant costs that are in direct opposition to Human Rights concerns).  Working with Existing Governments who are committed to rapid economic development. (Political Crackdowns should be criticised but tolerated in view of the long term).

5 Principles to Guide Asian/Western Discourse  Establishing Cultural Codes for Civilised Conduct – gay rights activists, death penalty, censorship of pornography vs. the establishment of minimal standards of civilised behaviour e.g. no torture, slavery, unlawful imprisonment etc.  The Evolution of the Free Press – should be gradual and should not be forced as the ONLY possible ideal.