PAP MPs’ PQs about SPH Media Group
June 22, 2023
Following the release of the audit findings on the SPH Media Group yesterday, our MPs Jessica Tan (East Coast GRC) and Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson SMC) filed Parliamentary Questions on accountability from the group especially in view of the public funding involved.
This questioning continues our months-long effort to keep SPH accountable for its actions.
Key questions
The SPH audit found that the Group’s circulation numbers were inflated by about 10 per cent, or approximately 82,000 phantom copies daily in August 2021. It also found evidence of improper accounting of revenue and that there were “red flags” in a so-called “X Barter Deal”. These are all potential criminal offences, and a police report has been filed.
Source: Jessica Tan/ Facebook, Parliament of Singapore
“As the nation’s key media organisation, it is important for SPH Media to secure its reputation as a credible and independent news provider,” shared MP Tan yesterday evening.
“For the coming Parliament Sitting, I’ve filed a PQ [Parliamentary Question] on the findings and the measures SPH Media Trust and the Government will take to prevent similar future incidents.”
MP Tin’s PQ asks about the timeline and sort of further action the Government has set to keep SPH accountable. She also asks about redressing the financial impact of the inflated numbers.
Continued questioning
MP Tan previously filed a PQ on SPH when news broke on the Group’s inflated circulation numbers. Specifically, she asked whether the Government funding for SPH would be adjusted.
Other PAP MPs who have previously filed questions on SPH include Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio GRC) Edward Chia (Holland–Bukit Timah GRC), Shawn Huang (Jurong GRC), Mariam Jaafar (Sembawang GRC), Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang GRC), Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar GRC) and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Chua Chu Kang GRC).
Questions like these on national issues by our PAP parliamentarians keep Singapore’s institutions accountable and transparent, as has been previously noted: Singaporeans deserve this.