But alas, there are respectable voices like that of the distinguished Singapore senior statesman Lee Kuan Yew who believe that the phenomenon of "Asian values" can render press freedom relative rather than absolute and universal.
He claims that special situations in countries make it allowable for authoritarian administrations to restrict freedoms.
The trouble is that allowed to go forward, his argument melds with that of China's President Jiang Zeming, who insists that all journalists and journalism must follow the edicts of the Chinese Communist Party. The exception-temporarily-is Hong Kong, under "one country, two systems." Hong Kong's supposed example is already being used to woo Taiwan.
Taiwan says it won't change from democracy and that the mainland must change to democracy and a free press. Can Beijing's offer be refused? Its latest offer says Taiwan can keep its army--more than Hong Kong had been allowed--keep its democratic lifestyle and free press. In return for sovereignty and flying the red-starred flag, Taiwan can join international bodies as it had always wanted. I doubt if the leaders of Taiwan will fall for the Beijing ploy anytime soon and the internal pressure on Jiang Zemin for some results on the Taiwan question means he will keep talking with Taipei, at, least, for the time being.
Meanwhile, a dilemma is faced in Hong Kong where self-censorship is eroding press freedom. Never mind, we're making money, the leaders say; press freedom is not important in their position.
Wrong. I see Hong Kong, based on the evidence gathered for this book, as the battleground and the time and place where the fight should be joined.
But this is not a one-sided tact; herein are the arguments for Asian values as well as those for a controlled press and what the author believes is the danger of such courses.
It is no less than a battle for the minds and future of Asia!
Satisfy yourself on the merits of the respective arguments. The bibliography and notes have most of the current literature on the subject for further reading. The Conclusion and Recommendations (Chapter 11) are one journalist's views on how freedom of the press can and should be perpetuated in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Journalist Association President Liu says recent surveys by his group find newsmen want more community involvement in the debate over press ethics. The concept of a press council and new laws on media ethics were rejected recently as part of a fine side of the wedge of government control.
