AGC warns SPH over by-election poll

SINGAPORE — The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has issued stern warnings to Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and Straits Times (ST) Editor Warren Fernandez over offences under the Parliamentary Elections Act committed during the Punggol East by-election in January.

The ST had published results of a voters’ poll on the by-election on Jan 10 after the writ of election was issued, which contravenes the Act. The writ was issued on Jan 9.

The AGC said it issued a warning to Mr Fernandez as the report’s publication was attributable to neglect on his part. Mr Patrick Daniel, Editor-in-Chief for SPH’s English and Malay Newspapers Division, and Mr Fernandez presented themselves at the Central Police Division yesterday morning to receive the written warnings.

In response to queries, SPH said ST cooperated fully with the police during their investigations and accepted that there was an internal lapse that led to the publication of the poll. “It has always been our approach that when we get something wrong, we acknowledge it, put it right and strive to do better,” said Mr Fernandez in the statement.

The offence is punishable with up to 12 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding S$1,500.

Kok Xing Hui