Newsradio 93.8 FM presenter Fauziah Ibrahim is off the air. Ms. Ibrahim who announced live over radio (11/12/00) that a programme on International Human Rights was re-edited on the request of Radio Corporation of Singapore's management was presenting her show until last Thursday (14/12/00) and then disappeared on Friday.
When Station Administrator, Ms. Florence Lim was contacted today (19/12/00) about Ms. Ibrahim's disappearance, she informed that Ms. Ibrahim is on leave until January. Ms. Lim when asked about Ms Ibrahim's return was not able to provide any specific dates.
According to Think Centre's sources, a management meeting was held on Thursday (14/12/00) at RCS and the outcome of which resulted in Ms Ibrahim taking a leave of absence.
Is her disappearance connected to the comments she made on air about self-censorship at Newsradio 93.8? It seems too much of a coincidence. If of course, she might be on a holiday... but when she's been on holiday in the past she's mentioned this on the programme and told her fans when she'll be back. She did not mention this on Thursday's show. And if she is on holiday, presumably Newsradio 93.8 can confirm when she'll be back presenting the programme.
It would be ironic if Newsradio 93.8, in the face of criticisms concerning self-censorship, has exercised even more censorship by taking its presenter off-air.
Think Centre has sent a letter (18/12/00)to Ms Rose Tan, Assistant Vice President (NewsRadio 93.8FM), Radio Corporation of Singapore asking for a transcript/recording of the said radio programme; reason why the presenter announced that the programme was re-edited at the request of the management if the editing was routine as claimed by RCS management; and to provide an update on any other further developments surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, the matter has been referred to Media Group Chairman and Nominated Member of Parliament, Zulkifli Baharuddin Feedback Unit, Ministry of Community Development and Sports, to evaluate how the Group can take up the matter.
