Negative headline is unfair

Last week, a leading newspaper had a headline that suggested that a prominient entrepreneur (a multi-millionaire) based in Singapore, is sued for fraud.

This created an impression among a few knowledgeable people that this entrepreneur is acting dishonestly.

I pointed out that the suit was taken by a private individual. The circumstance of the dispute is under litigation.

It was unfair of the newspaper to use a headline that created a wrong impression among the general public.

It is a different matter, if the case is taken by the public prosecutor. The prosecutor has a duty to carry out some investigation to be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to press a case.

I urge the public to be careful about reading the headlines, especially if there is a tendency for some newspaper to be sensational or negative. Do take a more generous view about people who may be charged or sued unfairly.