Culture, Development and Freedom of Expression

Studies carried out by international institutions such as the World Bank show that the higher the level of press freedom, the higher is the control of corruption in public institutions. Generally, there is a positive correlation between the institutional mechanisms for people to voice their opinions and the accountability of governments. the purpose of the study is to create awareness and understanding, among government policy makers and otherinfluential persons, of the connection between freedom of expression and socio-economic development in their countries. With such knowledge there will be a greater appreciation for the need for free expression as a necessary corollary to socio-economic development. Findings of the study form the basis of policy-relevant guidelines for consideration by development agencies including national governments and civil society organisations. This book critically analyses the role of free speech and media as a whole in the process of development in selected Asian countries, such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.