One mGf SH popped an email to Desi from up North where they serve the best char-keow-teow, and the sing-song gals and eye-catching coloured-trishaws always remind Desi of a romantic era of olde Pearl, and the sweet refrain fo "Rose, Rose, I Love You". I'm reproducing his Letter to The Star which to date failed to see print in the People's Paper, and Blogosworld will try to fill the vacuum.
Desiderata welcomes other EsteemedReaders to share their thoughts on issues of national importance and concern to them. As another ER, Imran, says: IT BUGS ME!
From: Tan SengHai-C13830
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2006 2:11 PM
To: Letters to editor
Subject: The Star Needs to Show Journalistic Independence
Dear Editor:
I refer to your report "Two top editors resign over ear squat report" (Star 6 Jan). I am saddened that a basic human rights issue has now been spun into a political issue. During the heat of the infamous ear squat incident, all the major dailies (the Star included) afforded front page prominence of the incident. All are equally guilty of misreporting the ethnicity of the girl on their front pages. Some even disclosed the name of this so-called Chinese national. So why is this particular vernacular press singled out for punishment? We have often seen our politicians getting away with much worst blunders, some involving loss of lives and millions of the rakyat's money. None of these politicians have been asked to resign for their blunders. Surely these are much more damaging than this case of a journalistic misjudgement. The Star chose to take a neutral stance and downplay the implications of the resignation of these two editors. It has relegated this report to a minor page 12 corner inclusion. Isn't press freedom equally important as basic human rights? I hope the Star will lend credence to journalistic independence when it is due.
regards
sh tan
*~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Imran said...
Desi,
.
.
.
I still don't understand why people are arguing about the girl's identity/nationality in squatgate. The issue here is not about race/nationality, it's about breach of trust / abuse of power / self-gratification (maybe).
The people are not focusing on the MAIN ISSUE AND IT BUGS ME!!
Idiots.
5:05 PM ~~~~~~~*
Just recapping what I wrote to mark World Press Day 2005, worth a re-look -- after the recent ministerial oppression of China Press -- I think relevant to the issue at hand:
**~~~~~~~
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
AFRAID of a CLASH of MINDS?
Today is World Press Day, but those working in the Fourth Estate in Malaysia don't have much to shout about. Quietly I celebrate for I have found a new outlet, via Blogging.
A month and eighteen days into it, I'm still enjoying the journey, as earlieir fellow travellers like Mack Zulkifli and Jeff Ooi assured new Bloggers they would. I'm also blessed as on the sunrise days of this (ad)venture, I found a companion who has often exchanged conversations with me so that we have ideas posting on the shared gems leading onto refined jewels.
I'll reflect on some sombre issues on this important day, with another voice added to the media fratenity that the Government do away with the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. I believe we do have a responsible citizenry who know how to toe the lines of civil behaviour and generally lead a moral life, respect each other's civil and religious rights.
Former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad brought Malaysia into the cutting edge of technology with the Multi-Supercorridor (MSC) and in the last decade online publications flourished with his government's pledge that there would be no censorship of content on the Internet, except there was the same binding legilative provisions (which are quite universally accepted) for defamation, sedition and other offences governing the conduct of civil society.
However, there was no commensurate relaxation of the law governing the print media, which has to meet annnual licensing requirements under the PPPA. It appears that the print media operate at a disadvantage compared with online media such as
Malaysiakini.com, which went on to attract a good number of hits and viewership, and AgendaDaily.com and HarakahDaily.com, less frequently visited.
Some mainstream media journalists rightly felt that they are hampered in discharging their tasks under severe restrictions of the PPPA, and had for the past few years petitioned the Government to abolish the Act. In fact, some groups have optimistically begun to wish for a Freedom of Information Act like the one our neighbour Thailand has enjoyed for a number of years, and of course, a celebrated norm of more advanced democracies like Australia and the United States of America.
For a start, I'd be more than happy to see the abolition of the PPPA, then move on to battle other "oppresive" Acts like the ISA and OSA, so notorious I won't even need to spell them out. I wouldn't dream of the Freedom of Information Act before we see the removal of these existing barriers!
I hope Pak Lah, now almost 1-1/2 years into his premiership, would feel confident enough that Malaysians have matured enough to self-regulate certain aspects of their public life, including the type and variety of press they wish to read and support. He wishes to see to the nurture and flowering of Towering Malaysians. This noble goal makes certain prerequisites to be present -- yes, the Desiderata of Towering Malaysians -- which to my mind, means we embrace the freedom of thoughts, the freedom of expression with incumbent responsibility, the pursuit and promotion of intellectual and democratic discourse. I term this, the welcome and promotion of the Clash of Minds, for just as Malaysians want material progress, in tandem they aspire towards mental development and freedom of choice and direction to determine their own mental and spiritual journey.
With clear opposition by substantial numbers to the recent experiment by the Malacca 4B youth setting up their Snoop Squad, Malaysians have indicated in no uncertain terms they want minimum intrusion into their moral and religious terrains which the majority feel are best left with family and community to self-govern, of course under laws that pertain to decency and civil society.
The media fratenity deserves greater freedom to write without fear or favour. Dear Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, do you dare accept this challenge of opening up our minds, now so feathered and fettered? Say Farewell to the PPPA1984.~~~~~~**
DESIDERATA: I know Pak Lah has a handful on his mind. Add another challenge for this new year just two weeks old?
Welcome Desiderata.MindOpening2006?
15 comments:
It stinks the sweet smell of a cover up...Or is this just wilful eccentricity on my part? I pray that it's not a lost cause, not in a long shot one hope.
My target audience is not the average reader. However, the best place for the average reader to begin, would be in the Introduction. :P Perhaps the final product will be designed for the average reader. Till then, this is a site under construction. ETA - 2023.
btw... "Former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad brought Malaysia into the cutting edge of technology with the Multi-Supercorridor (MSC)"
This is a Malaysian myth, spun by the powers that be. (Perhaps unintentionally, but still...) ICT wise we are much better off than Indonesia perhaps, but far, far away from the cutting edge.
We are lagging developed nations particularly in the ICT of the human cognitive faculties. We have limited R&D and scholarly activity in neuroscience, philosophy, and their intersection with the computational sciences.
imho.
hi myroyaldudeness:
I hope thou are indeed royal not dude...luckily you dont prefix with a DR.
Welcome thee with a not-so-royal by delightfool tehtarik, for I believe this is thy first visit.
Another poetry luv, I presume?
How do I love thee...
Let me count the money, honey...
jerng:
Point noted about your audience. I'm into traditional philosophy readings/ridings ... Age of Reason greats Descartes...and others like Thoreau, Socrates ... but first intrio to Cyberpunk...well, lifelong learning...
Thanks for visiting..if it's maiden, raise 2 tehtraik from Haridas to thee, my wellcum brew.
On MSC, I believe Dr Mahathir deserves credit where it's due -- had it been the PM-traditional-lawyer-be as his predeccesors, we Malaysians would have been left far-far-behind! Well, a medical dioctor at least could see the progress in Science and Technology -- at least he laid down the basic infrastructure and blue print.
As for Human Resources, ah, I completely agree this is one are Malaysia will trail the others, for a web of comoplex reasons which we won't go into at this juncture ...maybe when a topic like review of MSC at a good time?
Desi,
There are several issues to consider:
First, the proverb: "Don't bite the hand that feeds you" has always been a major factor in all relationships, be it personal, commercial or even political. All media organisations, both print and broadcasting, have to work within the boundaries laid down by the laws of the land and within the "ACCEPTABLE" views/policies of their owners; often their reports are skewed towards the views of their owners (the proverbial hands that feed them - the writers). Newspaper companies are certainly no different - in fact, my personal opinion is that they are the worst controlled entities.
It is, therefore, an impossible dream to be able to read "balanced" reports on matters of politics and public issues. And depending on who the "influential" owners are, these papers may even get away with "murder" so to speak; for example, their editors are "immune" to actions applied to the other vernacular newspapers. Ever ponder the reason for that ?
Here, if I may digress a little: As a country progressed economically and culturally, governmental control of this freedom of expression tends to loosen somewhat to the point of a fully developed nation with relatively much more freedom, including freedom of the press.
We must bear in mind that "freedom" seems to be a bottomless pit - where do we, as a society, want the line drawn ? Are we to allow feedom of paparazzi-type of reporting, euthanasia, abortion, drug consumption, human cloning, same-sex marriage, boxing in parliament (that's freedom of expression too)etc. etc. ?
Second, whether there are PPPA, ISA, OSA, or AA is not the main question in our local context, but whether the authority is fair, honest, impartial in applying/interpreting the laws without any discrimination whatsoever. Differentiating the two prevents confusion.
Many times, people are incensed by the way or method the authority condescends on ordinary citizenry like they are already guilty even before they are formally charged; to make matter worse, such unscrupulous public officers perform more than the spirit of the laws, even encroaching on personal rights !!! (To entice a graft or what Mr Officer ?)
Until the government realises how the intricate mess of operational policies have been the cause of much discontent among the ordinary people (I believe they certainly do) and takes control of the situation by streamlining procedures and enacting necessary laws to tackle "errant and corrupted" officers whoever they may be, the situation is not going to be better. And if the authority already has recommendations made to them sometime earlier on (I read somewhere) and has yet to implement the new recommended procedures, then that's absolutely astonishing. They say "you can lead the horse to the water, but you can't force it to drink". It is advisable, however, to know from history that corruption and complacency can lead to corrosion/erosion of societal values and an unstable society is a naturally fertile ground prone to all dangers including a coup d'etat.
Joe.psc:
I fully agree that there is no absolute freedom of expression. I would be scared if there is as there are enough morons and extremists in this world to incite all kinds of violence and hatred. The weak and the not so educated would be the primary target for their hate campaigns.
What irks me is that the said daily recently gave full front page prominence to a Lebanese conman but only gave a small insignificant corner on page 12 on the "resignation" of the 2 vernacular editors for speaking out. So what is this said daily's civil responsibilty? Sensationalism? Truth? Or just flowing with the mainstream? Surely "press freedom" deserves more than a small corner on page 12.
Hi SH Tan:
I support your view that the newspaper should know the difference between a one-off sensational news (like that of the conman) and a larger long-term issue concerning press policies and freedom (like the 2 "resignations").
As I said in my comment, it is not that they are ignorant, but rather they are "toeing the line" set by their bosses or some hidden "fists" - you can say that there's no freedom in that sense, no priority with regard to the importance of the issue at hand, just spewing sensational news to increase circulation, and if we look at it from a wide perspective, all their reportings are nothing more than a joke! And even then, it's a bad joke. Only if people stop buying such newspaper, cutting down their circulations which will affect their advertising incomes, they then may wake up from their cosy can't-be-bothered attitude.
I guess the degree of responsible and good reporting depend on the self-independence and convictions of the organisation concerned, and here in my local context, I have since long ago given up hope of finding an acceptable one, and that's why I have saved a lot over some 20 years from buying newspapers !
Regards
To quote from Teresa Kok's blog:
"One former journalist said the Pak Lah-led administration controlled the press in a more subtle manner. He has monthly meeting with editors of all local media. He also used Prima Media to buy over control of all mainstream media."
A ray of hope from Pak Lah?
Hey Desi,
The great debate continues. How do we actually cure ailing Malaysia? Issues are not being addressed, and the 'tidak apa' attitude takes center stage in Bolehland.
It is no secret that the MSC is a failure. A lot of money has been pumped into it, but till today MSC is nothing to shout about. We are still getting sub-standard broadband services from 'Tolong Mati.'
Freedom of the press? All the press is good for now is apple polishing. I don't remember it being this way back when Tun Mahathir was in power.
People in power are using the race and religion card for their own personal gains. We have not achieved anything in the last 2 years under Pak Lah. My confidence is slowly eroding.
Meanwhile, people like us are fighting a lost cause, although I refuse to believe that there's no chance for a change. All Pak Lah has to do is wield the sword and get rid of the dead wood. To achieve progress, we need to be cruel.
There. I've said enough.
P/S: Hi Uncle SH Tan.
Joining Joe (from Spore), SH (f Penang) and Howsy (IpohLang housed in London...I understand):
Malaysian mainstream media is too closed tied with the ruling parties within BN -- NSTP with UMNO, the Star; Nanyang-China Press with MCA; Sin Chew-KongMing with tycoons closely associated with MCA leaders, I stand corrected in the last opinionated claim...so the Rakyat are not well served.
I would think Howsy has a point about Pak Lah's subtle control via his own ways -- but the press fraternity must also show some pincipled solidarity with eaach other when it comes to the cause of the 4th Estate.
I believe there are Journalists -- both in the mainstream and alternative media -- committed enough to want to take their profession seriously if only the Business-Politicis ties are by legislation checked.
E.g. Like throwing out the PPA1984, put in provisions restricting equity ownerships to not more than 10% to any political party and 20% to individuals/parties acting in concert...with at least 51% in the hands of the general public.
But Desi's dream remains mainly a pipe.
Anyone cares for a smoke?
Hi ASdr Imran, thy posting crossed my path doing the response preceding.
You're right in many of your views, esp on Media, but back to the point on the MSC -- which interesting has jerng sharing your strong stand mainly -- I still think we must acknowledge the role Dr Mahathir played in promoting among Malaysians towards an ICT -cum-knowledge socity and economy.
The MSC might not have achieved 100% of its intended goals, but it has at least built up the infrastructure for an ICT industry to move forward; yes, the human resources link is clearly a big impediment, butt the private sector must respond to galvanise our Youth -- I believe Malaysians' latent talents are in no way inferior to others, it's just that the Govt and private sectror, and the people, must dedicate themselves to really want to move Malaysia forward as One Natiuon under the Malaysian sun.
I know POLITICS factors largely in the overall scheme of things.
In a sense, Desi has always pushed for a NEEDS-BASED MOTIVATED GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNED -- DO AWAY WITH RACE-BASED POLICIES, a pre-requisite step that must be boldly taken by a VISUIONARY LEADER.
Will Pak Lah rise to tghe challenge?
Or do we wait for another Future Leader to Arise?
Time2 Rise, indeed, in deed, and in need.
PS: this though was with Desi right at the beginning:
it's because of the development of the MSC that Internet access has been promoted among Malaysians and the former PM's pledge being kept that the Govt would not censor Internet publications that we can engage so easily in such discussions -- hence my noting the IpohLang, Singa-citizen, and dfellow Malaysians bound to Msian soil SH in the Pearl and Desi in FuRong, and bro Imran in Big Bad ...yet, this medium of Blogging allows us to share some views (petrhaps HOPE for the country's future) on the nation's state of affairs.
We just wish more Malaysians will get on board and make a difference.
Hope springs eternal in the hearts of the Idealist,
and I pray our YoungOnes will maximise their Idealistic Youth
for a Better-informed, Kinder and Moe Sharing&Caring Malaysia.
Imran and Joe Psc are so right on this issue.
The whole squadgate thing is not even racial to begin with, it is about the violation of human decency, but why is it even made RACIAL by our ....? Why are the two editors being reprimanded when I heard TV news channel initially reporting the two as being Chinese. Why are the two editors who in their reporitng state that it MIGHt or MIGHT not be the four Chinese women who made their reports be punished for their errors in reporting?
Isnt it obvious now that it is they, some members of the ..., the so-called defenders of racial harmony, are the most cuplbable parties in fostering a racial divide between fellow beloved malaysian brothers and sisters of other races, forcing us to view each other suspiciously and on racial terms.
Sad as it is, I don't know how pp like Ali, Ah Seng, Mutu would be able to live happily with each other...
dreamer -- I'm glad you have JOE-psc seated between you and Imran.
The latter called ... (your reference)"idiots" which I advised may cover some of my ER who are also Dreamers, and by that definitiion, removes the idiocy.
I rekomend: nincompoos ... mite 2long butt these ... need some education. We Bloggers are generous -- we give free tuition, butt some I.Cowss prefer to behave like monkeys in the august house -- See No...., Hear no...., Speak no ....!
Back to your laments -- dreamerI --Desi shares thy sentiments 100%, so do likeminded Imran (I see thru him, wits, warts and more...). Desi's planning a CNY meet with sume Y&A dreamers like thee (a G5 meeting on a luvly FRIghtday weeks back was joyfool so some1 wants a rehearsal...);and I'm throwing out a RM20m Challengia at next G7?. I'm not an Elie clone, no worrie -- try to be a "Morrie "though, you wanna know who that is, arsk Imran -- or Y&A Sabrina Tan, she just did a review at sabrinawstan@blogsome.com...pls visit:)
PS: I get 30% of entrance fees via checks that don't bounce.:( Lebanonian Dr Elie has many followers in Malaysia.
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