Please visit malaysianmirror.com, whose launch on June 30, 2009 at 3.00pm at the Holiday Villa saw Desi among some 100 attendees well feted to Hi-Tea and cordially seneraded by C&W veteran ALFRED HO of RTM balck&white days -- maketh Desi truly young again hearing his booming voice! --as they munched or gulped or just took in the atmospherics.
I won't write much because the online newspaper, perceived to be financed by people -- do we call them tycoons? -- with deep pockets from Sarawak, filed its story appropriately on its frontpage as LEAD item. This piece of PR-ing is posted with no strings attached:) -- I don't rule out cables though!:( (So here's a personal favour returned especially for mGf Sdr Stanley Koh who is a Researcher at the new MM, launched by another MM, not so new, neither that olde...he maketh himself current and relevant again using his BIG mouth entertaining wit' wit, sarcasm and some back-handed compliments. I'll cite just one reference:
When a reporter asked the guest-of-honour at a press conference about Hindraf, Dr Mahathir Mohamad commented he fully supported their leaders' claims for RM1million payment from the UK Government for every Indian in Malaysia. "I think the UK government would help Malaysian Indians in a big way to relieve our country's burden," or words to similar effect. But you have to be present to realise from the good doctor's body language he was saying it in a sarcastic tone, and the statement was not to be taken "literally". That's Desi's take, okay!
Dr MM launches MM.com
Wednesday, 01 July 2009 13:52
PETALING JAYA – Lights, sound and the system failed with a video of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad going ala the silent movie era mode at the launch of the portal MalaysianMirror.com yesterday.
Officiating at the launch was the former prime minister and Malaysia’s favourite blogger himself.
The news portal’s editor-in-chief, Francis Paul Siah, cried off the glitch by turning attention to its agenda, which was to expose bad politicians from both sides of the political divide.
Friendly to both sides
“We make no apologies if we are friendly with Barisan Nasional politicians who do good and we will also support sincere and trustworthy politicians from Pakatan Rakyat,” he told guests and well wishers at the Victorian Ballroom of the Holiday Villa resort in Subang Jaya.
There was neither all good nor bad in their contribution to the country, he said, adding that the Malaysian Mirror would present its news in a decent and courteous manner by constructive criticism.
Denying he was affiliated with the president of a certain political party, he also laughed off the label saying that "I do not even know this party president personally."
Siah also asked, “Even if some of our investors are affiliated to certain political parties, does it really matter? Surely, anyone can venture into a business of their choice - this is a free country."
A brief power failure caused the venue to be in dim light but it did not stop Siah insisting his team, comprising editorial and administrative staff, to greet all guests and well-wishers who came to support the event. He also introduced his team members to the guests.
Convinced that his new portal could stay afloat in the midst of other online newspapers in the country and that the Mirror was willing to work closely with other media groups, Siah caught Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan (right) to say a few words to the audience.
Gan sportingly took the rostrum to encourage more Malaysians to visit the various news portals, where they could get a truer picture of currents news and events.
He also reminded writers of online portals that they too had to be seen as being truthful and credible in their reporting and commentaries.
'Someone out there is controlling you'
Earlier, a technical glitch dealt a blow to the audience who wanted to hear Mahathir’s jokes over a recorded video clip at a recent bloggers function.
When he took the stage later, the former prime minister quipped: “I had hoped my voice would be silent. And I got my wish.”
He added, however, that it was frustrating for politicians to keep quiet. “And, I’m one who likes to talk.”
The audio worked well during his speech, enough for the audience to hear his views and comments on issues ranging from his personal interest in blogging to the freedom accorded to the Malaysian press and his disappointment over a controlled media during the tenure of his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He said all news, irrespective of their source, are controlled. If it was not the authorities, it could be the media owner, the writer or even the advertiser.
“Someone out there is controlling you. If you want the real truth, it could be expensive. For instance, if you want to know the actual situation in Gaza you would have to go there.
“Otherwise, you will have to just rely on the media, the blogs or the online news. You have to decide yourself what is true."
Refuting suggestions that he controlled the media during his term, he said he allowed the newspapers to write “any nonsense” for as long as they do not touch on racial or issues sensitive to the country’s security.
“I feel the Malaysian media is relatively free. We tell what is happening at the moment, unlike, for instance, the British press which is only now talking about the shortcomings of (former prime minister) Tony Blair.
“When he was in power the press lied about him. Now, they want to tell the truth because he is no longer in power.”
Taking a dig at himself, Mahathir said he was more famous now as a blogger (cedet.com) then when he was prime minister. He added: “I enjoy blogging.”
At a press conference later, Mahathir said there was room for more free “news feed” in the country.
He said things had changed since he stepped down as prime minister and he too had resorted to blogging.
'Malaysia's Most Popular Blogger' Award
During the launch, Mahathir was presented the “Malaysia's Most Popular Blogger” Award by the Malaysian Mirror. His blog chedet.com obtained 20 million hits within a year
The award was presented by his ex- cabinet colleague, former Science, Technology and Environment Minister Law Hieng Ding.
Popular singer Alfred Ho provided light entertainment with a string of Country and Western songs and ballads of yesteryears. He dedicated two songs, the P Ramlee classic Getaran Jiwa and a 1950s favourite, Always, to the former prime minister.
Children who accompanied their parents to the event also had the opportunity to meet the former prime minister as a special autograph signing session was held for them.
One 10-year-old boy told Mahathir that he wanted to meet and shake his hand for a long time and that he was so happy to be able to do so now. The happy Mahathir gave the boy a quick hug and signed an autograph.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 July 2009 21:20
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