CIJ executive director Gayathry Venkiteswaran presents some of the developments that have hampered a free media in the country. A memorandum was presented to SUHAKAM commissioner Dr. Denison Jayasooria.
Malaysiakini editor (Bahasa Malaysia section) Fathi Aris Omar talks about the challenges faced by reporters.
Another video here.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Promises Not Realities, Cautions Media Panel
by Zac Hill
The Annexe Gallery at Central Market, along with the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), hosted a forum on 10 May 2009 discussing the contemporary Malaysian media climate and its potential for greater openness. Entitled “Media Under Najib: Hope or Disappointment?” the forum chronicled emerging trends across both traditional and new media in the weeks since Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s ascension to power.
“All this talk about reform is just that: cheap talk,” said panelist Zaharom Nain, a lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia and author of more than 80 publications dealing with the political economy of the media. His sentiments were echoed, over the course of the forum, by the other panellists, including the outspoken 1BLACKMalaysia progenitor Wong Chin Huat, and former Centre for Public Policy Studies Director Tricia Yeoh, now with the Selangor Menteri Besar’s office.
“Look what Barisan Nasional has given us,” continued Zaharom. “Promises, promises, promises; half-baked assurances and contradictions. As Chin Huat and others would testify, it has not been promising so far. The actors may have changed, but the overall rotten structures of an anti-democratic regime still remain.”
Zaharom’s allusion to his fellow speaker resonated greatly with a crowd largely sympathetic with Wong’s recent tribulations. Wong was arrested on 5 May following a police report that was later revealed to have been lodged by Jais Abdul Karim from Permuafakatan Warisan Islam (Pewaris) on allegations of ‘sedition’. Earlier on the same day, Wong had urged Malaysians to wear black on 7 May to protest what he described as “the ongoing Perak coup” by the Barisan Nasional government. He was eventually released 60 hours before his scheduled appointment to speak at CIJ's forum.
For Wong, his recent detention appeared merely the last straw in a legacy of oppression and constraint. He pulled no punches, asserting that without dissent and dialogue, legitimate elections could never be possible. “If there’s any Special Branch here, take this in,” he challenged. “Without elections, the government would be equivalent to the Mafia. They control territory, they extract money, they do not allow anyone living in their territory to refuse to pay money. The only thing distinguishing one from the other is that, with the government, the people have the right to control who controls them.”
When pressed about the legitimacy of the actions that put him behind bars, Wong exhibited uncompromising resolve. “How do you define ‘disaffection'?” he asked, referring to the statutory terminology of the Sedition Act. “The definition is so vague, you can put anyone behind bars! I have to thank the police for making the point so clear. I didn’t ask anyone to do anything! I didn't ask anyone to shout any slogan. I didn't even ask anyone to go to Ipoh...I merely asked people to wear black to show their unhappiness.”
For Yeoh, the government’s purported willingness to change simply didn’t line up with the facts. “You have [Information Minister] Rais Yatim saying ‘a diplomatic approach is needed in dealing with private media corps and bloggers,’ while in the same breath saying ‘we have to take legal action against hardcore perpetrators,’ whatever that means. I’m not sure that this reflects the attitude of an administration committed to reform,” she said, to laughter and wide applause.
The discussion centered on the notion of legal and institutional change as a means to media reform, calling for the repeal of laws like the Internal Security Act, the Official Secrets Act, the Sedition Act, and the Printing Presses and Publications Act in order to pave the way for change. It also emphasised the importance of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Media Freedom to objectively evaluate the contemporary media climate in an open consultative process that will include participation from all stakeholders. But the recommendations weren’t exclusively top-down in nature.
“We need to start looking at options like community newspapers, community radio,” said Yeoh. “Radio is very powerful at the kampung level. And journalists have a very powerful role to play—try not to self-censor too much, to push the line as far as you can. Use the words of reform that are being supposedly espoused by Najib and his gang to challenge your editors.” Yeoh acknowledged, however, that many of these steps were difficult or impossible without corresponding legislative action.
The panellists appeared surprisingly optimistic, however, in spite of these obstacles. For forum moderator Vanitha Nadaraj, this optimism was born out of recognition of common goals.
“We all have one dream: To make Malaysia a better place,” she concluded.
The Annexe Gallery at Central Market, along with the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), hosted a forum on 10 May 2009 discussing the contemporary Malaysian media climate and its potential for greater openness. Entitled “Media Under Najib: Hope or Disappointment?” the forum chronicled emerging trends across both traditional and new media in the weeks since Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s ascension to power.
“All this talk about reform is just that: cheap talk,” said panelist Zaharom Nain, a lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia and author of more than 80 publications dealing with the political economy of the media. His sentiments were echoed, over the course of the forum, by the other panellists, including the outspoken 1BLACKMalaysia progenitor Wong Chin Huat, and former Centre for Public Policy Studies Director Tricia Yeoh, now with the Selangor Menteri Besar’s office.“Look what Barisan Nasional has given us,” continued Zaharom. “Promises, promises, promises; half-baked assurances and contradictions. As Chin Huat and others would testify, it has not been promising so far. The actors may have changed, but the overall rotten structures of an anti-democratic regime still remain.”
Zaharom’s allusion to his fellow speaker resonated greatly with a crowd largely sympathetic with Wong’s recent tribulations. Wong was arrested on 5 May following a police report that was later revealed to have been lodged by Jais Abdul Karim from Permuafakatan Warisan Islam (Pewaris) on allegations of ‘sedition’. Earlier on the same day, Wong had urged Malaysians to wear black on 7 May to protest what he described as “the ongoing Perak coup” by the Barisan Nasional government. He was eventually released 60 hours before his scheduled appointment to speak at CIJ's forum.For Wong, his recent detention appeared merely the last straw in a legacy of oppression and constraint. He pulled no punches, asserting that without dissent and dialogue, legitimate elections could never be possible. “If there’s any Special Branch here, take this in,” he challenged. “Without elections, the government would be equivalent to the Mafia. They control territory, they extract money, they do not allow anyone living in their territory to refuse to pay money. The only thing distinguishing one from the other is that, with the government, the people have the right to control who controls them.”
When pressed about the legitimacy of the actions that put him behind bars, Wong exhibited uncompromising resolve. “How do you define ‘disaffection'?” he asked, referring to the statutory terminology of the Sedition Act. “The definition is so vague, you can put anyone behind bars! I have to thank the police for making the point so clear. I didn’t ask anyone to do anything! I didn't ask anyone to shout any slogan. I didn't even ask anyone to go to Ipoh...I merely asked people to wear black to show their unhappiness.”For Yeoh, the government’s purported willingness to change simply didn’t line up with the facts. “You have [Information Minister] Rais Yatim saying ‘a diplomatic approach is needed in dealing with private media corps and bloggers,’ while in the same breath saying ‘we have to take legal action against hardcore perpetrators,’ whatever that means. I’m not sure that this reflects the attitude of an administration committed to reform,” she said, to laughter and wide applause.
The discussion centered on the notion of legal and institutional change as a means to media reform, calling for the repeal of laws like the Internal Security Act, the Official Secrets Act, the Sedition Act, and the Printing Presses and Publications Act in order to pave the way for change. It also emphasised the importance of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Media Freedom to objectively evaluate the contemporary media climate in an open consultative process that will include participation from all stakeholders. But the recommendations weren’t exclusively top-down in nature.
“We need to start looking at options like community newspapers, community radio,” said Yeoh. “Radio is very powerful at the kampung level. And journalists have a very powerful role to play—try not to self-censor too much, to push the line as far as you can. Use the words of reform that are being supposedly espoused by Najib and his gang to challenge your editors.” Yeoh acknowledged, however, that many of these steps were difficult or impossible without corresponding legislative action.
The panellists appeared surprisingly optimistic, however, in spite of these obstacles. For forum moderator Vanitha Nadaraj, this optimism was born out of recognition of common goals.
“We all have one dream: To make Malaysia a better place,” she concluded.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wong Chin Huat will be speaking this Sunday
Spokeperson for the '1BlackMalaysia' campaign, Wong Chin Huat, will speak as scheduled at the forum 'Media Under Najib: Hope or Disappointment'.
Wong was freed at 3:40pm on 8 May after being remanded since 5 May under the Sedition Act.
Join Wong, other speakers Zaharom Nain and Tricia Yeoh, moderator Vanitha Nadaraj and other guests this Sunday!
Wong was freed at 3:40pm on 8 May after being remanded since 5 May under the Sedition Act.
Join Wong, other speakers Zaharom Nain and Tricia Yeoh, moderator Vanitha Nadaraj and other guests this Sunday!
Newsflash: Chin Huat Released
Detained political analyst and social activist, Wong Chin Huat, was just released from police custody at 3.40 pm on police bail. He maintains that his arrest is an attempt at intimidation and a warning against those who had planned to gather in Ipoh yesterday to protest against the convening of the State Assembly from wearing black and showing dissent.
The police apparently took action after a report by the non-governmental organisation PEWARIS.
Chin Huat has been asked to report back to the police on 22 May, 2009 and both his computer as well as his USB flash drive had been confiscated.
Chin Huat is also due to speak during this Sunday's public forum: Media Under Najib: Hope or Disappointment. We will keep you updated on any latest developments.
Monday, May 4, 2009
CIJ, WAMI: Time for a Road Map on Media Freedom for Democracy
Press Release
3 May 2009
Malaysians Demand for Media Freedom on World Press Freedom Day 2009
CIJ, WAMI: Time for a Road Map on Media Freedom for Democracy
3 May 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: The time is right for reforms in media freedom and freedom of expression as the Malaysian public grows more discerning and demanding for a freer and more democratic society.
In commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2009, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI) call on Prime Minister Najib Razak to reveal a road map on media freedom for democracy, which entails immediate halt to any form of censorship of news, views and opinions, and to suspend the use of the licensing provision in the Printing Presses and Publications Act that gives the government arbitrary powers in deciding the terms for publications.
CIJ and WAMI also would like to remind the State Governments that it is high time reforms were put in place involving media and access to information laws.
Despite the strong message delivered by voters in the 12th general elections, rejecting censorship and control of media and information, and delivering a severe blow to the Federal Government under Barisan Nasional (BN), the latter has not taken any concrete steps to demonstrate its openness to change.
The latest restriction on Internet media by the BN-led Perak state from its Legislative Assembly scheduled on the May 7, is grossly inconsistent with the “1Malaysia” concept propounded by the new Prime Minister. We note worryingly that despite the rhetoric of openness in “1Malaysia”, the new PM administration is reversing the former PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's recognition to professionally-run Internet media by regularly restricting them from covering official functions.
In addition, the Federal government is implicitly threatening bloggers and online commentators with the Communication and Multimedia Act (CMA) and the Internal Security Act (ISA). This is evident as the new Information Minister Rais Yatim expounds "diplomatic" engagement with bloggers, his Ministry actively take action against those who criticized the Perak Royal House online using the CMA. The ISA was also memorably invoked in September 2008 against prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Selangor state Exco Teresa Kok and journalist Tan Hoon Cheng. Raja Petra is now in hiding, fearing a third detention under the law.
“We expect to see a road map presented to the public by August that contains plans and timelines for what will be done to reform the areas of media freedom and access to information. We want to know when and not if, the government will begin its review of the laws that affect freedom of expression," said CIJ Executive Director V. Gayathry.
“Following this, by November, the government should table a bill to amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act to provide for a one-time registration for media outlets and to reinstate/include judicial review of the Minister's decision with regard to issuance of permit. At the same time Najib should first set up a Parliamentary Select Committee to review media laws," said Wong Chin Huat.
Ends
Issued by
Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director, CIJ
and
Wong Chin Huat
Chairman, WAMI
For more information please contact Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772
ROAD MAP ON MEDIA FREEDOM FOR DEMOCRACY : A PEOPLE'S DEMAND
DEADLINE: IMMEDIATE
No Censorship
Suspend the use of the licensing provision in the Printing Presses and Publications Act on newspapers and publications to demonstrate goodwill on the part of the ruling government to lessen its control and censorship of information and expression through the media. In addition, the government should commit to no censorship of news, views and opinions in public fora, the broadcast media and online spaces.
3 Months
DEADLINE: AUGUST 2009
Road Map on Reforms Presented to the Public
The Federal and State Governments should present their road map on reforms proposed in the area of promoting media freedom and citizen's access to public information, to the public. Talks of reforms are pointless if they are not supported by concrete steps and measures that the public can assess and measure the political parties against.
6 Months
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 2009
Amendments to the PPPA
Efforts are put in place to table amendments to the PPPA by the end of the year to provide that (a) all media outlets only need to register with the Ministry without printing license or annual publishing permit; (b) and the judicial review is reinstated.
Setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Media Law Reform
An InterParliamentary Select Committee on Media Law Reform should be set up within the next six months that will monitor the state of freedom of information and expression in Malaysia and initiative a public participation process to review the laws that have a negativ impact on media freedom and freedom of expression. Among others, the Select Committee can begin by reviewing laws such as the PPPA, the Official Secrets Act, Sedition Act and the Internal Security Act for repeal, amend laws such as the Communications and Multimedia Act, and enacting a Right to Information Law.
1 – 2 years
DEADLINE: MAY 2011
Enactment of a Right to Information Law
Globally, over 80 countries have adopted the right to information law and Malaysia is not among the trend setters. This law is imperative for any efforts to have good and clean governments and where the citizens can enjoy full acceess to public information. The enactment of the right to information law should also involve a thorough amendment or complete repeal of the Official Secrets Act.
3 May 2009
Malaysians Demand for Media Freedom on World Press Freedom Day 2009
CIJ, WAMI: Time for a Road Map on Media Freedom for Democracy
3 May 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: The time is right for reforms in media freedom and freedom of expression as the Malaysian public grows more discerning and demanding for a freer and more democratic society.
In commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2009, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI) call on Prime Minister Najib Razak to reveal a road map on media freedom for democracy, which entails immediate halt to any form of censorship of news, views and opinions, and to suspend the use of the licensing provision in the Printing Presses and Publications Act that gives the government arbitrary powers in deciding the terms for publications.
CIJ and WAMI also would like to remind the State Governments that it is high time reforms were put in place involving media and access to information laws.
Despite the strong message delivered by voters in the 12th general elections, rejecting censorship and control of media and information, and delivering a severe blow to the Federal Government under Barisan Nasional (BN), the latter has not taken any concrete steps to demonstrate its openness to change.
The latest restriction on Internet media by the BN-led Perak state from its Legislative Assembly scheduled on the May 7, is grossly inconsistent with the “1Malaysia” concept propounded by the new Prime Minister. We note worryingly that despite the rhetoric of openness in “1Malaysia”, the new PM administration is reversing the former PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's recognition to professionally-run Internet media by regularly restricting them from covering official functions.
In addition, the Federal government is implicitly threatening bloggers and online commentators with the Communication and Multimedia Act (CMA) and the Internal Security Act (ISA). This is evident as the new Information Minister Rais Yatim expounds "diplomatic" engagement with bloggers, his Ministry actively take action against those who criticized the Perak Royal House online using the CMA. The ISA was also memorably invoked in September 2008 against prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Selangor state Exco Teresa Kok and journalist Tan Hoon Cheng. Raja Petra is now in hiding, fearing a third detention under the law.
“We expect to see a road map presented to the public by August that contains plans and timelines for what will be done to reform the areas of media freedom and access to information. We want to know when and not if, the government will begin its review of the laws that affect freedom of expression," said CIJ Executive Director V. Gayathry.
“Following this, by November, the government should table a bill to amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act to provide for a one-time registration for media outlets and to reinstate/include judicial review of the Minister's decision with regard to issuance of permit. At the same time Najib should first set up a Parliamentary Select Committee to review media laws," said Wong Chin Huat.
Ends
Issued by
Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director, CIJ
and
Wong Chin Huat
Chairman, WAMI
For more information please contact Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772
ROAD MAP ON MEDIA FREEDOM FOR DEMOCRACY : A PEOPLE'S DEMAND
DEADLINE: IMMEDIATE
No Censorship
Suspend the use of the licensing provision in the Printing Presses and Publications Act on newspapers and publications to demonstrate goodwill on the part of the ruling government to lessen its control and censorship of information and expression through the media. In addition, the government should commit to no censorship of news, views and opinions in public fora, the broadcast media and online spaces.
3 Months
DEADLINE: AUGUST 2009
Road Map on Reforms Presented to the Public
The Federal and State Governments should present their road map on reforms proposed in the area of promoting media freedom and citizen's access to public information, to the public. Talks of reforms are pointless if they are not supported by concrete steps and measures that the public can assess and measure the political parties against.
6 Months
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 2009
Amendments to the PPPA
Efforts are put in place to table amendments to the PPPA by the end of the year to provide that (a) all media outlets only need to register with the Ministry without printing license or annual publishing permit; (b) and the judicial review is reinstated.
Setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Media Law Reform
An InterParliamentary Select Committee on Media Law Reform should be set up within the next six months that will monitor the state of freedom of information and expression in Malaysia and initiative a public participation process to review the laws that have a negativ impact on media freedom and freedom of expression. Among others, the Select Committee can begin by reviewing laws such as the PPPA, the Official Secrets Act, Sedition Act and the Internal Security Act for repeal, amend laws such as the Communications and Multimedia Act, and enacting a Right to Information Law.
1 – 2 years
DEADLINE: MAY 2011
Enactment of a Right to Information Law
Globally, over 80 countries have adopted the right to information law and Malaysia is not among the trend setters. This law is imperative for any efforts to have good and clean governments and where the citizens can enjoy full acceess to public information. The enactment of the right to information law should also involve a thorough amendment or complete repeal of the Official Secrets Act.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
CIJ is distributing WPFD Memorabila!
On May 3, which is the globally designated World Press Freedom Day, CIJ will be handling out memorabila for press freedom lovers to commemorate and spread the message of press freedom and free expression. There will window stickers, posters and leaflets up for grabs! Catch us at:Date: 3 May 2009
Venue: Central Market, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Come and take as many "freedom memorabilas" as you want and help spread the word!
Media Under Najib Forum: Speaker Profile (Wong Chin Huat)
Wong Chin Huat
Wong Chin Huat is the Chair of the Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI), an advocacy group for free and competitive media environment formed after the political takeover of Nanyang Press by the ruling Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) in 2001.
He is also a founding member of Civil Society Initiative for Parliamentary Reform (CSI@Parliament), a group of social activists working with lawmakers on legal, institutional and policy changes including Freedom of Information Act at both federal and state levels.
A political scientist by training and a journalism lecturer by trade, Wong Chin Huat is based in Monash University Sunway Campus. He is completing his PhD on electoral system and party system in West Malaysia at University of Essex, UK.
He is also a founding member of Civil Society Initiative for Parliamentary Reform (CSI@Parliament), a group of social activists working with lawmakers on legal, institutional and policy changes including Freedom of Information Act at both federal and state levels.
A political scientist by training and a journalism lecturer by trade, Wong Chin Huat is based in Monash University Sunway Campus. He is completing his PhD on electoral system and party system in West Malaysia at University of Essex, UK.
Media Under Najib Forum: Speaker Profile (Tricia Yeoh)
Tricia Yeoh
Tricia Yeoh is attached to the Selangor Menteri Besar’s Office as Research Officer. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce in Econometrics from Monash University and a Masters in Research Methodology from the University of Warwick.
She was previously the Director of the Centre for Public Policy Studies, at which she now sits as Member of its Advisory Panel. At the CPPS she was conducting socioeconomic research and analysis on a range of public policy issues, including national unity, young Malaysians, budget transparency and development. .
She was also Asia-Pacific Regional Co-ordinator, acting as consultant to the Revenue Watch Institute, an international non-governmental organization based in New York, working on transparency of the extractive industry together with civil society organizations and governments in Southeast Asia.
Her current work involves working on research and coordination of policies to be implemented for the State of Selangor. This includes social and economic policies that require input and engagements with the private sector, academia, civil society and the media. Her opinions as political analyst have been quoted by a range of international media, including Al-Jazeera, Bloomberg, the International Herald Tribune, the New York Times, The Economist magazine, and local media including the Sun, The New Straits Times and the Star.
She has represented Malaysia in a number of international conferences, presenting papers on the issues of economics, human rights, transparency and accountability amongst others. Former columnist at The Nut Graph, she attempts to maintain a blog, but otherwise writes opinion pieces in local media when time permits.
She is member of the National Human Rights Society, HAKAM, and is founding member of Oriental Hearts and Mind Study Institute (OHMSI) and Revolution of Hope (ROH), the latter two organizations as bodies bridging the divide between intellectual public policy and Christian theology for the sake of national unity. Her ultimate objective is to build a mature and developed Malaysian society.
Tricia Yeoh is attached to the Selangor Menteri Besar’s Office as Research Officer. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce in Econometrics from Monash University and a Masters in Research Methodology from the University of Warwick.She was previously the Director of the Centre for Public Policy Studies, at which she now sits as Member of its Advisory Panel. At the CPPS she was conducting socioeconomic research and analysis on a range of public policy issues, including national unity, young Malaysians, budget transparency and development. .
She was also Asia-Pacific Regional Co-ordinator, acting as consultant to the Revenue Watch Institute, an international non-governmental organization based in New York, working on transparency of the extractive industry together with civil society organizations and governments in Southeast Asia.
Her current work involves working on research and coordination of policies to be implemented for the State of Selangor. This includes social and economic policies that require input and engagements with the private sector, academia, civil society and the media. Her opinions as political analyst have been quoted by a range of international media, including Al-Jazeera, Bloomberg, the International Herald Tribune, the New York Times, The Economist magazine, and local media including the Sun, The New Straits Times and the Star.
She has represented Malaysia in a number of international conferences, presenting papers on the issues of economics, human rights, transparency and accountability amongst others. Former columnist at The Nut Graph, she attempts to maintain a blog, but otherwise writes opinion pieces in local media when time permits.
She is member of the National Human Rights Society, HAKAM, and is founding member of Oriental Hearts and Mind Study Institute (OHMSI) and Revolution of Hope (ROH), the latter two organizations as bodies bridging the divide between intellectual public policy and Christian theology for the sake of national unity. Her ultimate objective is to build a mature and developed Malaysian society.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Media Under Najib Forum: Speaker Profile (Zaharom Nain)
Zaharom Nain
Zaharom Nain is an associate professor of communications at the Centre for Policy Research and International Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has been teaching at USM for more than two decades, after receiving his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Communication Studies from Coventry University and the University of Leicester, England.
He is co-editor of two books, Communication and Development: The Freirean Connection (Hampton: 2001) and Who Owns The Media: Global Trends and Local Resistances (Zed/Southbound: 2004) and has authored more than 80 book chapters, journal articles and conference papers.
He has been a consultant to the Geneva-based United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Malaysian agencies such as PETRONAS and the Malaysian Institute for Economic Research (MIER).
He was awarded a Fulbright Professorship to lecture in the University of California, San Diego (1998-1999), a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship to conduct research at Sophia University, Tokyo (1995) and was a Visiting Fellow in 2004 at Simon Fraser University (Canada), the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne (USA) and the University of Utah (USA).
His background and research interests are in the sociology of communications and the political economy of the media. He is presently co-editing a volume of critical studies on the media and popular culture in Asia and conducting research on the media and Malaysia-Singapore relationships. This October, he will again be in the United States as a Fulbright Specialist, principally in the state of Vermont, speaking in a variety of settings.
He believes he writes better than he speaks, having contributed columns to Malaysian newspapers such as The Star and the New Straits Times, and alternative media, such as Malaysiakini, The Nutgraph and Aliran Monthly.
He is a member of Aliran and is privileged to have served on Aliran’s exco and editorial board for a couple of terms.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
WPFD2009- Public Forum on "Media Under Najib: Hope or Disappointment"
Dear friends,
World Press Freedom Day is back again! The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is celebrating it on this 10 May. In the last 6 years, CIJ has commemorated this day, which falls on 3 May, through public activities that included exhibitions, talks and concerts. This year, we will be organising a public forum at the Annexe, Central Market on 10 May, on the topic "Media Under Najib: Hope or Disappointment".
The panel speakers are:
World Press Freedom Day is back again! The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is celebrating it on this 10 May. In the last 6 years, CIJ has commemorated this day, which falls on 3 May, through public activities that included exhibitions, talks and concerts. This year, we will be organising a public forum at the Annexe, Central Market on 10 May, on the topic "Media Under Najib: Hope or Disappointment".
The panel speakers are:
- Associate Professor of Communication Studies at the Science University of Malaysia, Mr. Zaharom Nain
- Political analyst and Chairman of Writers Alliance for Media Independence, Mr. Wong Chin Huat
- Special Assistant to Selangor state Chief Minister, Ms Tricia Yeoh
The forum will touch on, among others:
- Exploring the prime minister's options viz-a-viz clamours for reform on one side and calls for entrenchment of the status quo on another
- Current and future trends that may affect or involve the media and free expression.
- What Malaysia needs badly in terms of reform on press freedom and expression and whether Najib can deliver them
Date: 10 May 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Venue: Annex Gallery, Central Market
Join us for a lively discussion! See you there!
For more information please call Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772 or email waifong@cijmalaysia.org
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