World Press Freedom Day (Malaysia)

Fweet for press freedom!

2011-05-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

The theme this year is “21st century media: New frontiers, new barriers”. However, in Malaysia, old barriers, especially repressive laws, continue to hamper both old and new media from serving the public interest. It’s time for the people need to stake their claim on new media and reclaim traditional media. On World Press Freedom Day, show your support and make your voices heard in a Fweet (

From perpetuating conflict to promoting peace: the Maluku media experience

2010-05-13T02:47:00.000-07:00

The power and responsibility of media as well as the need for media plurality were brought home in a most compelling way during a forum organised by the Centre for Independent Journalism Malaysia, when an Indonesian journalist shared her personal experiences in reporting the civil conflict between Christians and Muslims in the Maluku province.Insany Syahbarwaty, who heads the Maluku Media Centre,

Media sebagai penjana konflik; media sebagai pendamai: Pengalaman di Maluku

2010-05-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

Kuasa dan tanggungjawab media serta keperluan untuk kepelbagaian media ditekankan oleh seorang wartawan Indonesia ketika berkongsi pengalamannya dalam melaporkan konflik persaudaraan antara penganut Kristian dan Islam di kawasan Maluku.Insany Syahbarwaty, yang mengetuai Pusat Media Maluku, menceritakan kepada forum anjuran Pusat Kewartawanan Bebas Malaysia bagaimana media berubah daripada reaktif

CIJ's forum on peace journalism gets a place in 'The Sun'

2010-05-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

The Sun report on the forum quoted all speakers and did a fair job of informing the purpose, not forgetting the launch of the 2009 annual review on freedom of expression in Malaysia by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ).It highlighted Maluku journalist Insany Syahbawarti's personal epiphany regarding the importance of doing one's job as a journalist first and foremost. "During the

Forum reported in BERNAMA

2010-05-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

National news agency BERNAMA's report captured guest speaker Insany Syahbarwati's points really well. Sinar Harian too published BERNAMA's report.Among Insany's points:"Media pula ada menyampaikan berita yang provokatif dan secara jelas menyebabkan masyarakat terus beremosi selain memberi akibat buruk kepada perkembangan perdamaian di Maluku."And her parting shot, during which you can almost hear

AFP report on CIJ's annual review

2010-05-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Malaysia Today published a report by news wire AFP about Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) Malaysia's annual review for 2009, which was launched on 8 May concurrent with our World Press Freedom Day forum.Intrigued by AFP's report? Want to know more? Download CIJ's annual review in full here.

Pictures from the CIJ Forum and Launch of 2009 Annual Review

2010-05-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

The panel (from left): Insany Syahbarwati, Jacqueline Ann Surin, Dr Mustafa K Anuar and Prangtip Daoreung, with CIJ's Executive Officer Masjaliza Hamzah (middle) who acted as moderator.

From the Facebook of CIJ's Executive Officer Masjaliza Hamzah

2010-05-08T16:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who attended and supported the Centre for Independent Journalism World Forum on Building Peace Across Communities to commemorate World Press Freedom Day on 8 May. Good turnout for a Saturday morning event (50+, including a journalism lecturer from Taylor's College in Kuala Lumpur who brought his students along!).People stayed on for 2.5 hours listening to the panellists -- Insany

CIJ tells BFM radio what WPFD is about and why M'sia ranks low in press freedom

2010-05-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) Executive Officer Masjaliza Hamzah explains to BFM radio what WPFD is about, drawing as example some of the recent threats faced by journalists in Malaysia and where we stand in the world in terms of press freedom. On the prevalence of self-censorship in newsrooms, she explains how that came about (it's something to do with whom we elect as MPs - i.e.

Blogger Walski, on media as a "race barometer"

2010-05-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Walski! For blogging about the WPFD forum organised by the Centre for Independent Journalism's (CIJ). He says: "...what the media has to say about the health of race relations, and more importantly, how it chooses to report race-related matters in Malaysia, play an important role in shaping our own opinion with regards to race relations. “Reality” is many times shaped by how we view it."

Take action for our press freedom!

2010-05-05T03:40:00.000-07:00

We had little reason to celebrate the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May. Rather, two cases of self-censorship, in deference to the 'sensitivities' of the government of the day, were exposed just days before that: Joshua Wong, an award-winning TV journalist, chose to sacrifice his job and position to stay true to an important journalistic principle - independence from the subjects; and

The media as peacemaker?

2010-04-30T02:23:00.000-07:00

For the 2010 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebration, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is aiming to do something different. While work on legal reform and raising awareness of the continued threats against journalists and the media continue, we thought that in view of the rise of ethno-nationalist groups and violent actions by unknown individuals - and even clearly identifiable ones

CIJ presents memo to Suhakam

2009-09-18T04:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Promises Not Realities, Cautions Media Panel

2009-05-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

by Zac HillThe 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

Wong Chin Huat will be speaking this Sunday

2009-05-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

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!

Newsflash: Chin Huat Released

2009-05-08T02:16:00.000-07:00

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

CIJ, WAMI: Time for a Road Map on Media Freedom for Democracy

2009-05-04T01:11:00.001-07:00

Press Release3 May 2009Malaysians Demand for Media Freedom on World Press Freedom Day 2009CIJ, WAMI: Time for a Road Map on Media Freedom for Democracy3 May 2009KUALA 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

CIJ is distributing WPFD Memorabila!

2009-04-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

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 2009Venue: Central Market, Kuala LumpurTime: 1:00 - 3:00 pmCome and take as many "freedom memorabilas" as

Media Under Najib Forum: Speaker Profile (Wong Chin Huat)

2009-04-30T01:33:00.000-07:00

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

Media Under Najib Forum: Speaker Profile (Tricia Yeoh)

2009-04-30T00:50:00.000-07:00

Tricia YeohTricia 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

Media Under Najib Forum: Speaker Profile (Zaharom Nain)

2009-04-29T04:37:00.000-07:00

Zaharom NainZaharom 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,

WPFD2009- Public Forum on "Media Under Najib: Hope or Disappointment"

2009-04-28T00:32:00.000-07:00

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:

World Press Freedom Day Photos

2008-05-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

After an incredibly successful World Press Freedom Day Weekend, the photos have arrived! If you weren't able to make it out to the event, or if you were there and want some photos to help remember it by, we highly recommend taking a look at our flickr account for the rest of our photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26501513@N03/sets/.One of the most successful elements of the event was the

Roadmap to Media Freedom successfully defined!

2008-05-07T04:53:00.000-07:00

The two-day World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebration organized by CIJ concluded successfully with a remarkable increase in participation and interest in media freedom issues among the public. They came and asked questions, engaged with our fellow panelists during the two rounds of talks, filled up all slots on the signature sheets for the WPFD petition, spoke up on what they aspired for the

Media Independence Survey

2008-05-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

As one of the all day activities happening at the Annexe, CIJ will be running a poll on Malaysians' perception on media independence in the country. Collaborating with polling firm Merdeka Centre, this survey is a major project to gauge public understanding of media independence and to what degree they think it exists in the local media. We are looking at a sample size of 1500 people and that's

Interactive Exhibition - Media for the New Era

2008-05-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

How is the future Malaysian media going to be? Our exhibition will be showcasing some glimpses of the future media - from your point of view. Yes, you. Our wall will be the space for you to express your media wish list. Like the holed sheet in the picture, we would like the public to fill up the blanks with their expectations and needs. After all, a the purpose of the free media is to serve the

What Does Press Freedom Mean to You?

2008-04-30T02:12:00.000-07:00

What does Press Freedom mean to you? We asked this question to local journalists and citizens, as well as international media advocates. Here's what they had to say...

Writers for Women's Rights Workshop

2008-04-29T03:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever disagreed with or felt angry about something a politician, or a reporter said or did, and wanted to raise your concerns but didn't know how? Have you ever felt like you have something to say about an issue, but didn't know who to tell? Come and see how you can use the media to voice your concerns, and bring about change. Learn how to write a letter to the editor, and make your voice

May 4: Towards Media Law Reform-Speakers' Profile

2008-04-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

Teo Nie ChingTeo Nie Ching is the new member of Parliament for Serdang, and one of the eight-member team of MPs to table the Freedom of Information Act Bill in the parliament. Nie Ching is a lawyer and has been active in politics and human rights issue. Politics runs deep in her family. Her father was the secretary of the DAP Labis Campaign Committee, and her sister and brother-in-law are the

Setting the stage for WPFD

2008-04-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

The 12th General Elections have presented some interesting opportunities and a platform to reiterate some of the issues related to freedom of expression that have been highlighted in the past. The most notable was the extent to which the newspapers echoed the Barisan Nasional propoganda before and during the elections campaign, and possibly in ways that did more damage to the party. Readers have

May 3: Towards Ethical Media- Speakers' Profile

2008-04-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Zainon AhmadZAINON Ahmad is the political editor and consultant editor of theSun. Before joining theSun in 2002, he was the assistant group editor of the New Straits Times. Zainon also conducts training for jounalists and serves as media consultant in Malaysia and abroad. He was a visiting fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Boston, and holds a masters degree in history. His

WPFD update

2008-04-25T04:08:00.000-07:00

The annual World Press Freedom Day is drawing near on May 3. This year, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is organizing a two-day event inviting Malaysians to shape the road map to media freedom. If, as people say, all roads lead to Rome, what sort of direction would you, as Malaysians, want to see the media take? How do the stakeholders, i.e media practitioners, and political leaders

World Press Freedom Day Ideas and Contributions..

2008-01-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

Hie there readers,Well the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) is coming up, and i would love to get some new and interesting ideas about activities that we can actually do to make the event a successful one. Success in this matter is referred to the idea of making the public more aware about their freedom to express their feelings and their thoughts out into the world. Here are some of the ideas that

Getting ideas for WPFD2008

2007-12-19T19:51:00.000-08:00

Hi all,We know we are a bit early, but better to start thinking soon of what to do next year. CIJ is open to ideas on how we can celebrate World Press Freedom Day. We have some ideas, like organising gigs in different places, a press freedom tour and exhibition, people's forum and handing a memo to Suhakam, just to remind them that they haven't done much about promoting press freedom in Malaysia

Pictures from WPFD People's Arts Fest

2007-05-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

The instant expert goes instantly!The ComeBack Kings "teaching" the public about press freedomExhibition on communication rightsAt the poetry reading session...Han, Melissa and SharonZunar and his political cartoons50 years on...the untold stories of workersMei Chern playing at the concert A real troubadour...off the plan and on to the stage! Azmyl Yunor

Malaysiakini.com: Press freedom or nothing at all

2007-05-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

By Bede Hong7 May 2007The children were tasked to draw anything they wanted. Freedom of expression. From self portraits to seashells, the results were as varied as the opinions of adults that hovered over them.As many parts of the world observed World Press Freedom Day last Thursday, it passed without a major blip on Malaysia’s calender.The few who did pay attention converged at the Central

In case you missed the flyer...

2007-05-05T04:47:00.000-07:00

Drawing in kids to express themselves

2007-05-05T04:39:00.000-07:00

By Chai MLThe painting clearly shows a smug, white cat bathed in a background of light and dark brown hues. The painter Tan See Ling asked me what I thought of it.A non-connoisseur’s reply?Simple. The use of soft pastel colours coupled with short, delicate brush strokes which make up the cat, and a pink ribbon wrapped around its neck show a painting lavished in feminine touches. A contented

Talk on critical cartoons by Zunar

2007-05-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

Political cartoonist Zunar will be having a special discussion on critical cartoons on Sunday 6 May from 5pm - 7pm at the Annexe@Central Market. Zunar has published his collection titled "Cartoons on Tun...and others" Followers of Zunar from his early days in Gila-Gila, Berita Harian and now Malaysiakini will be able to chat with him on the use of critical cartoons as part of their freedom of

Activism your own way

2007-05-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

D.I.Y Aktivisma!What in the world is an activist? Do you need a collective? Must you join an NGO? Is it necessary to have lots of button badges, chant slogans and hang out at demos?Uhm… we don't really know. But we reckon activism is whatever happens when someone does, says or thinks of something that doesn't just involve the individual, but the larger context that we exist in. Something about

Coverage in The Star Metro

2007-04-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

CentralMonday April 30, 2007Highlighting press freedom through the artsBy CHARLES FERNANDEZWORLD Press Freedom Day (WPFD) will be celebrated at Central Market on May 5 and 6 and the public can learn about press freedom and freedom of expression through the arts. This year’s event, themed Saving Journalists, will feature theatre performances, workshops, poetry readings, film screenings and music

Finalised programme

2007-04-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday 5 MayThe launch of People's Art Fest by CIJ will be held at noon with a book launch and an opening act by the ComeBack Kings11am Art for kids by Tan See Ling12-6pmDIY and BBB Cultural Group (t-shirts)1pm Poetry Reading3pm Film Screening4pm DIY Activism by katagender6pm Wayang kadbod by Komuniti Anak Seni Kg. Berembang7.30pm Music Concert -Peter Brown (7.30pm) -Tan Sei Hon (8pm)-

Shanon live at Central Market

2007-04-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Who can resist the charming, witty, funny yet superbly talented Shanon Shah, the winner of the Most Promising Artist Award at the 2003 Cameronian Arts Awards? Exactly, no one. So, don't fight any resistance streaks there and just come along to Central Market on 5 May (Saturday) where we will be having a night of concert, with Shanon as one of the performers.Shanon used to be a

Getting media coverage

2007-04-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Our press conference today was attended by journalists from Malaysiakini.com, The Star and Sin Chew. We are hoping to get some coverage in theSun as well, so keep a look out."Ok, feed them well before they ask all the questions."The p/c was conducted by Centre for Independent Journalism executive director Sonia Randhawa, Malaysiakini business development manager See Tho Chee Seong, TroubadoursKL

Flyer on WPFD

2007-04-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

Mei Chern takes to the stage on 6 May

2007-04-23T23:54:00.000-07:00

Mei Chern writes and sings mostly quiet and instrospective songs delivered with an earthy voice. "I think most singer-songwriters or musicians who love what they do have experienced being in that magical place of utter contentment while performing; some call it being in the zone, while others call it being home...or maybe that's just me." She first felt that while playing at a little student

What's happening when?

2007-04-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

We're still in the midst of finalising details of the programme, but we more or less know who's doing what and where:)5 May (Saturday)Main Stage Central MarketOpening at 12, with opening act by ComeBack Kings (young stand up comedy act)7.30pm onwards: performance by Tan Sei Hon, Kamasutra, Shanon Shah, Carburetor DungAnnexe@CM (Gallery)11am: Art Workshop for kids1pm: Poetry Reading 3pm: Film

Azmyl: Voice to inform and reform

2007-04-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

By Pathma SubramaniamSome people avow music as the pacifier for the soul. Others take it as amusement for the ears. For local musician and performer Azmyl Yunor, music is a voice; a voice to express, to educate, to inform and to reform.The panorama of the underground music in Malaysia is decidedly dedicated to self-expression and focused on addressing many impeding issues in the society. Azmyl is

ComeBack Kings to kick off WPFD

2007-04-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

By Adeline ChongWhat can a pest like a cockroach do? For most of us, it exists to torment us as we tuck into a hearty meal of nasi lemak. But the ComeBackKings, an energetic bunch of comedians, have actually turned our fears of vile, flying cockroaches into raucous laughter in their skit ‘Dance 101’, which credits the origins of dance to a single cockroach. There was such encouraging response for

Press Conference

2007-04-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

Media InviteWe are pleased to invite you to attend a press conference on the World Press Freedom Day celebrations. Details of the press conference are: Date: 25 April (Wednesday) Time: Noon Venue: Bau-bau Cafe, Annexe@Central Market, Kuala Lumpur. Joining us at the press conference are the ComeBack Kings, Zunar and Tan Sei Hon of TroubadoursKL.For more inquiries, call Gayathry at 016-3123478.

Correct me if I am right

2007-04-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting project to commemorate World Press Freedom Day. I stumbled across them when googling for WPFD - enough of the Unesco official portal. I wanted to see if anyone else had started any project for WPFD. It is based in Berlin and has contributors and similar projects worldwide, mainly in producing posters to send all kinds of messages. Many are similar to the Reporters Sans

International theme for WPFD 2007 – Save journalists

2007-04-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Are they becoming an endangered species? Well, in some parts of the world – YES!According to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalist, 580 journalists were killed in the line of duty between January 1992 and August 2006. Journalists are the especially at risk in conflict areas – in Iraq, 37 journalists were killed since the beginning of 2006 – but the CPJ and Reporters Sans Frontiers

The line-up

2007-04-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

Great names have been forced...oops...invited to make an appearance at this year's fest.Come and watch:The ComeBack KingsPak PandirAzmyl Yunor team up with Shanon Shah Other highlights:Workshops on radio production, artBook shopping with GerakbudayaForum on talking cartoons with ZunarD-I-Y t-shirts, stencils, silk screen Live tv with malaysiakinitv We are still talking to other GREAT people to

Arts fest to mark World Press Freedom Day 2007

2007-04-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Centre for Independent Journalism is working with malaysiakini.com and TroubadoursKL this year to celebrate World Press Freedom Day. So, what's that thinga..ma...jig?Well, it all started in 1993 when Unesco got the United Nations General Assembly to proclaim May 3 as WPFD. Since then, countries, journalists and other interest groups have been organising celebrations to mark the day. This,