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, year the world will remember assassinated journalists.
Last year....
Last year, when the Centre for Independent Journalism thought about organising an event to mark WPFD, we realised that there were so few opportunities for independent bands to perform in KL. No thanks to certain quarters that think our indy bands are the source of the moral decadence in Malaysia, bands have a difficult time finding places to perform.
So, we decided to get them to perform for WPFD under the banner of `FREE VOICES', and what better place than Central Market. We're not bragging but I think 21 indy bands performing over the weekend in June last year was fantastic. Thanks to those who blogged about the performances – Lainie, wastedtalent, Joe Kidd.
Broken Scar at Free Voices concert in 2006
Crowd at Central Market
This year...
We are expanding the celebrations a little. We are calling it the People's Arts Fest to feature all types of spoken and written words, illustrations and expressions to symbolise freedom of expression.
And we are back in Central Market and are lucky to be able to use their new and flashy stage at the main entrance.
So, come with your friends and family, take part in the workshops or enjoy the performances. While you're there, learn a thing or two about DIY activism, what's cool and what's not about freedom of expression and media freedom in Malaysia.
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