(Week 1) Media Freedom In Malaysia

There're freedom of speech, but how about freedom after speech?

Malaysia is a multi-racial country, religious and racial isssue are extremely senstive in our country. Recently some religious words even prohibited to certain people, we are not suppose to 'mention'. Nowadays people rely on media regardless traditional media or alternative media to get latest news about our society and country. Hence, government is surveillance and put a close eye on media. Media will shape public mind, it will also form public opinion, and congnitive lead to behavior. 

Media freedom is a controversial topic, politcians from Pakatan Rakyat often accuse BN is not giving freedom for them to advertise their manifesto or advertisement. But i think it's not true at all, because i have seen their advertisement on newspaper, some even containing misleading. In Bukit Gelugor by election, DAP advertisement emphasize all the weaknesses of BN such as corruption, race equality and others, but there're one point i am not agree with it, it showing the missing of MH370 is a conspirancy that planned by BN. We can't accuse anything or anything without any evidence and prove. Don't try to fool the readers.

On the other hand, BN has more resources compare to Pakatan Rakyat. They often advertise their' contribution' on newspaper, they have utilize the media splendidly. I watched a video before, a minister warned reporter don't create issue or raise any issue that will harm government. Ha ha, are the reporter suppose to report what does government want us to know? or thing that we suppose to know? Frankly, the minister needs to educate himself. 

There're one issue that i would like to emphasize on, world press freedom index or global press freedom ranking, an indicator to Malaysia government, whether they are giving enough space to media or not, Malaysia government include the federal government and state government. Both side also need to take responsibility and initiative. from my point of view, the ranking is not so important, the important is our country stability. Our country is different from others country, one sensitive issue will put our country in risk. Malaysia is still young, we are still need time to develop our country and also media. Don't always blame media for not reporting the truth? how do define the truth? Readers tend to read things that are linked or match their preference.

References:
http://www.limkitsiang.com/archive/1999/Nov99/sg2078.htm

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/media-freedom-not-without-limits-says-minister