So, all over the blogosphere and throughout the country, many people have been darn pissed off with the mainstream media or MSM. Especially during the GE2008 when reports are often skewed and BN was made to look like angels descended from heaven to save all humankind. Well, not in those exact words, but you get my gist.
While many have taken the defensive by declaring a boycott of the MSM including this guy who seemed to had it in for The Star, some others, including this blogger, were not so extreme.
Sure, I do hate the MSM for their piddly efforts in fair reporting but I am well aware of the Printing Presses Act. I’ve read so much about this stupid Act that I know for a fact that the media are controlled by the government because of this Act. Just look at what they did with Makkal Osai. Having your job taken from you overnight without compensation is no joke! Luckily, they relented and issued the permit after so many calls/ protests from all quarters.
However, the implications of such an act is there. It frightened the workers there. I am sure it also frighten all the other MSM into more acceptable behaviour except for The Sun which continued on with their critical columns and news of the BN government and its extravagances, recently being the Balqis issue. It is too bad that not many people reads the newspaper. The exposes by Nadeswaran and Terence Fernandez are really good and shows a good example of how journalism should be in this country. However, due to their investigative journalism, they have been questioned by the police. You can read all about it on Nadeswaran’s column yesterday.
These strong-arm tactics just goes to show that the federal BN government will do whatever it takes to silence any and if possible, all bad press about them. They use the draconian Printing Presses Act and if that doesn’t work, they use the dictatorial ISA and OSA as threats.
Thus the last weekend of World Press Freedom Day is a real joke in Malaysia. It does not exist in any way and is probably the least significant day amongst all. Just look at Raja Petra. He runs an online news portal but has since been charged for Sedition. A blogger was also similarly charged.
It is really high time that the do away with the Printing Presses Act, ISA and OSA and move forward. They should not fear criticisms or ‘bad press’ as these will only serve to keep them in check. With freedom of press, the media will then be the real voice of the people as they would then be free to report the truths out there.
Not more half-truths, no more ‘beautification works’ on reports of certain individuals. It is high time that the BN realises that they can’t gag and blind the citizens by this way for there is always a loophole. People will always find a way to hear and see.
So, it is indeed commendable that the Penang state government plans to start the ball rolling by proposing to table a Freedom of Information legislation come July’s state assembly. I do hope that they finally succeed in convincing the federal government to follow in their footsteps.
What we really need now is for the gags on the media to be completely removed.
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