Free media 4 fair malaysia slidesharepresentation 4-15-13

Democracy in Democracy in MalaysiaMalaysia

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There can’t be free and fair elections without free and fair access to media

~ Masjaliza Hamzah, CIJ, 11 Apr 2013

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

This right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.

As members of the communication profession, journalists are to provide reliable information for everyone to take part in the democratic decision making process of a country.

~ National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia, 4 Apr 2013

Source: http://www.nujm.org/nuj/content/whats_new/wn_130404.pdf

Countries with high levels of government interference, however, are known to use state media:•to promote the regime in a favourable light,•vilify opposition to the government by launching smear campaigns•giving skewed coverage to opposition views, or•act as a mouthpiece to advocate a regime's ideology.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_media

In Malaysia, a proposal on electoral reforms suggests that the caretaker government should be prohibited from totally monopolising state media facilities e.g. such as RTM and Bernama News, Bernama Radio and Bernama Television

~ National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia, 25 Jan 2012

Source: http://www.nujm.org/nuj/content/press_release/20120125.pdf

In May 2012, Reporters Without Borders was concerned about the scant coverage received in Malaysia’s mainstream print media such as Utusan Malaysia, New Straits Times and The Star on a major civil society demonstration in Kuala Lumpur

It also condemned the use of violence against journalists during the demonstration, and the censorship of foreign TV coverage.

Source: http://en.rsf.org/malaisie-major-protest-prompts-attacks-on-05-05-2012,42567.html

Today, press freedom in Malaysia has dropped to a ranking of 145 out of 179 countries in the World Press Freedom Index.

“The slide is bad news not just for the media but for Malaysians as it means that the media's ability to bring news that's accurate, timely and fair has been compromised.”

Source: Malay Mail 31 JAN 2013 at http://www.mmail.com.my/story/malaysia-lowest-ever-press-freedom-index-46006

Although the media in Malaysia does not primarily decide the outcome of elections, its role in influencing the decision-making process of the electorate is crucial and needs to take place on a level playing field.

Media restriction that creates a lopsided situation where Pakatan parties have no way of responding to BN claims and attacks or making their case for being the next government is a deadly handicap.

~ Dr Lim Teck Ghee, Director, Centre for Policy Initiatives

Source: http://english.cpiasia.net/

“…access to information is a crucial part of an enabling environment in which the public and civil society organisations can participate in decision-making, and the media can report in the public interest and scrutinise wrongdoing and corruption in the public sector. It is, as a result, a key part of a sound development program, as well as being a human right.”

Source: http://cijmalaysia.org

“These requirements are much needed during an election period when it is important for voters to get reliable information about election issues and candidates and not public relations material — so they know who best to cast their votes for.”

Source: http://cijmalaysia.org

FreeFree22FairFairMalaysiaMalaysia @ Gmail . com @ Gmail . com

“Fast” from Unbalanced Sources

April 22 – 24, 2013

A 3-day "fast“. For example, if you believe that state-controlled media do not provide 50:50 balance, then for these 3 days, you can stop delivery of your newspapers, refrain from purchasing such media, and not watch these news channels for the 3 days.

More info: free2fairmalaysia.weebly.com

What Can You Do as Someone Living in Malaysia?What Can You Do as Someone Living in Malaysia?

Enjoy a Balanced Diet

Examples of News Media that currently have balanced coverage:

•TheMalaysianInsider.com

•BFM.my (BFM89.9 Radio)

•FreeMalaysiaToday.com

•fz.com

•TheEdgeMalaysia.com


Write to your PM & MPsJoin an online petition that calls upon the BN caretaker gov to:1.Ensure all political parties have free and fair access to state-owned media and the opposition be given sufficient air time, coverage and opportunity to rebut criticisms2.Ensure a series of at least 12 televised debates on key policy areas affecting the people and special sessions for smaller parties3.Assure privately owned media that there shall be no retaliation against those who give equal coverage to all contesting political parties.

Go to: http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/the-prime-minister-of-malaysia-dato-seri-najib-razak-demand-for-free-access-to-media-and-for-open-debate-during-the-13th-g-e


http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/the-prime-minister-of-malaysia-dato-seri-najib-razak-demand-for-free-access-to-media-and-for-open-debate-during-the-13th-g-e


This video is a non-profit effort to raise awareness for freedom of the media in Malaysia, and for free and fair elections. No funds were received for its creation, and the production is for non-commercial purpose only. If there is any objections to any sources used, please do email me at the address below, and effort will be made to review and make the necessary corrections.

Credits

Soundtrack from Song of Freedom from Dr Who; Composed by Murray Gold. Available on itunes.

Democracy in Democracy in MalaysiaMalaysia

AA FreeFree MediaMedia

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AA FairFair MalaysiaMalaysia

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Free media 4 fair malaysia slidesharepresentation 4-15-13