The Role of Press during Political Crisis

Beh Lih Yi, a member of FAN Malaysia, replicated the IAF training on press freedom in Kuala Lumpur on 26th August 2006 and placed a special emphasis on ‘The Role of Press during Political Crisis”.

The training was held at Malaysiakini office in Bangsar Utama, Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 26th August 2006. The objective of this training was to replicate the Freedom of Press Seminar held in Gummersbach, Germany. It facilitated the sharing of knowledge and experience gained from the academy.

The workshop utilised the participatory approach similar to the methodology used at the IAF. It gave participants the opportunity to express their opinions and views relating to Press Freedom in Malaysia.

After a brief introduction of Friedrich Naumann Foundation and Friedrich Naumann Foundation Alumni Network (FAN) Malaysia, participants were asked to introduce their partners and to write their expectations of the training. Among other feedbacks, the participants wanted to get exposure, they wanted to know about liberal ideas, and to obtain knowledge and enlightening experience. They were also interested to know what will be the follow up activity after this training programme.

What Is The Situation Of The Press In Malaysia? Beh Lih Yi asked participants to answer to three questions. Do you trust the newspaper you read, why? Most participants disagreed with the newspaper they read. What do you think are the most important issues that confront the media industry in Malaysia? Participants mentioned the censorship, the 35 laws that restrict press freedom and create fears in the media industry. Another important factor is the political ownership. Participants look at the emergence of the online media as an alternative way to get information. Lastly, how do you rate the media freedom in Malaysia? All participants agreed that the media in the country is not really free.

Selvi Gopal who attended seminars on Press Freedom in Gummersbach twice in 1996 and 2000, is also FAN member. She led a discussion on “Why Is It Important To Have Independent Press/Media?” Selvi argued that news on sports and entertainment cannot be disputed. However, they also manipulate and manufacture consent by diverting the attention of the consumers. Selvi revealed findings from a study of Reporters Without Borders where Malaysia’s press freedom ranks at position 113 in the world. On the top of the free media list are Denmark (1) and Finland (2). Selvi identified positive and negative roles of the media. The positive role is to inform, entertain, enlighten, whereby the negative role is to gain profits. Since media enterprises are commercial entities and profit-driven, their news are becoming less important.

What is “The Role of Press during Political Crisis?” asked Fathi Aris Omar. Participants were divided into two groups to answer this question. The debate was lively and pointed in the direction that the press is to report the truth whatever the current situation. The press should give the same level of coverage to both sides of an argument, letting the public decide which side to follow and which opinion to hold.

Participants agreed to set up a yahoo group to stay in touch with each other and to discuss further the role of the press in Malaysia. Since they were all very interested they will be informed about future programmes of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Malaysia.

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