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Posted: 26 Jul 2011 01:04 PM PDT

With another layer of control being mooted through the government-proposed Media Consultative Council, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if Malaysian press reports and television news lose even more credibility over the next few months or so.

By Zaharom Nain (Aliran)

With all that is happening around us, we may well ask, what is happening to this country of ours? Could Euripedes have been right all those centuries ago, wonders Zaharom Nain.

William Bourdon's deportation has generated even more publicity for the Scorpene investigations in France

Many of us have long been opposed to monopolistic or oligopolistic control of institutions, including media institutions. More often than not, critiques of such control have been leveled at large corporations or moguls. Indeed, such concentration of control often invariably leads to lack of transparency and, of course, of accountability.

Hence, many who are concerned about media freedom and democracy are currently pleased, if not absolutely thrilled, with the reports about the closure of Rupert Murdoch's News of the World (NOTW).

This, and the current revelations about the alleged dirty tricks employed by NOTW reporters and top executives, evidently now put Murdoch's global media empire under much scrutiny and under threat.

But capitalists like Murdoch are not the only ones who wish to monopolise media ownership. Many tin-pot dictatorships and their authoritarian cousins also try to do so, believing in the maxim that those who own the means of material production (the economy, including media organisations) will also own and control the means of mental production (ideas).

Indeed, Malaysia presents a perfect example of such concentration of media ownership. But here it is very much political ownership, primarily in the hands of BN political parties, led by Umno. Sadly, though predictably of course, this has led to unethical reporting, deliberate distortion and misrepresentation and, more frequently now, the production of blatant lies.

One consequence has been the rapid decline in newspaper readership in Malaysia, with more people reading tabloids like Harian Metro and Kosmo, indicating perhaps the widespread assumption now that trivia is what's important in a Malaysian newspaper (and television) and that `real' news is to be got elsewhere.

And, with another layer of control being mooted through the government-proposed Media Consultative Council, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if Malaysian press reports and television news lose even more credibility over the next few months or so.

The problem with such attempts to monopolise information production these days is that new and alternative sources of information are now quite easily available. And, really, the condescending (and largely official) view that the rural heartland can still be swayed (read duped) by newspapers and television clearly doesn't wash anymore.

Even the (allegedly ignorant) oppressed do wise up in the end. There is just so much condescension and stupidity that one can take, however humble and `uneducated' one may be. And lately, surely out of desperation, the mainstream media and, especially, their political masters appear to have gone stir crazy.

Just this past week, the continuing overreaction to Bersih 2.0, the comments made about the late Teoh Beng Hock, and the deportation of William Bourdon have been but three clear examples of those in power having lost the script and very much lashing out blindly.

Indeed, the act of arresting, detaining and then sending elderly activist, Hii Tiong Huat, to a psychiatric ward surely smacks of more over-reaction? The poor guy has been arrested thrice in two weeks for apparently wearing a yellow t-shirt and carrying a sign board supporting Bersih, culminating in his being sent to a psychiatric hospital by the police on Friday.

Perhaps just ignoring him and spending more time catching real criminals might be a better strategy. Especially since the crime rates in KL and Selangor aren't exactly something to boast about.

Then there's the recent conclusion of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the death of Teoh Beng Hock. Of course, this being Malaysia, many had anticipated the outcome.

But the minister who announced the findings, himself purportedly a lawyer, surely went over the top with his `reading' of Teoh Beng Hock's character, when the RCI had made no such reference in its 124-page report. And what's worse, when this was pointed out to him, he put the blame on his officers who had prepared the press statement for him.

This passing of the buck has become a shameful habit for many of those who like to see themselves as leaders, but really aren't. And these days, they kid no one with this pathetic, uncouth behaviour.

The fact is, an innocent man is dead. Remember, he was summoned not as a suspect but as a potential witness.

And, whatever the shortcomings of the RCI, it has pointed out quite clearly at least three individuals who contributed to the death. Sure, they've now been suspended. But given that they are government officers, surely the least the minister could have done – indeed, surely the least the government must do – is tender an apology to Teoh Beng Hock's family.

That's precisely what the Malaysian Bar Council is asking of the government. Is that too much to ask of a government that talks about making Malaysia 'a caring society'?

The third example of action and behaviour that make very little, if any, sense in this age of the internet has been, of course, the detention and deportation of French lawyer William Bourdon. Granted, Malaysian law does indeed allow for such action, without any explanation needed.

But, surely, if Bourdon had been left unimpeded to conduct his business – a high-profile case, we are now told by internet news sites, involving the French and the Scorpene submarine deal – fewer questions would have been raised and fewer people would now be talking about it while, perhaps, singing Yellow Submarine?

Indeed, last I heard, despite Bourdon being absent at the fund-raising dinner in KL, Suaram (the NGO at the heart of the case), still managed to get 500 attendees, raising RM200000 to help fund the case in the French courts. And now more people know about it simply because this French lawyer was deported for `violating the conditions of his social visit pass'.

So, there you have it. Three very recent cases – of overreaction, of intemperate behaviour, and of virtually blindly lashing out. All by people in authority. And I've deliberately left out UiTM's Ibrahim Ali award (or is it non-award now?)

With all this happening, together with the ongoing detention of the PSM6 under the Emergency Ordinance, we may well ask, what is happening to this country of ours?

More pointedly, what is happening to make our `leaders' act this way?

Indeed, could Euripedes have been right all those centuries ago?

Zaharom Nain, an Aliran member, is an academic who researches on media and communications issues.

Learning from our neighbours

Posted: 26 Jul 2011 11:09 AM PDT

By Karim Raslan, The Star

THERE are times when we need to be reminded that Malaysia is in South-East Asia.

Even though Bukit Bintang is teeming with Persians and Arabs, we are not part of the Middle East, and will never be.

Romanticising Bersih 2.0 by saying it's part of the "Arab Spring" ala Mat Sabu, PAS' newly-elected deputy president, may well capture public imagination but it makes little sense beyond the party faithful.

So, everyone relax-lah, we aren't about to succumb to the "Arab Spring".

Indeed, we can learn a hell of a lot more about political and economic changes (or not as the case may be) from our Asean neighbours rather than the Middle East.

Let's begin our whirlwind tour:

> MYANMAR: Total control means you end up destroying the economy and impoverishing your people.

Telling people what to think and do turns them against you.

Instead of respecting you, they grow to hate you.

At the same time, don't lock up enigmatic, beautiful and principled ladies like Aung San Suu Kyi.

You'll turn them into unbelievably powerful icons that will haunt you forever:

> PHILIPPINES: Be forewarned! Under "Noynoy" Aquino, (the "accidental" President), the perennial Asian basket case is catching up on us. With a domestic market of over 100 million consumers, it'll soon be a major competitor – much like Indonesia.

At the same time, the Filipino diaspora truly love their homeland, remitting over US$1bil (about RM3bil) every month.

Acquiring skills, capital and international work experience they're poised to turn the republic into a global service centre (its Business Process Outsourcing already earns over US$15bil (about RM45bil) per annum.

Moreover, with thousands of miles of gorgeous beaches and gracious serving staff, tourism will also boom.

> THAILAND: Diligent and clever administrators (like former Premier Abhisit Vejjajiva) need to beware of striking looking ladies like Yingluck Shinawatra.

They tend to electrify the political debate, especially when they've got nothing serious to say and spend their time waving, shaking hands and smiling very charmingly.

Never forget, that the majority – will and must – prevail in the end. In democracies - the elite - generals, businessmen and, aristocrats will always lose if they chose to fight the man in the street.

> INDONESIA: Corruption is awfully hard to root out – as President Bambang Susilo is finding even within his own political party – the Democrats.

As the different Democrat party leaders accuse one another of both taking and/or giving bribes, it's worth remembering that none of this would have come to the surface had it not been for republic's rambunctious and energetic media. However, a lively and independent media needs counter-veiling national institutions that can be trusted: law courts, police and tax officials to name just a few.

Strengthening these institutions will take decades - not years - and in the interim there'll be a great deal of injustice and unfairness.

Ordinary citizens can play an important role by refusing to bribe and by documenting every government official's infraction with their handphone cameras.

People will only stop cheating if they know they'll be caught.

> SINGAPORE: If you're the Prime Minister and you're facing an angry electorate (just days before polling) who are sick and tired of being lectured at, then the best thing to do is apologise.

Lee Hsien Loong did it and swung over to the PAP many voters, who would otherwise have supported the Workers Party.

At the same time, the government freed up the state-owned and controlled media so that it reported all candidates fairly.

Candidates were allowed access to TV and print.

Then, when you've scraped back into office again, make sure you stop and reconsider government policy.

Reassess the things that matter to the ordinary man: housing, jobs, inflation and transport.

Societies change. Aspirations change and politicians must adapt to these changes or risk being voted out of office.

Prime ministers are expected to connect and emote with their electorate: communication is critical and it isn't one way – politicians have to listen to what we, the people, want.

The days of command politics with its top-down approach is over. Malaysian leaders would be well-advised to beware of good-looking lady politicians.

Humility and patience are two of the other important characteristics.

Indeed, service-oriented leaders will always do well in our region.

Nonetheless, South-East Asians view politicians as expendable - if they fail to perform we vote them out; if they succeed we'll give them a second chance.

We, the people, are sovereign with politicians merely as ser- vice-providers, like hotel butlers and doormen – who always refuse tips.

Given our low perception of politicians you do have to wonder why anyone would want to enter such a grimy world?

Of Raja Nazrin, Real Stories & Regal Rhetoric

Posted: 26 Jul 2011 05:17 AM PDT

Raja Petra has told us his "real story" to the above questions. It has something to do with your succession to the Perak throne and also to save the financial empire of one of members of your royal family. Is RPK's story accurate? Will you tell us the "real story"?

By Martin Jalleh

Your Royal Highness (YRH),

Recently, during a talk themed: "The role of Malay rulers in nurturing unity" held in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Shah Alam, YRH declared that "rulers should not be shielded from the truth and must be told the real story".

May I, with due respect to YRH, tell you the truth that many of us (especially those who are sons and daughters of Perak) find it very hard to believe that you meant every word that you said during the talk. Some, in responding to the article highlighting your talk, have asked you to "walk the talk"!

Much as we would really like to consider what you had proclaimed as "rare wisdom" from a ruler and intellectual, very unfortunately, the tragic manner in which the Perak royal family handled the Perak Constitutional Crisis (PCC) reduces your speeches to mere "regal rhetoric".

You were so very right when you said that "rulers should never be surrounded by people with personal interests who are willing to use them as tools". If only the Perak royalty had displayed and determinedly demonstrated such astuteness during the PCC!

It was the public's perception that His Royal Highness (HRH) Sultan Azlan Shah had allowed himself to be surrounded by the PM and his cohorts and to be used as a political tool. HRH also denied the ousted Perak MB Nizar Jamaluddin of an audience at a very crucial point.

By writing this open letter to you I run the risk of Umno or Perkasa members making police reports against me but I am confident enough that YRH will not allow these elements to make use of you, as they have so often and unashamedly done so, out of political expediency.

To confirm the hypocrisy of the Umno elite, you should consult your royal colleague and veteran Umno leader, Tengku Razaleigh, who during the height of the PCC strongly suggested that it is Umno who has harmed the Malay rulers more than anyone else!

In sharp contrast to your professed openness, Umno, through the Attorney-General's (AG's) Chambers has gone to extremes to do the opposite. Take for example the AG's appeal against a High Court's decision to acquit Karpal Singh of a charge of sedition against the Perak Sultan.

Unbelievably the DPP told the Court of Appeal that: "People have the legal right to take Sultans to court but to speak openly of it is seditious…as this would inflame the sentiments of laymen who did not have a good grasp of the law"!

Understandably, the AG and his Chambers are suspected of suffering from the inflammation of the brain, which in many respects is as bad as "yellow fever".

Bitter & Brutal Truth

YRH, you stressed that: "Rulers should be willing to accept the fact, no matter how bitter, as justice could not be uphold without the truth"? Logically, you would need to be willing to accept the fact, no matter how bitter, that hardly anyone takes you seriously these days.

Public sentiments for HRH Sultan Azlan Shah are the same. Perakians had placed their hopes high on HRH – whom they had held in high regard. But he seemed to be swayed by Umno's political subterfuge and scheming. Public perception of his impartiality plummeted thence after.

YRH so rightly pointed out that: "In all conflicts, no one party is right all the time and no one party is wrong all the time." HRH Sultan Azlan Shah (a former Lord President though he was) was wrong in his personal discretion and his straying beyond his parameters of power during the PCC.

No one presented the brutal and bitter truth so honestly, clearly and professionally than respected retired judge N H Chan who bravely declared that HRH had "sidestepped" provisions of the Perak Constitution and made a "fatal error".

YRH also very accurately pointed out in your talk that: "The credibility of some national instruments require recovery of perception and need improvement in line with current world dynamics to restore confidence in the people."

During and after the PCC, key democratic institutions were manipulated by the powers that be to contain, cripple and crush legitimate dissent. They degenerated to the point that the public no longer trusted them. This was especially true of the judiciary.

The judiciary sunk so low during the PPC, as to allow itself to be intimidated, its independence and impartiality interfered with, and its integrity reduced to ignominy. Today the reputation of the judiciary or whatever is left of it, has been sullied irreparably.

Very ironically on 31 Oct. 2007 I had in an Open Letter thanked HRH Sultan Azlan "for portraying the truth about the state of the country's judiciary and your accompanying clarion call for major reforms in the judiciary…"

I wrote: "Today, we have become a laughing stock. We are second to none when it comes to kangaroo courts and court jesters like the de facto Law Minister. The judgments of our courts are often quoted in political satire and online comic scripts." Nothing has changed still then!

Just as the "credibility of some national instruments require recovery of perception and need improvement", I am sure you will agree that the credibility of the royalty also requires recovering of perception and regaining public confidence!

Perhaps, YRH, this can only happen if the people are told the "real story". Just as the rulers need to be given the true picture, the public also needs to hear the "real story" to make a wise and good decision in the next General Elections.

YRH, please tell us the "real story" on why there was such an undue and indecent haste by HRH to dismiss the leader of a popularly elected coalition? Why was there such an unholy haste to recognize, install and swear in a government against the expressed wishes of the people?

Will you tell us the "real story"?

Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

Rabu, 27 Julai 2011

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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