Seventeen years we stood,
watchmen upon the ramparts,
nursing independent embers,
though times both lean and hard.

Seventeen years anon,
press freedom's waning beacon,
holding the torch aloft,
keeping the hope alive.

Seventeen difficult years,
spurning political sway,
avoiding the shiny trap,
commercial ownership begets.

Seventeen years all told,
court dates, bannings, raids,
polite appointments with cops,
MCMC’s frequent visits.

Seventeen years of protests,
being condemned and harassed,
refused the permit to print,
told off for ‘foreign’ links.

Seventeen years accused,
of betrayal, treason and worse,
suffering in silent penance,
for a future our kids deserve.

Seventeen years we hoped,
to have held power to account,
make it publicly understood.
what needs and must be told.

Seventeen years together,
this circle of family and friends,
together strong we stood,
walking amidst the storms.

Seventeen long years ago,
this difficult journey began,
some left along the way,
new recruits make whole again.

Seventeen years we stood,
sentinels for the rakyat,
holding the fort for hope,
for what we think is right.

HAZLAN ZAKARIA is a member of the Malaysiakini team. Malaysiakini celebrated its 17th anniversary on Nov 20, 2016.