Reformasi coincided with the growth of Internet usage in the country, paradoxically encouraged by the foe of the movement itself, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohammad. Malaysians nationwide utilised the Internet to get a different analysis than those provided by the mainstream media manacled by its subservience to the government.

Being a young witness of the tumultuous political events of 1998-1999, I saw the birth of malaysiakini as part of the effect of those exciting times, and the eruption of the fervour from many Malaysians for reform and change.

In the year 2000, as an A-Level student, I actually considered volunteering for malaysiakini , then a small Internet start-up located in Section 14 Petaling Jaya, not far from my own house. Although I later had to abandon the idea, I would soon be associated with it in a different way.

Independent media

Writing has always been a passion; but until then, I failed to get my work published (save for school magazines and periodicals). I had been able to get some letters published in malaysiakini , but that was that. In late 2000, I wrote a piece on the history of student activism in Malaysia, and I simply sent it to malaysiakini half-expecting a typical rejection.

A friend later alerted me that my article was published, in January 2001 not long after my 19th birthday. The sight of one's work published is an experience to be cherished, what more one's first ever published article. Not long after, I began contributing more articles, many of which were published as well by malaysiakini .

Now, nearly four years after that date, I have continued to write for malaysiakini . Nevertheless the exposure gained from writing for the Internet news portal has enabled me to explore other possibilities. First, to be an editor for a young Malaysians' web magazine; then a columnist and contributor for various publications including Seruan Keadilan , Aliran Monthly and Asia Times Online . I have also been a current affairs commentator for the BBC World Service and Channel News Asia .

Like other journeys, malaysiakini 's has not been smooth sailing either. As an independent media, it has had to suffer many tribulations prejudice by the authorities for its critical stance; the disgusting raid on its office and also criticism from many Muslim opposition members and sympathisers for its liberalism.

Many in Malaysia misconstrue the image of an independent media. First, an independent media should always be naturally cynical and critical, with serving the truth as its overriding objective. Its critical slant should be maintained throughout, whether reporting on the government, the opposition or an NGO, with a desire to read between the lines. The opposition cannot expect it to be spared the critical analysis which one reserves for the government.

Nevertheless, at the same time, bias is part and parcel of human nature, and therefore, media practitioners as well.

In the UK, where the media is much less subservient than in Malaysia, The Guardian has a left-wing bias, The Independent is more centrist, The Times has a modern right wing attitude while the Daily Telegraph is a traditionally conservative broadsheet. Malaysiakini 's built-in liberal bias is both an effect of the make up of its contributors and its readership.

All are welcomed

Yet malaysiakini will publish any worthy material provided from anyone regardless of their ideological stand or political worldview. My defence (and criticism) of PAS has been published, just as my criticism of both the government and the opposition in general. Other contributors and columnists have been as varied as PAS and PKR leaders, NGO activists, human rights advocates, liberal lawyers and left-wing ideologues.

If you do not agree with anything published there, why don't you send your own piece, rather than rant or rave. We cannot just cite 'democracy' when we are oppressed but not being able to swallow it when it is to our disadvantage. That is what democratic debate is all about.

Furthermore malaysiakini is trying hard to broaden its appeal. I would like to applaud the introduction of a Bahasa Malaysia section which will enable the news site to reach out to more Malaysians. Hopefully, that will enable more diverse viewpoints and analyses.

It provides room for real conversations to take place; for people with different passions, priorities and fears to congregate and break down the stereotypes and generalisations. Malaysia's diverse population and stifling environment (read: real threats of sanctions and imprisonment) mean that malaysiakini has an important and crucial role to play. Malaysiakini shows, contrary to claims of some that we are matured enough to discuss the so-called sensitive issues.

As I had written in a paper on the Internet media in Malaysia, presented at the University of Essex last year: "In fact it is important that the Internet remains free as it would allow issues which are important for the future of Malaysia such as race, religion and politics, which are seen as sensitive to be swept under the consciousness of the people to be dealt with in an open and responsible manner."

More than once, when I had my views published in malaysiakini , I received e-mails from Malaysians who say that the fact that I voiced out my opinions and principles meant that there is hope for Malaysia. I think that the fact that malaysiakini continues to exist to give room to ordinary Malaysians like me to voice our views without fear or favour is the reason we should have hope in Malaysia. If there is anything that is a genuine embodiment of Malaysia Boleh, it is Malaysiakini .

I am 22 at the moment, and God willing, I will have long journey ahead of me, hopefully just like malaysiakini . Yet I will always be grateful to malaysiakini for providing me with that first step in our parallel journey, in which I hope I can continue to be associated with this news site. Reformasi was about democratic renewal, a just and progressive economy and a united Bangsa Malaysia and although we are a long way from succeeding, malaysiakini has helped pave the way for it.

NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD maintains a blog at http://www.niknazmi.com