I would like to add to Amri Rahayat and Jacqueline Ann Surin's letters on journalism standards, [#1]The problem is not in the bias[/#] (Dec 12) and [/#2]Quality is the issue[/#] (Dec 12) respectively.

Speaking as a layman without any experience in journalism, I do think that malaysiakini better serves the cause of improving the lives of citizens in adhering to a non-partisan agenda in pursuit of only the truth.

It should certainly ferret out fearlessly matters of public importance which by reason that they may be embarrassing to the ruling elite government or vested interests are not reported in the mainstream media. I think malaysiakini should be a searchlight to scour these dark corners.

Having said that, there is also nothing wrong in malaysiakini 's addressing matters or issues of public importance or interest which the government has handled appropriately but which are not given proper or adequate coverage in mainstream newspapers, no matter how rare these occasions may be. The standards pursued in such reporting should, as always, be fair, accurate and factual without the reporter's bias and interpretation being infused .

The Letter and Column sections, however, should serve as a different platform and forum by readers who want to express an opinion on political as well as other social, economic or philosophical matters of public interest. Diverse and contrary views, even biased ones, are encouraged so that readers can have an opportunity to learn to differentiate the partial from the impartial, the truth from its imposter.

The agenda of malaysiakini therefore is not to serve as an anti-establishment, anti-mainstream and pro-opposition medium.

The object is to report the truth (if not covered elsewhere) and help hasten the process of maturing and creating an informed Malaysian society, receptive to diverse opinions and different interpretations of the truth and to combat bigotry, falsehood and shallow thinking. This will serve the cause of democracy. Even government ministers and the ruling elite will have to access and read that which other media cannot or dare not provide. Through this, even they too will be educated in the process.

There is nothing so effective to serve as a bulwark against tyranny (not only of men and women, but the enforcement of draconian laws with regard to libel, defamation, sedition, printing presses and publication, that manacle journalism) than to embrace the moral cause - and defence - of pursuing the truth in betterment, and ultimately the democratisation, of the Malaysian society.

Malaysiakini is not only read here, but also all over the world via the Internet and therefore has the responsibility of reflecting the maturity of Malaysian journalism and readership.

In the long haul, and difficult as it may be, I believe that malaysiakini can only maintain the cutting edge of investigative journalism if it builds up credibility based on objective, accurate and non-partisan reporting for a democratic cause so rare anywhere else in the world.