Elements of anarchy in the media, especially in the Internet-based media, have arrived and are expected to worsen into cyber war as general election beckons amid fears that the people will vote because of confusion and not understanding.

nst utusan merger forum 180107 a kadir jasin Eminent journalist A Kadir Jasin, who shared this observation of his in the discourse "Mass Communication: Between Democracy and Anarchy" in Kuala Lumpur today,

said anarchy in the digital media blatantly twisted facts and refused to respect the right of reply.

Kadir said elements of anarchy in the media occurred when they were not well trained in journalism, not knowledgeable about related laws and journalism ethics and literally defined freedom as "journalist".

"Cyber war may worsen the elements of anarchy that will become more intense when parliament is dissolved and the date of general election is determined.

"Media researchers must note that the general election will not be determined by

by understanding but confusion.

"It is very dangerous when people go out not to cast votes but to spoil votes because of confusion," Kadir added.

'Citizen journalism corrupted by politicians'

The blogger behind 'The Scribe A Kadir Jasin,' said bloggers should not publish only comments that favour them, and he went on to add that citizen journalism in cyberspace had been corrupted by politicians and capitalists.

"In recent years, blogs have been openly owned, inspired and funded by political parties, and thus give the impression that the Internet medium is effective and offers economic opportunities.

"Previously, there were no mercenary bloggers but now a lot of blogs are not neutral. They seemed as anti-establishment or not supporting the authorities but today it is not so."

Kadir said cyber anarchy has become part of the mass communication landscape that makes it even more difficult for the industry.

"Today, a programmer can create a programme that once launched will see hundreds or thousands of people trying to hack into it. They are also cyber anarchists.

"The explosion of information communication technology has democratised information and debate and broken the monopoly of the traditional media and the mainstream media on information and propaganda."

'Controlling Internet is near impossible'

Asked about the proposal to establish the Social Media Council, Kadir said that he was not against it.

"Establish it by all means as I have no objection. Controlling the Internet is near impossible as not all owners of blogs can be traced."

Approached by reporters after the discourse, Kadir called on journalists to play their role in preventing the spread of anarchic elements in the media.

Kadir began his journalism career as cadet reporter with national news agency Bernama in 1969 and then moved to Business Times (1976- 1984) and held the post of associate editor.

He was appointed group assistant editor of Berita Harian and group editor of Berita Harian in 1986, group editor of New Straits Times and editor-in-chief of the New Straits Times from 1998 to 2000.

Kadir then led his own company, Berita Publishing Sdn Bhd, which is involved in the publication of several magazines.

- Bernama