YOURSAY | ‘It is a sign of tyranny when neutrality is treated as enmity.’

Journalism is not an act against parliamentary democracy

Anonymous 1890491455255851: It is simply outrageous that Malaysiakini, one of the few news portals that presents news from the various differing perspectives, could be accused of carrying out activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

The ones conducting such activities is the Najib Abdul Razak government and the highly compromised enforcement agencies.

Seriously, Najib and gang aren't doing themselves any favours by behaving in this manner. It only makes them look even more guilty of intimidation.

And is Umno-BN really proud that they have these red-shirt hooligans to act on their behalf? They have certainly lost all touch of common decency and the basic principles of good governance.

Shame on Najib, his government and all those who have sold their integrity to power and money.

Vijay47: Malaysiakini, when you mention "media in a democratic society", I assume the society you are referring to is Malaysia. Yes, a good start to any article is some humour.

But I must imagine it would have been far from funny for any of you to be confronted by a pack of sick mongrels confident that the authorities would never take action against them, or "let us see", in the immortal words of inspector-general of police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar.

In Malaysia, journalism has been turned on its head. Malaysiakini is in the crossed hairs not because it lied but because it printed the truth. Of what the government did and what others did.

Unfortunately, the new religion of the press demands that you can publish only unfavourable news about the opposition and only glowing tributes of Umno and friends. On this, The Star and Utusan Malaysia will never be faulted.

Your welcome to red shirts leader Jamal Md Yunos and his thugs was cordial. But once is enough.

Odin Tajué: Journalism as it is known in the civilised, cultured, free world is the activity of gathering, assessing, and presenting news. In many ways, it is separated from other forms of communication.

Its characteristics and practices that are different from those of the other genres of communication make it indispensable to democratic societies. Note that - indispensable to democratic societies.

It is a different story in countries ruled by ruffians, liars, despots and thieves. In such countries, journalism is flattering the particular regime, exaggerating its achievements, if any, hiding its failures, usually many, and fabricating stories to incriminate or portray its detractors and opponents in a bad light.

Malaysia comes, unfortunately for its decent citizens, under this category of countries.

JD Lovrenciear: A salute to the team at Malaysiakini. You have throughout the 17 years of trials and tribulations thrown into your path stood steadfast to the universal credo of ethical journalism, i.e. the right to information must be matched in equal measure with that sacred duty to inform without fear and bias.

Let the world know. Malaysia cannot be allowed to go the way of a nation that is communist and is now a big time 'investor' to rescue the power brokers of the now globally stinking 1MDB. This is the 21st century that knows no limits to spill the truth.

Even the Pentagon is not assured of the absence of cloaks. The New Age knows no barriers nor barricades imposed into the path of an honest, unbiased press that is not succoured on 'dedak' lifelines.

Restless: It must have been an unpleasant surprise for Jamal to receive a warm welcome from Malaysiakini. He must have expected some rogue behaviour similar to his brand of thuggish showcases.

Kudos to the Malaysiakini team who had patiently given time and explanation to the most uncouth and undeserved creatures of Umno creation. Malaysiakini certainly has the 'class' and decorum expected of a cultured and independent news portal.

Aquinas Says: Let this be a clarion call to all institutions, communities and individuals. That we will play our role to uphold democratic ideals and a Malaysia for all Malaysians.

And we will stand against intimidation and oppression because that is our duty as citizens of this nation.

Chowkit: Malaysiakini managed the issue admirably even though it did not have to entertain this mob which Umno encourages to thrive.

Their behaviour is symptomatic of regimes who become increasingly oppressive, using such tactics when peaceful citizens start to question what they do and seek changes.

Hopeful but Prepared: “We don't go into journalism to be popular. It is our job to seek the truth and put constant pressure on our leaders until we get answers.” - Helen Thomas.

We are with you Malaysiakini, you are one of the few Malaysian portals for fair and unbiased journalism, when the local media lean one way and the online news portals lean the other.

It is a sign of tyranny when neutrality is treated as enmity.

Alunan Ombak: What Jamal could do is ask Malaysiakini to continue to publish balanced news (as usual) to reflect the facts and reality on the ground.

Everyone would benefit then, including Jamal, and no one, no party needs to complain, gate crash, or demonstrate. That'll be Jamal's contribution to journalism at its best in our country.

That hand of Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan placed on the shoulder of red-shirt leader Jamal is a gesture of welcome, friendship and warmth in the face of galloping wrath.

Let's see whether Jamal appreciates and reciprocates Malaysiakini's gesture. After all, there is no cause at all for Jamal and gang to take it out on Malaysiakini.

Alfanso: I support Malaysiakini for its direction towards democracy and good ideals. It is only through journalism that we know history - the numerous deaths of journalist, the atrocities of regimes like Iraq, Iran, Syria, etc.

In good times, there is not much to say but when tyranny rules, you will not know what happens unless the good journalist reports.

Rupert16: Seeking the truth against corrupt political leaders is certainly not against parliamentary democracy. Hiding the truth and obstructing justice is definitely against parliamentary democracy.

Anonymous #66908884: I have faith in you, Malaysiakini. This is why I have been your subscriber for many years. Keep up your good work.

Are the red shirts they wear 'Made in China'?

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