Some 150 people thronged the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) on Tuesday to celebrate Malaysiakini Chinese edition's first birthday bash.

The auditorium was packed with readers, Chinese educationists, activists, political leaders, students and Chinese association leaders.

Those present were treated to a multimedia presentation on the exclusive and important reports by the Chinese edition since its inception on July 25, 2005.

In his speech, Chinese edition editor Yong Kai Ping said his editorial team does not believe in sensationalising issues in order to become popular.

"As the internet and SMS gain popularity, censorship of the media is limited. The online media should be a role model, providing a rational and objective space for the various voices in society," he added.

Ser Choon Ing, chairperson of the KLSCAH Civil Rights Committee which co-organised the event, commended malaysiakini for its courage to face the many trials and tribulations.

Inter-ethnic dialogue

Malaysiakini chief executive officer (CEO) Premesh Chandran told the audience about the online daily's experience and future plans.

"Our future position is towards a media company that provides multilingual news and opinions as well as other internet services," he said.

"We will be launching the first Asian Internet TV channel, Asia 247 soon," he added.

As for the Chinese edition, Premesh said besides being a counter force on religious and racial issues, it also helps create inter-ethnic dialogue.

According to him, malaysiakini received an average 70,000 readers and 700,000 page views daily. The Chinese edition which kicked off on July 25 last year has 20,000 readers and 100,000 page views daily.

Also present was malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan, prominent businessman and Chinese community leader Ngan Ching Wen, malaysiakini columnists Lee Ban Chen and Yang Bai Yang as well as New Era College media studies lecturer Por Heong Hong.

Yang also launched his new book Tian Xia Tai Ping (All is not quiet) at the event. The book features a compilation of his articles penned for malaysiakini.