Malaysiakini first online portal to setup journalists' union

Journalists at Malaysiakini have made history by becoming the first online news portal to establish a union under the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM).

This was confirmed after the Malaysiakini NUJM branch held its inaugural biennial general meeting on Nov 21, where the first official committee for the next two years was elected.

Hariz Mohd was chosen as the chairperson, with Vinod Gangatharan as his deputy. S Vinothaa was appointed secretary, assisted by Zarrah Morden as assistant secretary. B Nantha Kumar was elected treasurer.

Six committee members were also elected: Khoo Shiyuan, Yap Si Err, Nor Zuliantie Dzul-Kifli, Ahmad Noor Amin Ideris, Noor Faizal Ghazali, and Alyaa Alhadjri.

Hariz described the formation of Malaysiakini NUJM as the result of the aspirations and efforts of its journalists for more than a year.

“I would like to thank all members, as well as Malaysiakini editors and management, for their open-mindedness and support in establishing this union.

“I hope NUJM at Malaysiakini will bring more benefits to all our members, and with close collaboration with the company, I believe we can achieve even greater success together,” he said.

Hariz also expressed hope that Malaysiakini’s success as the first online media organisation to establish an NUJM branch will inspire journalists in other organisations striving to form their own unions.

Malaysiakini applied to join NUJM on Feb 21, following amendments to the union’s constitution to include digital media journalists.

Strengthening organisation, prioritising welfare

Vinothaa hailed the achievement as a significant step in improving representation and advancing the cause of professional digital media in Malaysia.

“We deeply appreciate everyone who worked tirelessly to establish this branch, especially following Malaysiakini’s recent restructuring.

“The union will actively engage in all staff-related matters and seize every opportunity to foster unity between employees and management.

“Our goal is to strengthen unity as a solid, cohesive organisation that prioritises collective welfare,” Vinothaa said, describing the achievement as another milestone for Malaysiakini, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this month.

Meanwhile, Vinod believes the establishment of Malaysiakini NUJM could pave the way for other online news organisations to take similar steps.

“We hope other online news portals will take notice and begin forming their own unions to better safeguard journalists’ welfare,” he said.

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