In the Philippines, journalists are being kidnapped, harassed and killed in the line of duty; in Indonesia, journalists experience imprisonment for criminal defamation; in Thailand, the emergency laws and the current political instability targets media and journalists, accusing them of siding the red shirts and the yellow shirts; in Singapore, the former Prime Minister has bankrupted opposition through the defamation laws; and in Malaysia, controls are imposed via a slew of anti-free press laws, censorship and political ownership.
According to the coordinator of the project, HR Dipendra, the network will provide:
* Payment of legal fees;
* Assistance in accessing free legal advice;
* Assistance in taking up cases in international tribunals and supervisory bodies;
* Support for the independent observation of court proceedings;
* Support in matters of strategic litigation;
* Opportunities for training in media law and litigation; and
* Support for the exchange of information and experience among media lawyers.
People might ask why defend the media in Malaysia at all? What with public confidence in it at an all time low. The 1998 coverage of the reformasi and Anwar Ibrahim's sacking and court case, and the build up and post March 2008 elections have certainly not won the media any new supporters while many have shifted to the internet media. So, why bother about the "agents" and workers of the media who are also responsible for churning out lies, distortions and misinformation.
Firstly, I think it is wrong to threaten the media and journalists in the first place. They have a duty to do and a thriving media is important for society. Ok, in its ideal form, especially to support the building and maintenance of democracy and justice.
Secondly, the fact remains that there are many journalists who do a good job and who test the borders everyday and believe that they are in a position to bring about changes. Some who felt they couldn't work effectively anymore have gone on to set up their own media, such as the founders of Malaysiakini and The Nut Graph. And then we have individuals who do a good job using their own resources like Anil Netto. So, the point is there is good work being done, and we need to support and protect them.
Thirdly, by protecting journalists, we are also extending support to dismantle the controls that are in place. We do that by challenging in court the censorship and defence of journalists, by raising awareness among the public to get their support.
Fourthly, we as the public have a stake in supporting good journalists. We get good stories that are fair, balanced, ethical and important to us. If we don't show that we care, we will get rubbish. Then we complain about the rubbish, and the cycle continues.
Of course we are all aware of gatekeepers who allow themselves to be at the mercy of the owners and political masters. We know that, that's why groups like Aliran, CIJ, WAMI and the rest advocate legislative and political change.
The point to note about the SEAMLDN is that it will also extend support to bloggers and the online news sites, who tend not to have the financial and legal resources like the big media.
Anyway, the highlight of the launch on Friday evening was Zunar's presentation of his cartoons, where his compilations have been banned by the government as "they were threats to security"!
By the way, Zunar and Malaysiakini filed a suit today against the Home Ministry over the ban of 1Funny Malaysia and Perak Darul Kartun, for and this is where it is funny:)“The publications have been banned for its contents that can influence the people to revolt against the leaders and government policies. The contents are not suitable and detrimental to public order," said Mahmood [Home Ministry chief secretary Mahmood Adam].
Here's an old media that is so powerful and because of that, it scares the s**t of the government. That's the topic of another post:)
If you haven't seen Zunar's work, please do, they are good stuff. You should be able to find them on Malaysiakini's website, which has published Zunar's political cartoons for many years now. Zunar was our "highlights" at the 2007 World Press Freedom Day celebrations at the Annexe Gallery.
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