1. Democracy in
Malaysia
A Free Media
helps to promote
A Fair Malaysia
There can’t be free and fair elections
without free and fair access to media
~ Masjaliza Hamzah, CIJ, 11 Apr 2013

2. Everyone has the right to freedom
of opinion and expression.
This right includes
freedom to hold opinions
without interference, and
impart information and ideas
through any media
regardless of frontiers.

3. As members of the communication
profession, journalists are to provide
reliable information for everyone to take
part in the democratic decision making
process of a country.
~ National Union of Journalists Peninsular
Malaysia, 4 Apr 2013
Source: http://www.nujm.org/nuj/content/whats_new/wn_130404.pdf

4. Countries with high levels of government
interference, however, are known to use
state media:
•to promote the regime in a favourable light,
•vilify opposition to the government by
launching smear campaigns
•giving skewed coverage to opposition views,
or
•act as a mouthpiece to advocate a
regime's ideology.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_media

5. In Malaysia, a proposal on electoral reforms
suggests that the caretaker government
should be prohibited from totally
monopolising state media facilities e.g. such
as RTM and Bernama News, Bernama Radio
and Bernama Television
~ National Union of Journalists Peninsular
Malaysia, 25 Jan 2012
Source: http://www.nujm.org/nuj/content/press_release/20120125.pdf

6. In May 2012, Reporters Without Borders was
concerned about the scant coverage received in
Malaysia’s mainstream print media such
as Utusan Malaysia, New Straits Times and The
Star on a major civil society demonstration in
Kuala Lumpur
It also condemned the use of violence against
journalists during the demonstration, and the
censorship of foreign TV coverage.
Source: http://en.rsf.org/malaisie-major-protest-prompts-attacks-on-05-05-2012,42567.html

7. Today, press freedom in Malaysia has dropped
to a ranking of 145 out of 179 countries in the
World Press Freedom Index.
“The slide is bad news not just for the media
but for Malaysians as it means that the media's
ability to bring news that's accurate, timely
and fair has been compromised.”
Source: Malay Mail 31 JAN 2013 at http://www.mmail.com.my/story/malaysia-lowest-ever-
press-freedom-index-46006

8. Although the media in Malaysia does not
primarily decide the outcome of elections, its
role in influencing the decision-making
process of the electorate is crucial and needs
to take place on a level playing field.
Media restriction that creates a lopsided
situation where Pakatan parties have no way
of responding to BN claims and attacks or
making their case for being the next
government is a deadly handicap.
~ Dr Lim Teck Ghee, Director, Centre for Policy Initiatives
Source: http://english.cpiasia.net/

9. “…access to information is a crucial
part of an enabling environment in
which the public and civil society
organisations can participate in
decision-making, and the media can
report in the public interest and
scrutinise wrongdoing and corruption
in the public sector. It is, as a result, a
key part of a sound development
program, as well as being a human
right.”
Source: http://cijmalaysia.org

10. “These requirements are much
needed during an election period
when it is important for voters to get
reliable information about election
issues and candidates and not public
relations material — so they know
who best to cast their votes for.”
Source: http://cijmalaysia.org

11. What Can You Do as Someone Living in Malaysia?
“Fast” from Unbalanced Sources
April 22 – 24, 2013
A 3-day "fast“. For example, if you
believe that state-controlled media do
not provide 50:50 balance, then for
these 3 days, you can stop delivery of
your newspapers, refrain from
purchasing such media, and not watch
these news channels for the 3 days.
More info: free2fairmalaysia.weebly.com
Free2FairMalaysia @ Gmail . com

12. What Can You Do as Someone Living in Malaysia?
Enjoy a Balanced Diet
Examples of News Media that currently
have balanced coverage:
•TheMalaysianInsider.com
•BFM.my (BFM89.9 Radio)
•FreeMalaysiaToday.com
•fz.com
•TheEdgeMalaysia.com

13. What Can You Do as Someone Living in Malaysia?
Write to your PM & MPs
Join an online petition that calls upon the BN
caretaker gov to:
1.Ensure all political parties have free and fair
access to state-owned media and the
opposition be given sufficient air time, coverage
and opportunity to rebut criticisms
2.Ensure a series of at least 12 televised
debates on key policy areas affecting the people
and special sessions for smaller parties
3.Assure privately owned media that there shall
be no retaliation against those who give equal
coverage to all contesting political parties.
Go to:
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/the-prime-min

14. This video is a non-profit effort to raise awareness for freedom of the
media in Malaysia, and for free and fair elections. No funds were
received for its creation, and the production is for non-commercial
purpose only.
If there is any objections to any sources used, please do email me at
the address below, and effort will be made to review and make the
necessary corrections.
Credits
Soundtrack from Song of Freedom from Dr
Who; Composed by Murray Gold. Available on
itunes.
Free2FairMalaysia @ Gmail . com

15. Democracy in
Malaysia
A Free Media
helps to promote
A Fair Malaysia
Together, We Make A Difference
Free2FairMalaysia @ Gmail . com