Dangers of “Abusing” Bloggers (2)

There are several points to add to my earlier story. Indeed, theSUN has to be taken to task for barking up the wrong tree.

It is the message, not the medium, that is the issue here, said theSUN, in its editorial on Jan 24.

However, in Malaysia it does. Because the Internet and blogs do not seek the approval of the government to publish, nor do they need an annual permit in printing and broadcasting. Therefore, it is misleading to say that medium does not matter.

Newpapers must understand that we are fighting institutional restriction on freedom of expression and free speech. Its the beginning of the encroachment of the ruling regime into cyberspace and individual rights. The NST is not a private company but a government or rather UMNO linked company

Ever since ex-PM Mahathir launched his attack on the current administration, the Badawi-Khairy faction cannot withstand the heat. Although the latter fully control all the major media outlets including the NST, their people have no capacity to refute what bloggers explore and unearth.

Responsibility as well as credibility should remain the same for different mediums, as readers are aware of who are the mouthpieces of the government and who are the critical voi ces.

But let us ask: who are the ones who are not responsbile?

1. who report inaccuracies and confusing reports on Altantuya’s murder case;

2. who cover up the demonstrations of toll hike?

3. who blackout Anwar Ibrahim’s or the oppositions press conferences?

4. who do not give fair coverage to people -oriented issues?

5. who ommitted Najib’s name in the press coverage of Anwar on Altantuya’s case?

6. who “misused” the right of a press?

7. who practise self-censorship to maintain the status quo while fooling and blinding the people?

NOTE: The above questions are not targetted at any Malaysian mainstream media. Any similiarity is merely coincidental.

By the way, when the PM spoke about irresponsible bloggers in London, does he also include pro-Adullah bloggers who use pseudonyms?