ROCKY & JEFF OOI CAMPAIGN « *SUSAN LOONE’s Blog*

ROCKY & JEFF OOI CAMPAIGN

This page is hosted by this blogger, in honour of free speech and solidarity among bloggers and was launched on 20 January 2007.

From Rocky Bru: Rocky vs NST + 4 others

Duta Courts Complex, 28 May 2007: The lawyers and I wanted to have both the striking out and the injunction to be heard before the Judge. The plaintiffs, however, insisted this morning that the striking out be heard before the Registrar. Reason? They wanted to reserve their right of appeal to the Judge, if it became necessary.
Malik Imtiaz, my lead counsel, indicated to the NSTP lawyers that if this is the case, the hearing of the injunction application before the Judge in June would have to be deferred pending the disposal of the striking out application, which is now fixed for clarification and/or decision in early August.
Parties have taken directions to put in written submissions. Meanwhile, we will write to the judge to request that the hearing of the injunction application be deferred pending disposal of the striking out application. We will write to the judge and ask for deferment of the 28 June. Early August will be next date.

Consolidation. Notwithstanding the above, 19 June 2007 remains the next big date for Jeff Ooi and I. On that day, our lawyers will argue on our behalf the merits of merging our two cases. Jeff, the Screenshots blogger, is facing a defamation suit by NSTP and 3 Others.

Jeff vs NST: As recorded by Rocky in his blog:

Walk With Us. All-Blogs vice president Jeff Ooi goes back to court to face NSTP & 3 others tomorrow morning. Please don’t go to Denmark House because the Screenshots blogger will appear at the Courts Complex in Jalan Duta. Time: 9 am.

Jeff is being sued for defamation by the New Straits Times Press, its editorial adviser Kalimullah Hassan, group editor-in-chief Hishamuddin Aun and former NST group editor (now a PR consultant) Brenden Pereira. He was served his papers in January, about the same time the NST & 3 others + Syed Faisal Albar, the company’s chief executive officer, served me mine through Shearn Delamore.

Tomorrow, Jeff’s lawyers will apply to withdraw his application to strike out the plaintiffs’ suit. As in my April 2 case against NST & 4 others, this move is deemed necessary because the NSTP & 3 Others have amended their original claims.
See you at Duta. Walk with Jeff!

No cost.

In my April 2 case, the Court allowed my application to strike out the suit against me by NSTP & 4 others with no order as to costs in view of the substantial amendments made by the plaintiffs to their suit (which was done after I had filed the striking out application). The plaintiffs had asked that costs be paid by me forthwith, which my counsel objected to. After hearing arguments for about an hour, the court agreed with my counsel and allowed me to withdraw the application with no order as to costs. It was my position as informed to the court that day that the plaintiffs should instead be paying me the costs as I had to file the striking out application before they sought their amendments. However, on advice by my counsel to conduct the litigation fairly, I did not proceed to seek costs and asked that no order be made in this respect.

On that day, I also reserved my right to seek further and better (FNB) particulars with regard to the amended suit or to strike it out.

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At last the NATIONAL ALLIANCE of BLOGGERS – April 5, 2007

Thanks to JeffOoi for documenting this inportant event:

NAB: An avalanche of good press & unified tone

Internet Speed. It took no more than 24 hours after the Shaziman faux pas for the world to react.

SOURCE: Reporters Without Borders, April 6, 2007Again, it was at Internet speed, within 36 hours of earth time, that the world reacted to the formation of Malaysia’s National Alliance of Bloggers (NAB):

Thursday, April 5, 2007, 9.00pm onwards…
- mStar: Penulis blog tubuh ‘pakatan nasional’
- Malaysiakini: Bloggers unite in face of hostility
- Malaysiakini.tv: National blogger alliance takes shape
- Malaysiakini: Blogger bersatu hadapi ’serangan’
- Malaysiakini: 维护发言权鼓吹部落格风气, 全国部落格联盟昨正式成立

Friday, April 6, 2007:
- The Star: Bloggers form grouping
- AgendaDaily: Bloggers kini sudah ada ‘payung’ sendiri
- IHT, Paris: Malaysian political bloggers form alliance to counter criticism from government
- Al-Jazeera, Doha: Malaysians form ‘band of bloggers’

Thanks En-Lai for your last dispatch for Associated Press that takes us places.

June x 2 has started a conversation to define and refine NAB’s role. Drop her a message

While I Was Away…Court case

Jeff Ooi says in his blog:

I was in South Korea when the proceeding of the defamation suit filed by The NSTP and Others against me was up for hearing in chambers on March 6.

My barrister Haris Ibrahim, and solicitor Balan Nair of Messrs Thomas Philip, represented me in my absence.

I was informed that both parties — my lawyers and the plaintiffs’ — have mutually agreed to take another date pending the perusal of the amended Statement of Claims and the counsel’s decision on the position of our application to strike out of the suit, and to set aside the ex-parte injunction against me.

March 4, I announced in this blog that my lawyers have since been served an amended Statement of Claims from the plaintiffs’ lawyers shortly before the Lunar New Year.

The next date for my case will be April 24, twenty-two days after Rocky’s round scheduled for April 2.

As such, the date of next hearing on April 23 as reported in Sin Chew Daily of March 7 is incorrect.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been so kind to have sent me SMS, emails and left messages in my blog during my absence. I was in Seoul on assignment, and the schedule was so packed that I didn’t have time to respond to each and everyone of them, and to update the blog.

Thank you, once again, for being concerned with my wellbeing. I am confident I shall prevail and blog on as per normal.

Kam sa ham ni da.
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Court cases unite M’sian bloggers
By Lee Min Keong, ZDNet Asia
Tuesday , March 06 2007 01:18 PM

MALAYSIA–Defamation suits slapped on two popular Malaysian bloggers by the government-linked New Straits Times Press (NSTP) have galvanized the country’s bloggers into action. But, a legal expert warns that bloggers are just as accountable as print journalists for defamatory remarks.

Local bloggers in January initiated an online campaign, dubbed Bloggers United, to show their support for the two Malaysian bloggers. They are also calling for a boycott of the New Straits Times newspaper, where a number of disgruntled Netizens said they have canceled their subscriptions to the country’s second largest English daily.

The NSTP and several senior executives filed defamation suits in January against bloggers Jeff Ooi and Ahirudin Attan, or more popularly known as Rocky, over various postings on their high profile blogs. Their comments have attracted a following among Malaysians disillusioned with the country’s mainstream newspapers, which they perceive to be pro-government. Malaysia is estimated to have about 10 million Internet users.

Some local bloggers have reportedly set up a fund to assist Ooi and Rocky, a former editor with the NSTP, with their legal fees. Speaking recently at a press conference held by Malaysia’s Center of Independent Journalism (CIJ), Ooi said: “Proceeds [from the fund] will not only be used to protect bloggers against [law] suits, but also to provide training workshops in the field of investigative journalism for bloggers.”

Fast facts on blogger suits
The NSTP’s deputy chairperson Kalimullah Hassan, CEO Syed Faisal Albar, group editor-in-chief Hishamudin Aun and former group editor Brendan Pereira, applied for a court order to have 48 posts, which they deemed defamatory, removed from Rocky’s blog. The blogger has in turn filed an application to dismiss the lawsuit. Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur High Court will hear Rocky’s filing on Apr. 2.
Ooi also faces an injunction to have 15 blog postings removed, and has filed an application to dismiss the suit. The court is scheduled to hear his filing this week.
Last month, both bloggers reached an agreement with the NSTP to refrain from publishing articles or posting comments related to the lawsuit.

In his blog, Rocky also wrote that “quite a few lawyers” have contacted him with offers “to defend me, pro bono”.

While the suits have spurred a lively debate about the freedom to blog, they also serve as a reminder to Malaysian bloggers that they are as exposed–as print journalists–to legal and law enforcement action, if they pass comments that can be deemed defamatory.

In an interview with ZDNet Asia, Associate Professor Abu Bakar Munir, a law lecturer with the University of Malaya, said it was a fallacy for bloggers to assume they are somehow more protected from such action.

“There are no special safeguards for bloggers. The law doesn’t differentiate between the online and offline world,” Abu Bakar said. Local bloggers may potentially face the prospect of being saddled with multi-million ringgit damages if they lose their defamation cases, he said.

“It also doesn’t matter if your blog is hosted on a server outside of Malaysia. As long as bloggers can be identified, they can be hauled up,” he warned. Abu Bakar, who specializes in ICT law, said action could be taken against bloggers through a raft of defamation, sedition, criminal and internal security laws.

The lawsuits have also placed intense scrutiny on the Malaysian government’s commitment not to censor the Internet, a pledge that was given 10 years ago when the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) was unveiled.

A non-profit organization and a local media watchdog, the CIJ said the defamation suits brought against the bloggers curtail freedom of expression and information. The landmark case, often described as “David versus Goliath” or “Old Media versus New Media”, is believed to be the first time legal action has been taken against bloggers in Malaysia. The New Straits Times is part of Media Prima, Malaysia’s most influential press group which was once owned by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), the largest political party in the country.

Asked about the court case, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was reported to say: “Bloggers must be responsible for what they write on the Internet as there are laws on defamation and sedition.”

Just weeks before the NSTP lawsuits, a junior minister called for the passing of tougher cyber laws to control those who misuse the Internet. Last December, Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Kong Cho Ha, said: “We need to have stricter cyber laws to prevent these bloggers from disseminating disharmony, chaos, seditious material and lies.” Cho also advocated a move to register bloggers.

However, Abu Bakar said such a move could be construed as “indirect censorship of the Internet” by the government. “Existing laws are more than sufficient to deal with errant bloggers. There’s no necessity to enact ‘tough cyberlaws’ as this will negatively impact Malaysia’s goal to be an international ICT hub,” he said.

International press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders has expressed concern over any plans by the Malaysian government to control the electronic media. “Malaysian bloggers currently enjoy an outspokenness denied to journalists in the traditional media,” said the France-based body, adding that online users should not be pushed into self-censorship. It also urged the NSTP to drop the lawsuits.

Lee Min Keong is a freelance IT writer based in Malaysia.

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3 March 2007

Reading materials for Bloggers:

Jeff Ooi: Bloggers Immunity

Rocky Bru: Third Bloggers to be Sued in Malaysia

Marina Mahathir: Blogging is just writing

Walk with Us: Jeff’s case: a case of copy and paste

23 February 2007:

Statement of claims against Rocky:

(CLICK HERE to download the amended Statement of Claims against Rocky; and CLICK HERE to compare with the original claims.)
For the record, Rocky applied on January 25 to have the defamation suit struck out on the basis that the claims by the plaintiffs were ‘fatally deficient‘.

This was reiterated on February 22 by Edmund Bon, Rocky’s lawyer, who said: “We had applied to have the suit struck out on the ground that the plaintiffs had not pleaded their defamation suit as clearly as they ought to under the law.”

Go to YouTube to hear Bon’s statement for yourself.

22 February 2007:

Pix Courtesy of Mulah, the birthday cake for Bloggers United (Nuraina A Samad), cut and eaten on Feb 22. For more pixs on the event, see here. Fat Bidin Media has also got a video on it here.

Meanwhile…

Mark Your Calendars: Rocky’s suit adjourned to April 2.

Malaysiakini.com

Blogger Ahirudin Attan’s application to strike out a defamation suit by the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) and four others was adjourned today to April 2.

Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Hishamuddin Yunus made the decision in chambers today after hearing the request for adjournment from Ahirudin’s lawyers Edmund Bon and Malik Imtiaz Sarwar.

Ahirudin is being sued by NSTP, its deputy chairperson Kalimullah Hassan, chief executive officer Syed Faisal Albar, group editor-in-chief Hishamudin Aun and former group editor Brendan Pereira.

They had originally applied for the court to order Ahirudin to remove 48 posts on his blog ‘Rocky’s Bru’ that were deemed defamatory and to stop him from further defaming them.

Ammendments made

Following Ahirudin’s application to strike out the suit on the basis that the grounds furnished by the plaintiffs were vague and undefined, amendments to the claims were made.

Bon said the amendments have to be looked at closely before a decision on the next course of action can be made.

He was referring to whether Ahirudin would resume with the application to strike out the suit or proceed to challenge the inter-parte injunction.

“We would have to look and see if it is satisfactory to our purposes and proceed with one or the other option,” he said when contacted.

If the application is withdrawn, the next step would be to hear the NSTP’s application for an interim injunction essentially aimed at stopping Ahirudin and removing the postings deemed defamatory from his website, Bon told AFP.

Meanwhile, Ahirudin denied that his articles in the ‘Rocky Bru’ blog were anti-government.

“I don’t write anti-government articles. (Articles) critical of the government, yes,” Ahirudin told AFP.

Ooi’s strike-out application

Another blogger, Jeff Ooi of Screenshots fame, is similarly being sued by NSTP, Kalimullah, Hishamuddin and Pereira.

His strike-out application will be heard on March 6.

Last month, the newspaper operated by NSTP reached an agreement with both bloggers to refrain from publishing articles or posting comments related to the unprecedented lawsuit.

Malaysian bloggers and media watchdogs have criticised the defamation lawsuit against the duo.

They say the legal action will stifle free expression in Malaysia where the media is already tightly controlled.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has defended the suit saying the Internet was not exempt from defamation laws.

See also stories by Rocky himself, and Jeff Ooi. Also read Politikus, for the lighter side of things today.

22 February 2007:

On Thursday the 22nd of February, at Wisma Denmark at 2.30pm, Rocky goes back to court to face NSTP and 4 Others. However, he says he doesn’t feel alone anymore. “I’ve got Bloggers United behind me”.

“Bloggers United. I confess. When NSTP and the 4 others filed the defamation suit against me last month [here], I felt alone. When I was editor at the Mail and the Business Times, we got sued by corporations and individuals all the time but I was never worried. After all, I had the mighty NSTP behind me. But now the NSTP was suing me and I had no one behind me.
Nuraina A. Samad was there when they served me the papers. She had witnessed them take away her dad [and kept him in jail for over 5 years without trial, here], so some defamation suit, unprecedented or otherwise, wasn’t about to impress her. That gave me strength.

A little later, A. Kadir Jasin called up. He heard that Jeff Ooi was being sued by the NSTP and thought I should get fellow bloggers to support the Screenshots blogger. I told him that Jeff was not alone.

The suit brought Jeff and I closer. And to think that we used to cross swords before: The Blogger vs The Editor. Together we sought advice from various parties, including Karpal Singh. Quite a few lawyers called up and dropped mails to offer to defend me, pro bono, and that I found heartening. Sonia from the CIJ called a press conference to denounce the legal action. The path led me to Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, Haris Ibrahim and Edmund Bon. Elizabeth Wong had a hand in this.

There were over a thousand mails, text messages, calls and comments on the blog giving me support.

And then Sheih of Kickdefella, whom I met not too long ago under strange circumstances through Firewall, unilaterally created the Bloggers United: No Fear logo. Susan Loone started an Official Page for Bloggers United and someone else initiated Walk With Us.

When Bon and I walked up to court that morning on Jan 25, the bloggers were there. Ron was there. So were Pahit Manis, Zorro, Sang Kelembai, Kuda Ranggi, A Voice, Politikus. The KMU boys turned up, the Gen-M was there with banners, and bloggers from all over started to link up.

Marina Mahathir came into the picture and there were talks about setting up a legal fund to help Jeff and I. One day she mailed me from Sri Lanka and wanted to know why I had not put up the Bloggers’ United logo. I got someone to help me tinker with the template and displayed the logo on my blog that very day. Last week, Malaysia Today did the same.

It’s been only a month but we have come a long way. Hundreds of blogs are Bloggers United logo carriers. Thousands will do the same. In Mr Smith’s words, a time will come when bloggers will move mountains. I believe that.

On Thursday the 22nd of February, at Wisma Denmark at 2.30pm, I go back to court to face NSTP and 4 Others. I don’t feel alone anymore. I’ve got Bloggers United behind me.

20 February 2007:

Read also our birthday stories on kickdefella; sloone; zorro; blackinkorea; linkenlim; dansemacabre;

13 February 2007:

R.I.P Journalism? Not so fast…

by Steven Gan, Malaysiakini.com

Journalism is dead. Long live the journalist! Contradictory, isn’t it? Hardly.

Journalism, as we’ve known it for over a century, is long gone. But the role of journalist – in recording events, in building opinions, in presenting facts – is here to stay.

There is no other profession today which is facing so much change as journalism. Really, this seismic shift is akin to an engineer waking up one fine morning to discover that Newton’s Law of Gravity no longer applies.

In times of great change, there’s bound to be some confusion. So it’s not surprising that journalists are still trying to make sense of the Internet revolution which threatens to smother us.

Which brings us to the perception that journalism is under siege. But in reality, it’s media companies which are under threat, not so much journalism. True, the fate of the two are intertwined. After all, most journalists work for media organisations.

However, most media companies exist to make a profit and increasingly, their profit margins are being squeezed. Advertisers are migrating online. Worse still, new media upstarts include those which are not just strictly content providers – Google, YouTube, MySpace and Flickr to name a few.

Clearly, the media landscape is being irreversibly altered. There is growing fragmentation of information. Old media no longer has a complete monopoly on the truth. To top this, those who were once spectators have now invaded the pitch and are demanding to join in the game too – giving rise to the new phenomenon of ‘citizen journalism’.

To survive, some old media will have to merge. That process has already begun in Malaysia. Some others will have to bite the dust. But newspapers, in one form or another, will remain just like their old media cousins – television and radio.

Citizen journalists

More troubling, however, is the idea that everyone can be a journalist.

Take Malaysiakini. For all intents and purposes, we’re not journalists. That’s if you ask the government. We need the ‘official’ press cards from the Information Ministry, and our application was rejected many years ago.

Nevertheless, we earn our journalist stripes by respecting the rules and principles of the game. Malaysiakini prides itself as a new media fueled by a healthy dollop of good old journalism.

Politicians are fond to dismiss journalists as self-appointed critics. But unlike politicians who have to face their voters only every four or five years, journalists are judged everyday.

More recently, we were joined by the new kids on the cyberblock – bloggers. Like us, they too will have to build their credibility.

There’s no doubt that bloggers have played a very important role in improving journalism. They help check bad journalism. They pinpoint mistakes and inaccuracies. They provide alternative viewpoints.

But bloggers will have to live up to the very standards they demand from journalists – in getting the facts right, in exercising similar discipline in the verification process, in not peddling hearsay as news.

Dan Gillmor, the author of ‘We, the Media’ and widely considered the father of citizen journalism, is well aware of this. In a debate I had with him at a media event last year, he conceded that there is just as much irresponsible blogging as there is bad journalism. Correction. Perhaps more.

Gillmor is today dedicating much of his effort to help improve the standards in blogosphere.

Bad blood

Yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between bloggers and journalists. It’s time to put an end this war.

Would we want to live in a world where there are only bloggers and no journalists? Surely not.

After all, everyone has an opinion and many do-it-yourself journalists can really do it much better than the so-called lords of the profession. Yet most independent accounts of local and global events have come from professional journalists. It is imperative that these continue to come from them.

On the other hand, would we want to live in a world populated by only journalists and no bloggers? Again, no.

In the few cases where bloggers have helped break news, it was then often left to journalists to follow up. It is this kind of partnership which can push an opaque government to come into the clear.

Consider the case of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s ‘private’ jet. Bloggers were the first to raise the issue. But it was journalists who took it to the next level by pressing Abdullah on the matter.

It is this sort of synergistic partnership that will invariably shape our new media world.

All said, so long as journalists and bloggers stay true to their craft – and hold dear to the principles demanded by the profession – we should be okay. So you can say it again: Long live the journalist!

13 February 2007:

Bloggers – M’sia’s new reformists?

by Imran Imtiaz Shah Yakob (broadcast journalist, lawyer by training)

The defamation suits filed against award winning blogger Jeff Ooi and veteran journalist Ahirudin Attan have forced Malaysians to think about where they are going. With grand celebrations in the pipelines for their 50th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule, they may in fact have very little cause to celebrate.Once one of the ‘Asian Tigers’, Malaysia is showing signs of sluggishness and stress. Voices of discontent which have not found a place in the conventional media have emerged with ferocity on the world wide web. The new media and its advocates find themselves in unchartered waters.

Bloggers United, a close-knit network of bloggers in the Malaysian blogsphere, seem to be taking on entrenched institutions and political machinery. Susan Loone headlines her blog with: ‘may the truth save us all … 50 years of nation building or nation breaking?’.

With elections predicted next year, Malaysian bloggers are indeed being taken seriously.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his reaction to bloggers, said: “The law is the law. They cannot hide and hope to be protected under some kind of a cover or whatever they think that they have. And if you want freedom, what is freedom without responsibility? I don’t agree with freedom without responsibility. Freedom without responsibility is anarchy. Actually, it is being irresponsible.”

However the conundrum over free speech and responsibility is being examined in a much larger context by the rakyat. The defamation suits against Ooi and Ahirudin may have become the catalyst for transformation of not just blogging, but perhaps the political landscape as well.

Abdullah himself may have unleashed a force with his liberal style of governance. In a recent interview with the New Sunday Times, he voiced displeasure with critics whom he accused of unfairly smearing him: “I know there are people who are trying their best to ridicule me. They make a mountain out of a molehill. They just want to rubbish me.”

While he did not single out anyone, he said bloggers and others were using websites “to create stories”, and that this evidently a manifestation that online freedom is being manipulated.

The effect of these statements have had the opposite effect on bloggers. This virtual group is driven by solidarity and a sense of the oneness of purpose to change Malaysia.

The evolution is glaring, from the inception of the blog aggregator dubbed Project Petaling Street in 2003 to Bloggers United, representing a seasoned and responsive opposition voice.

Loone, who carries the Bloggers United Official Page (Regular Updates) in her blog, said the prime minister’s comments were meant for bloggers in general.

Her take on his comments provides insight into the depth of camaraderie among bloggers: “In the interview:
1. He implies we have ‘ridiculed’ him; ‘rubbished’ him; and tried to ‘distract’ him from doing his work.
2. He said bloggers and other people were using web sites “to create stories” that underscore how online freedom has been manipulated;
3. He called bloggers liars, and said we were spreading lies – “lies after lies are being told”.
4. He said we posted comments ‘anonymously’ (Am I a liar?).”

Differences bridged

The question is, will this new voice be able to influence the way decisions are made and implemented in such a complex country as Malaysia? Can it change entrenched race-based policies that lie at the heart of the undercurrent of discontent?

The storm thus far suggests that bloggers, who come from a broad cross-section of society, can indeed bridge their differences in terms of race, religion and socio-economic background on issues of national importance. For the moment at least, one unified voice of discontent is evident.

Blogs such as Ooi’s Screenshots, Rocky’s Bru and Aisehman can be seen as championing the causes of the silent majority. These hard-hitting posts on politics and anything newsworthy seem to reverberate with the public. No wonder there are always enough supporters to alert the bloggers to notable events.

The mainstream media is taking the cue from bloggers. Controversies over the alleged purchase of the Cobra Sultan yacht at an estimated cost of US$8 million by Abdullah (which he has denied) and purchase of an executive jet have gained some sympathy with the public.

Bloggers have also been alert in reproducing articles of interest published abroad. An interesting instance is the Michael Blackman article published by The Age of Australia, entitled, ‘While Malaysia fiddles, its opportunities are running dry’.

It made a point about wastage in Malaysia and garnered so much support among readers in Malaysia that a cabinet minister had to respond to the allegations.

Another personality who is sending considerable ripples through the corridors of power is Sheih the ‘Poster Boy’. His artistic lampooning of the prime minister and son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin (photo) in spoofs of Hollywood movie posters is really pushing the envelope. At one point, Sheih was suspected of being under immense pressure to cease his ‘below-the-belt’ attacks on the Abdullah and Khairy, after he posted an apology to both.

Sheih’s posters are a novel approach in getting the point across and are becoming increasingly popular with the masses. In an act of defiance, he has stated, “Today I am declaring Cyber War on NSTP. Today I am engaging guerilla warfare on NSTP and their entire (body of) sympathiser(s).”

High stakes

So the stakes are high, not just for the two bloggers being sued but for all Malaysians. With less than seven months to independence day, Malaysians will find themselves in soul-searching mode, hoping to find some semblance of nationhood.

The coming days will see ever more intense blogging that seeks to find common ground on issues which divide the races and levels of society. Perhaps, some bloggers may be discouraged by the defamation suits, but it is conceivable that many others will take their place and enter the fray.

Marina Mahathir puts it succinctly in a topic entitled ‘The Burden of Responsibility’ in her blog, Rantings: “I think about so many stories these days which have originated on blogs which were then followed up by the mainstream papers, and I am curious about something. With their much larger resources, could it be possible that the mainstream papers would NOT have heard of the same thing?

“So if they did hear, then why not publish it? It’s news that is important for society to hear so they have a responsibility to publish it,don’t they? What does it mean when newspapers choose not to publish something? Does it or doesn’t it serve society well?”

The blog has become something personal to people in that anyone can create one to express themselves freely.

To stop blogging now would be something unnatural and unacceptable for empowered citizens of Malaysia.

11 February 2007:

Kala Blogger Menggelitik Pak Lah
(Majalah Tempo 5-11 Feb, 2007)

Di Malaysia muncul aliansi para blogger yang memperolok dan mengecam Abdullah Badawi. Namun, Badawi tetap berlalu.Kliklah blog Blackinkorea.blogspot.com. Sebuah poster nyinyir berjudul Sleepers tertanggal 15 Januari 2007 akan segera menohok. Menampilkan empat wajah Abdullah Badawi tengah terkantuk-kantuk, memperlihatkan perdana menteri itu “ngorok” di pertemuan kabinet, pertemuan dengan partainya, saat konferensi internasional, dan pertemuan penting lainnya.Pada bagian atas poster itu tertera ucapan Dr Martin Luther King Jr, I have a dream. Sedangkan di bawahnya ucapan Abdullah Badawi, I have thousand dreams. Selanjutnya ada celetukan kalimat: Badawi, seorang perdana menteri yang meninggalkan negerinya ketika negara terkena bencana.Blog yang dibuat seorang laki-laki dengan nama samaran Black, 26 tahun, yang tinggal di Gwangju, Korea Selatan, ini adalah bagian dari “tren” di negeri tetangga itu: maraknya berbagai blog yang mengobok-obok Badawi.Tengok blog lain, rockybru.blogspot.com. Pembuatnya seseorang bernama Ahirudin bin Attan. Dalam blognya itu, ia menulis: The PM’s RM30 Million Yacht. Ia menyindir pembelian kapal pesiar mewah oleh Badawi. Kapal sepanjang 44 meter dan diperkirakan bernilai US$ 8 juta itu terbuat dari bahan-bahan yang diimpor dari Afrika Selatan, dengan kapasitas untuk 14 orang.Posting-nya itu mengundang 84 komentar yang rata-rata bernada sinis. “Masya Allah…apa dah jadi dengan orang ni. Betul-betul ‘power gone to the head’. Bersultan di mata beraja di hati,” begitu komentar Idris Said, seorang blogger Malaysia.Blogger yang sama juga menuliskan persoalan pembelian pesawat jet Q319. Tulisan yang dikirim pada 26 Januari 2007 ini berjudul Malaysia Orders Luxury Jet for PM? Selanjutnya tertera kalimat sinis, pemesanan kapal pesiar mewah belum juga tuntas, sekarang ada lagi sebuah pesawat mewah yang diperkirakan seharga $ 50 juta. Sebuah komentar merespons tulisan ini, dikirim oleh BigGuyDotCom: “Terima kasih, ini (maksudnya Badawi) seperti Nero menyanyi ketika Roma habis terbakar. Sedih.”Seorang blogger paling berpengaruh di Malaysia, Ooi Chuan Aun–lebih terkenal sebagai Jeff Ooi–sejak 2 Januari 2003 telah meluncurkan blognya yang lebih serius dan kritis. Ia menuliskan berbagai isu politik Malaysia. Ia menampilkan banyak data. Terkadang ia mengambil tulisan dari media massa setempat, lalu membubuhkan komentarnya. Badawi terutama menjadi bulan-bulanannya.Pada 11 Januari 2007 ia mengirim artikel berjudul Red alert, floods (17 deaths) and currying favour for “A meal fit for princess” at Nasi Kandar Perth. Artikel itu menyoroti ironi: ketika banjir yang menewaskan 17 orang menimpa Johor, Badawi malah pergi ke Victoria Park, meresmikan restoran Puteri Nasi Kandar. Sebuah usaha bisnis adik Badawi, Ibrahim, yang bekerja sama dengan seorang pengusaha Lejadi Group, Lim Ewe Jin.Jeff termasuk blogger yang paling rajin mengamati berita Badawi. Dari berbagai kasus tuduhan nepotisme, korupsi, ekonomi, hingga tindakan politik dalam dan luar negeri Badawi dipantaunya. Ia memiliki pemahaman yang baik tentang politik pluralisme di Malaysia, sama bagusnya dengan pemahamannya dalam puisi dan musik. Alhasil, blognya makinberwarna.Persoalan muncul ketika surat kabar propemerintah New Straits Times (NST) menggugat Jeff Ooi dan Ahirudin Attan. Tulisan dua blogger ini sering mengkritik pemberitaan NST yang propemerintah. Gugatan ke pengadilan pun diajukan NST pada 11 Januari 2007, dengan tuntutan mereka harus mengeluarkan lebih dari 10 posting di blognya.Tulisan Jeff yang mengundang marah staf redaksi NST, misalnya, Will NST out-perform Star? Jeff menuliskan perbandingan antara NST dan The Star. Ia menyajikan angka-angka pendapatan, besarnya sirkulasi dan iklan kedua media ini. Hasilnya, The Star mengungguli NST. Bahkan iklan NST disebut menurun hingga 6,5 persen. Jeff memberikan saran kepada para penanam saham agar tidak membeli saham NST namun membeli saham The Star.Minggu, 28 Januari, New Straits Times mempublikasikan wawancara dengan Abdullah Badawi. Badawi menuduh para blogger menyebarkan fitnah keji. “Kebohongan demi kebohongan diceritakan. Bagi mereka, segala sesuatu tidak benar dan segala sesuatu tidak baik,” kata Badawi.Badawi mengatakan, blog bukanlah sesuatu yang tak bisa lepas dari hukum. Penulis blog seharusnya memiliki tanggung jawab terhadap apa yang ditulisnya. Ia tak bisa membiarkan dirinya diganggu terus-menerus sehingga membuatnya tak bisa bekerja.
Toh, berita yang dianggap fitnah di Internet itu tak terdengar riaknya. Biasanya berita miring tentang Badawi cepat tersebar, tapi tak lekas terdengar–termasuk di lingkungan kantor perdana menteri (JPM). “Berita itu sama sekali tidak terdengar di antara kami-kami. Biasanya, kalau ada gosip begitu, para pegawai akan ngerumpiin,” kata Puan Zaitun, 49 tahun, seorang pegawai di JPM, kepada Tempo di Putrajaya.Para ahli hukum di Malaysia pun mulai berkomentar. Presiden Persatuan Peguam Syarie Malaysia, Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, berpendapat para blogger yang tak bertanggung jawab bisa saja dikenai gugatan. Kebebasan berpendapat bukan sesuatu yang mutlak. “Jika kebebasan bersuara menafikan hak orang lain, itu tidak betul. Dalam Islam, memfitnah lebih berat daripada membunuh,” katanya.Jeff kini melakukan kampanye perlawanan lewat dunia maya. Ia membidani lahirnya aliansi para blogger dengan simbol Blogger United. Simbol ini kerap dicantumkan di halaman para blogger Malaysia. Bergambarkan sebuah tangan hendak memencet tuts keyboard. Tuts itu sendiri bertuliskan Bloggers United dan No Fear. Sementara di bagian atasnya terpampang gambar bendera Malaysia.Para blogger pun mencari dukungan dari ahli hukum melalui sloone.wordpress.com dalam artikel Bloggers to sue PM Abdullah, NST. Mereka meminta dukungan para pengacara di dalam maupun luar negeri. Mereka mempertanyakan bisakah blogger di Malaysia mengambil tindakan class action melawan Badawi maupun NST. Blog ini juga menuliskan apakah ada pengacara di luar sana yang bisa mewakili mereka. “Saya tak akan pernah berhenti, terus mencari dukungan,” kata Jeff Ooi.Toh, apa yang dilakukan para blogger ini tak mengusik kerja Badawi. Berdasarkan pantauan Tempo, berita ini tidak dilansir media lokal kecuali New Straits Time. “Secara pribadi, Pak Lah tak kisah dengan blogger itu, karena memang ditujukan kepada NST, bukan kepada Perdana Menteri,” ujar Theo Ai Hua, juru bicara Badawi, kepada Tempo, Selasa lalu.Andi Dewanto, Taufik Salengke (Bernama, jeffooi.com)

7 February 2007:

Prominent blogger Jeff Ooi claimed that there had been a series of orchestrated attempts by the government to demonise bloggers in ways that had been used against former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.Ooi was speaking at a DAP-organised forum titled ‘Silencing Cyberspace – The Final Frontier’ in Kuala Lumpur last night attended by about 150 people.

“There is a series (of events) which looks like very organised strategies whereby they adopted the ways they demonised Mahathir [...] and took this demonisation aspect to demonise bloggers,” he said.As an example, he cited Deputy Energy, Water and Communications Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor who likened anonymous bloggers to snipers.“Bloggers are not that,” stressed Ooi, whose Screenshots blog prominently displays his name and contact details “Then there’s another deputy minister who said the mainstream media are complaining that the space, latitude, window and freedom of expression is much narrower compared with those online,” he noted.

Ooi was referring to Deputy Internal Security Minister Fu Ah Kiow’s comments on July 26 last year that the government would study if the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) should be amended to include electronic and Internet media.Fu had reportedly said that the traditional media feels that there are double standards.

Judicial reforms

However, Ooi said those who want to see greater media freedom should lobby for the repeal of the PPPA.

“If you are really a media friendly fighter, you fight on your own terms. You need to tell the government to repeal the PPPA.

“We want more freedom, and yet, they want our freedom on the internet to be the same as the print media. How can that be?” he added.

Ooi and fellow blogger Ahiruddin Atan who runs Rocky’s Bru, are currently embroiled in a defamation suit filed by the pro-government New Straits Times Press (NSTP).

The suits were filed by NSTP deputy chairperson Kalimullah Hassan, former editor Brendan Pereira and two others.

Another speaker at the forum, Bar Council president Yeo Yang Poh said judicial reforms should look into the issuance of an apology or correction as sufficient legal remedies for most defamation cases.

“Its not about money. Its about restoration of reputation,” he said.

“Certainly, damages is the wrong way of going about, let alone mega damages. There must be much less emphasis on monetary compensation, unless of course its deliberate,” he added.

5 February 2007

Rocky sent this video link to the official site and Jeff also has it on his blog. The ‘Cranky Geeks with John C. Dvorak‘ podcast (Episode 48) talked about the two bloggers’ lawsuit. Its on YouTube as well.

According to Jeff’s blog: “The anchor and the two guests — Sebastian Rupley, Crank at Large and Dvorak’s sidekick, and Lisa Stone, founder of BlogHer.org — passed some serious opinions on Internet governance in Malaysia. One of them said we may go down the China way for blogging, and China stands for bad, bad Internet governance and occupies the nerve centre of Internet Black Hole“.

Jeff says he has a “strong advisory for budding and existing bloggers in the current situation — if you are serious about blogging, then help prove that we are all responsible bloggers”. Click tvPAS. Yeah!

31 January 2007:

Bloggers United welcome these new bloggers into the blogsphere.

From Rocky’s bru

Bernard Khoo used to be a “poster” in other people’s blogs, mine included. The ex-teacher, 67, would leave his mark “Zorro” wherever he went in the blogworld. Today, he unmasked himself [http://zorro-zorro-unmasked.blogspot.com].

Tony Gayondato, beat him to it by time’s whisker. [http://www.standupphilosopher.blogspot.com]

A retiree, Rajahram, has a name and a blog, too. [http://rajahram.blogspot.com

Nazran from pastv.com used to blog under a pseudonym. I asked him why. No reason, he said, it was just something you did, or did not do. He's got a name now [http://amirulreza.blogdrive.com].

There are guys who don’t need any persuasion, like Major (Rtd) D. Swami [http://www.7rangers.blogspot.com]

Meanwhile, below are selected articles by Bloggers United:

Must reads:

1. Bloggers undettered by lawsuits, AFP

2. Blogs and boundaries of responsibilities, Malaysiakini

3. Injunctions after injunctions, how Kallimulah abused the law to silence critics, Walkwithus

4. YouTube:What the suits mean to the blogger-defendants

What these defamation suits against bloggers actually mean, and how bloggers are taking it – from the defendants’ point of view. It’s now on YouTube.

Video clip courtesy Zan Azlee of Fatbidin.com, under the series: ‘I May Be Malaysian, But I Carry A Big Stick’.

To view the video, click here to YouTube.

30 January 2007:

This is Jeff Ooi’s take on his own case:

Lawyers from both sides of the defamation suit initiated by NSTP et.al against this blogger have agreed to record the following before Justice Malik Ishak in chambers at the High Court of Malaya Kuala Lumpur this morning:

By agreement, all parties henceforth agree not to publish any articles, comments or posts regarding the dispute presently before the High Court in this action that may be regarded as subjudice or that may prejudice the fair trial of the case.

I understand the draft was prepared by the plaintiffs’ lawyers, and ours did not object to it.

Prior to this, the plaintiffs had on January 11 obtained an exparte injunction against this blogger, requiring him to remove 12 + 3 alleged defamatory postings posted on Screenshots between February and December last year.

The injunction also restrains this blogger, “whether by himself, or through his employees and agents”, from republishing these posting in Screenshots or on the world wide web, until the disposal of the defamation suit.

‘Fatally deficient’

I have since instructed my lawyers to apply for the suit to be struck out on the ground that, among others, the Statement of Claims served on me is deemed ‘fatally deficient‘. As you see, it’s the same line of action I took compared to Rocky’s.

The Court has fixed March 6 for the hearing of the striking out.

My lawyers have also filed for the exparte injunction to be set aside, besides claiming costs to my favour.

As such, the interparte injunction and the setting aside of the ex parte injunction will be fixed for mention on March 6 when hearing starts for the striking out application.

Haris taking questions at the press conference… LensaPress photo by How Fooyeen

My co-defence lawyer Haris Ibrahim had gone on record by saying that the judge would first deal with the striking out application before hearing other matters when the parties meet in court on March 6. Quote:

“The interparte injunction and the setting aside of the ex parte injunction will be fixed for mention that day. If the striking out application is successful, the defamation suit against Ooi will be dropped and there will be no injunction left to contest,” he said.

Meanwhile, the plaintiffs’ lawyers had obtained an ad interim to sustain the exparte injunction until the hearing starts.

Walk With Us

The hearing in chambers this morning was over within minutes. The lawyers were already stepping out of the lift as I was to get into Civil Court 6 on the 11th Floor.

I am grateful that some media friends, bloggers and blog commenters have made time to meet and to lend us moral support this morning.

Blogger Marina Mahathir ( RantingsByMM ) flanked by the defendants
BLOGGERS UNITE… (from left 2 to right 2) Bloggers Shanghai Stephen, Rocky’s Bru, Screenshots, RantingsByMM, 3540 Jalan Sudin and Kickdefella. The two on both flanks will start their blogs tonight. LensaPress photo by How Fooyeen.

Thank you for your time and paying for our breakfast and coffee. I hope you commenters start your blogs soon, and those who are already blogging, stay on course!

For more pictures, look here.

29 January 2007

Wisma Denmark, Monday – from Rocky’s Bru

NSTP & Ors v Ahirudin bin Attan
Civil Suit No S3-23-2-2007

At the proposal of the Plaintiffs’ lawyers, the court today recorded the following:

“That the parties agree to henceforth not publish any article, comment or post regarding the dispute presently before the High Court in this action that may be regarded as sub judice or that may prejudice the fair trial of the action.”

The hearing for the striking out application has been fixed for Feb 22, 2007 at 2.30 pm.

Meanwhile, PM Abdullah made several accusations against bloggers again (International Herald Tribune) in the article, published on 28 January, entitled “Malaysia’s leader said he refused to be ruffled by ridicule”.

An interview with him by the News Sunday Times while he attended the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, was published yesterday.

In the interview:

1. He implies we have ‘ridiculed’ him; ‘rubbish’ him; and tried to ‘distract’ him from doing his work

2. He said bloggers and other people were using Web sites “to create stories” that underscore how online freedom has been manipulated;

3. He called bloggers liars, and said we were spreading lies – “lies after lies are being told”.

4. He said we posted comments ‘anonymously’ (Am I a liar?)

29 January 2007 (2)

On a happier note, lets welcome some new members to our group:

rakissanta; jeremiahfoo; bukhairiramli; ahfook; khairena; khersham (malaysian student living in germany

Message from blogger JerryWho:

Jeremiah Foo is testing out a way to aggregate all blog posts related to Bloggers United on my blog – http://jeremiahfoo.com/. He said he would appreciate it if you guys can tag all your posts with the words “Bloggers-United” and he should be able to track and present them all on a page.

“See if this works, and if it does, I will build a full page dedicated to this news thread,” says the ever creative Jeremiah.

28 January 2007

The World is screaming, What is Sub Judice? From the wonderful kickdefella!

IS THIS SUB JUDICE?

From the Berita Harian 25^th January 2007

Pemilik blog tidak ‘kalis’ undang-undang

KUALA LUMPUR: Pelbagai pihak berpendapat tindakan undang-undang terhadap pengendali laman forum atau blog di internet, tidak akan menjejaskan hak kebebasan bersuara atau bermaklumat di negara ini.

Mereka berpendapat, tindakan itu malah dapat membantu memastikan pengendali laman forum atau blog supaya lebih bertanggungjawab terhadap kandungan bahan yang disiarkan bagi mengelak sebarang implikasi negatif.

Ia berikutan tindakan pengendali blog yang menyebarkan fitnah tanpa bukti kukuh boleh memberi implikasi negatif besar bukan saja kepada individu atau sesebuah organisasi, tetapi juga negara.

Presiden Majlis Peguam Malaysia, Yeo Yang Poh, berkata sebarang bentuk sebaran fitnah sama ada dari segi percakapan atau penulisan boleh dikenakan tindakan mengikut Akta Hasutan.

Beliau berkata, mangsa yang difitnah sendiri perlu membuktikan bahawa sebaran terbabit mempunyai unsur fitnah sebelum proses pendakwaan di mahkamah boleh dibuat.

Presiden Persatuan Peguam Syarie Malaysia, Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, berkata tindakan undang-undang terhadap pengendali laman forum atau blog boleh dibuat kerana kebebasan bersuara bukan sesuatu yang mutlak dan perlu mempunyai had.“

Jika kebebasan bersuara sehingga menafikan hak orang lain, itu tidak betul dan dalam Islam sendiri, kesalahan memfitnah itu adalah lebih berat daripada membunuh,” katanya.

Kelmarin, Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi berkata pemilik laman forum atau blog tidak bebas daripada dikenakan tindakan undang-undang serta harus bertanggungjawab terhadap apa yang mereka lakukan.

Perdana Menteri berkata, walaupun kerajaan berpegang kepada dasar tidak menapis kandungan di internet, pengendali blog harus memahami ada undang-undang fitnah dan hasutan yang boleh dikuatkuasakan.

“Mereka tidak boleh menyembunyikan diri atau mengambil kesempatan melakukan sesuatu melanggar undang-undang.

Mereka harus tahu dan tidak boleh melindungi serta berharap dilindungi dengan perlindungan tertentu.

Abdullah berkata, media sama ada cetak, elektronik dan internet termasuk pemilik laman blog mempunyai tanggungjawab dan beliau tidak mahu wujud kebebasan tanpa tanggungjawab kerana ia akan membawa kehancuran.

Perdana Menteri berkata demikian mengulas tindakan The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP) dan pegawai kanannya memfailkan saman fitnah terhadap Ahirudin Attan dan Ooi Chuan Aun berhubung beberapa artikel dalam laman blog mereka.

NSTP dan plaintif lain – Timbalan Pengerusinya, Datuk Kalimullah Hassan; Ketua Eksekutif, Datuk Syed Faisal Albar; Ketua Pengarang Kumpulan, Datuk Hishamuddin Aun dan bekas Pengarang Kumpulan New Straits Times (NST), Brendan Pereira, memfailkan saman itu di Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur, 4 Januari lalu.Mengikut laporan akhbar, kedua-dua saman fitnah itu dikemukakan berhubung beberapa artikel dan komen yang disiarkan atau dibenarkan untuk disiarkan oleh Ahirudin dan Ooi dalam laman blog masing-masing.Sementara itu, seorang peguam, Hasnal Rezua Merican berkata, pengendali blog tidak boleh berpendirian bahawa mereka beroperasi dengan mendapat kebebasan mutlak tanpa mengendahkan undang-undang negara.“Ia sama dengan penulis buku yang masih tertakluk kepada Akta Fitnah. Ini tidak bermakna, kalau disaman kerana melanggar undang-undang mreka boleh mempertikaikan kononnya ia melanggar hak kebebasan bersuara,” katanya.Beliau berkata, kalau pengendali blog meminta imuniti seperti itu atas nama kebebasan bersuara, ia boleh menyebabkan penyebaran fitnah berleluasa seterusnya mencetus pelbagai masalah. From The News Straits Times 25^th January 2007

Bloggers subject to same rules

25 Jan 2007
Anis Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR: Bloggers are liable for defamation — just as in other forms of communication, lawyers and other experts said.

Kuala Lumpur Bar chairman Lim Chee Wee said statements on the Internet were simply writings in a different medium.“You can call them blogs, online forums, websites, they’re all subject to the same defamation laws if offending statements are published,” he said.

Lim agreed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who said in London on Tuesday that although bloggers would not be restricted, they could be subject to defamation, sedition and other laws.

“They cannot hide or take advantage of a situation and do something against the law,” he said.

“I also welcome the prime minister’s statement that blogs will not be censored,” Lim said.

Law expert Prof Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi said there was no doubt the rules of defamation applied to blogs and Internet forums.

“The definition of speech covers every form of communication in whatever form, written or symbolic.

There is no doubt that bloggers are subject to the same rules.

”Asked whether defamation laws in the West were more advanced than Malaysia’s, Shad Saleem said, “In fact we tend to give people much more freedom to defame because we have no privacy laws unlike most Western countries.

”Lawyer Datuk Dominic Puthucheary, who has represented a major local publication against defamation, said, “Our laws on defamation should be governed by Article 10 of the Federal Constitution which provides for freedom of speech, unless limited by Parliament.

”There is no law restricting people on the content of their blogs, he said.

But “if something is either spoken or written in a permanent form, it is liable for defamation according to basic common law”.

That was his advice to a politician on a statement that had been taken from the Internet and broadcast.

Puthucheary also drew a line between private and public individuals: “A defamatory statement against a private person is actionable,” he said.“When it comes to public interest issues and the conduct of public officers, it is not defamatory in some jurisdictions unless there is reckless disregard for the truth. But it is still an open question here.”The former Member of Parliament said the legislature should draft laws to deal with defamation in the “new forms of communication”.Lawyer Nahendran Navaratnam agreed that legislative changes were needed “to ensure that protection is given both to bloggers and those who are the subject of discussion on the Internet”.National Union of Journalists president Norila Mohd Daud said it was logical that defamation laws would apply to blog postings.“Right now our laws do not cover blogs or online forums, but I think it’s simple logic that a defamatory statement can reach the public via any medium, by newspapers, magazines or the Internet.”Norila also agreed that bloggers had to exercise caution on their websites.“It is true that bloggers have to be responsible. You can express your opinions but we have to see it from the point of view of the people who are named,” she said. 27 January 2007:The New Straits Times Press (NSTP) and individuals who are plaintiffs in Rocky and Jeff’s defamation suits SHOULD BE cited for contempt of court!Listen! We are telling you with concrete evidence that The NSTP is prejudice against blogger Rocky, and subjudice against blogger Jeff Ooi for printing articles pertaining to their defamation suits on January 24 and 25.

And how Malaysia’s Prime Minister has enslaved himself to the wills of his own servants!

EVIDENCE 1 - This was strategically timed by The NST to go on print on January 24 (Page 2), the eve of Rocky’s trial:

Friday, January 19th, 2007…12:38 pm

Pix: courtey of Jeffooi.co, taken by MenJ.

Calling one, calling all! Defend your right to free speech!

Blogger United Condemn Action Against Rocky Bru & Jeff Ooi & Demand Level Playing Field in All Action Against Bloggers

This is the official statement of Bloggers United. This statement is jointly drafted by Susan Loone and Sheih of Kickdefella. All those who believe in justice and right to free speech, please sign on and put this up in your blogs. Spread it around; let it grow far and wide. The fight is on! See also kickdefella.

We are a group of Malaysian bloggers who believe in justice and right to free speech. We, who endorse the Bloggers United movement , unanimously condemn the action taken by media conglomerate NST against bloggers Rocky Bru and Jeff Ooi.

The action by the newspaper against the duo is an action against all bloggers who believe in their right to free speech, freedom of expression and justice.

The recent event may seem like a grave development in the path of bloggers, but it can never and must never impede or stop us from defending our right to speak, to express, to write and to tell the truth, to be the watchdog, eyes and ears of the people, or simply to share our view, and give fair comment on any subject which involves and affects us as humans, as rightful citizens of this country.

The recent event may very well give the government owned media the opportunity to dictate the so-called ‘truth” but such actions only prove that bloggers must unite , continue to uphold the right to free speech and freedom of expression, fight for justice, even if it is not our own, be more alert, committed to the cause of free speech, relentless and persistence in the face of such persecution like the one which had befallen on the two of us.

What YOU do to any of US, is what YOU do to ALL.

As responsible bloggers, we demand and claim our space on the blogosphere for free and fair comment, where important national issues and prominent personalities are discussed.

Although it may seem as if the NSTP defamation suits will have a chilling effect on freedom of bloggers, as litigation can be expensive and may jeorpadise a blogger’s economic position, we will not be cowed or silenced by those who have no regard for free speech.

If you find our post offensive, you may refute us with correct facts and figures and fair comment, in the spirit of free speech.

The first two cases will have grave impact not only on the internet, but country as a whole as the country celebates VMY2007. The healthy, mature and democratic growth for free speech and expression in our midst is at stake.

The reputation of the nation as it strives to promote our multimedia supercorridor and love for IT will be a national joke for all the world to feast on.

We demand for a level playing field in all action meted out to bloggers and in particular in the defamation proceedings particularly in terms of financial resources and capabilities, and secondly, that the legal rights of bloggers et al are properly protected in keeping with the imperatives of an information society and knowledge economy which Malaysia aspires to become.

For further information, please contact me at susanloone@gmail.com and my partner in crime Sheih of kickdefella at kickdefella@yahoo.com

192 Responses to “ROCKY & JEFF OOI CAMPAIGN”

[...] Bloggers United [...]

Bloggers declare war on NST (2) « “may the truth save us all” - January 20, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Good luck to ya guys and gals. I’ve had enuff of this oppression of media and information. Time to mass propagate the truth!

imran - January 20, 2007 at 11:32 pm
count me in the campaign!! Bloggers United Rulez

joshuaongys - January 21, 2007 at 3:25 am
BLOGGERS UNITE !!

Alan - January 21, 2007 at 7:26 am
[...] launched and if you are concerned bloggers (Malaysian or otherwise) please lend your support for Bloggers United movement. Your support for Jeff Ooi and Rocky today could mean other bloggers support for you in [...]

Jeff Ooi and Rocky sued: Bloggers United | Kuala Lumpur is Home - January 21, 2007 at 7:30 am
Guys, guys..this is not about free speech. This is about the rights of one party who has recourse to the law when there is prima facie evidence that the other party has committed defamation!

It is about democracy.

undergrad2 - January 21, 2007 at 9:49 am
It is about equal protection of the law as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.

undergrad2 - January 21, 2007 at 9:52 am
I support fighting for the freedom of speech and please add me to bloggers unite. thank you

zaharibb - January 21, 2007 at 1:01 pm
[...] by menj | Filed under Loudspeakers I am sure that Malaysian bloggers are all up in arms on the issue of Bapa Blogger Malaysia and Bapa Rocky Malaysia both getting themselves sued simply [...]

Bloggers United as a registered coalition « Critical Thoughts - January 21, 2007 at 2:09 pm
can add my link or not. thanks. i am very supportive of the movement. had made 3 posts on it so far and of course had the logo and statement permenantly.

lucia - January 21, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Sudah dimasukkan ke blog saya. Sila lihat. Kalau ada apa-apa lagi yang boleh saya bantu untuk kempen ini, sila maklumkan.

Black - January 21, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Im Malaysian,Blogging from Middle east.Count me in…Im regular contributor to the local English daily here .I must tell you that Im proud to be a malaysian Blogger..all are united no matter how far we are…include me please…http://varthanav.blogspot.com/

Varthana - January 21, 2007 at 4:56 pm
I have endorsed this official statement on my blog.

yufuqi - January 21, 2007 at 8:08 pm
The black days for Malaysian bloggers begins…. if we don’t make a move now.

The world of bloggers are huge and in multi-languages. Let’s pass the message and create bigger momentum by joining hand with the Chinese-language bloggers.

In fact the Chinese webbies are now protesting strongly against the monopoly in Chinese newspapers by Sin Chew Daily’s tycoon. The Anti-monopoly coaliation (formed mainly by young columnist) website is http://i-exchange.blogspot.com. Susan and Sheih may contact them for cooperation.

I have created a Blogger United logo in Chinese (many thanks to Sheih). A copy was sent to Sheih. At the meantime, you can make a copy in my web: vincent.ccoplus.com.

The war is tough. The future is grey. Let’s face it with our strength in unity.

天上人间 Down To Earth - January 21, 2007 at 9:06 pm
I am with all of you …

Yu Xian - January 21, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Please count me in too!

Bumiputera Malaysia - January 21, 2007 at 11:17 pm
[...] Logo by Sheih [...]

Bolehland » Blog Archive » Bloggers United - January 21, 2007 at 11:50 pm
count me in for this movement…

United we stand!!!

twilight - January 21, 2007 at 11:52 pm
I’m with you .

ch - January 22, 2007 at 1:26 am
“The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.”
Thucydides quotes (Ancient Greek historians and author, 460-404bc)

I’m in 2…

Roll Ball… DonT StOP!!!

AhMike - January 22, 2007 at 1:56 am
Count me in. There is no way we should keep silence.

ChiaKC - January 22, 2007 at 1:58 am
Hi again, Susan!

Really impressive what you guys are getting together. Keep it up!

Since I am not Malaysian, I have not signed your petition, but as I hope you know buy now, I do of course support your cause, and I have now linked the logo on my page to this site.

sungame - January 22, 2007 at 2:29 am
[...] that the freedom of online media may be in jeopardy. Malaysian bloggers have now rallied around a petition where they claim freedom of speech and “a space on the blogosphere for free and fair comment, [...]

Malaysian bloggers unite against defamation lawsuit « Sungame - January 22, 2007 at 3:43 am
Aye!

Andrew Loh - January 22, 2007 at 4:17 am
Well Fellas,

We are a group of non-partisan, but socially conscious Malaysian students and professionals living in United States of America. Malaysia Forum intends to create greater discussion and understanding of Malaysia and also its connection to the greater world. Through this blog, we would also like to gather different perspectives from people across the globe for the betterment of Malaysia.

People’s Justice Party of California welcomes all interested individuals and groups (regardless of religion, ethnicity and nationality) to participate in this endeavor. We believe that having our effort combined, we can make a difference in further growing democracy and civil society of Malaysia.

Currently, we meet regularly in the Bay Area, California. We were very happy that alot of people came to rekindle themselves on the various social issues of Malaysia.

People's Justice Party of California - January 22, 2007 at 7:17 am
To Jeff Ooi & Rocky Bru

Support I will. A reminder though.

There will be opportunist and agent provocateurs setting up funds to collect money ans stealing those funds to give a bad name to this cause.

Please make sure all donations will be accounted for.

My view on this case.
NST has been hijacked by unworthy people for an unworthy cause even though these unworthy people have every right to seek redress.

NST is one of our heritage and needs to be cleansed! Fight this cause and save NST, Bloggers and Journalism in Cyberspace.

coolandy - January 22, 2007 at 7:45 am
[...] saying that the post has little relevant to the case. That is why I do not plan to endorse “Blogger United” in any way though I am reserving some sympathy to the “movement”. That is why [...]

the __earthinc » Blog Archive » [1055] Of Tak Nak NST - January 22, 2007 at 10:31 am
I’m in. Got the pic up in my blog.

Bloggers Unite!

frostee - January 22, 2007 at 10:43 am
[...] info on susan loone’s blog and [...]

Bloggers United Official Statement « { w a s t e d t a l e n t } - January 22, 2007 at 11:09 am
Count me in and I am more than happy to help in organising all Bloggers Unite merchandise.

BLOGGERS UNITE!

June Liew - January 22, 2007 at 11:25 am
In supporting this whatchamalit crap NSTP thingie, i have instructed all my brand managers to pull out their commitments to advertise in NSTP. We will channel the A&P $$ to another daily now…

Bloggers Unite!

jeffrey - January 22, 2007 at 11:58 am
Bloggers Versus Mainstream Media

We Media Forum reported that:

“Many participants said they used blogs as one source of daily information, in addition to mainstream media.

But who do they trust – mainstream media, bloggers or citizen journalists? Not just one source is the answer.

Using more than one source of information thanks to new technology was cited by many as a key development in how they used the media – rather than trusting one source, a variety of news and views helps them to form their opinion about what is happening in the world.

“Comparing blogs to mainstream media is completely meaningless,” said another participant in the audience in London. “They can’t be directly compared because they serve a different purpose. With blogs you establish a relationship over time. You never get that with a journalist.”

Read the article at my blog here: http://www.wielmaja.blogspot.com

wielmaja - January 22, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Malaysia Blogger United !

钪凯 - January 22, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Malaysia Blogger United !

We love the country so much, but what had happen to the country?????

season - January 22, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Please countercheck with this list.

http://jinkeanlim.blogspot.com/2007/01/leave-bloggers-in-malaysia-alone.html

elizabethwong - January 22, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Truth will always prevail. Let it be a hundred years from now. But you know what i tell you people are already laughing at NST’s actions or rather at the jokers and clowns behind it.

To think that Such a big, rich and high reputed Organization has to dip so low to protect its wrongdoing And sue 2 bloggers in person, i think they already are reconing that we are a force not to mess with.

We are already on the winning route guys ! so dont give up just yet.

Masteragu - January 22, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Hi.. I am supporting this… keep up the good work guys.

regards from europe

watersugar - January 22, 2007 at 7:24 pm
To Bloggers United,

Berani kerana benar, takut kerana salah. I have been writing over the net for years in various forums and my own personal website. I say, every one of us is responsible about what we write, do etc.

They have the right to sue us just as much as we have the right to defend ourselves and write responsibly over the net. Bloggers are not ABOVE the law.

You might as well team up and donate or help the two bloggers concern if you believe what they wrote is right, rather than asking for an IMMUNITY in the name of freedom of speech, in effect tarnishing other like minded bloggers like me and misusing the term freedom of speech.

It is better we concentrate on the defends like;

1. The differences between an article written and it’s impact to the public that was published in a blog, forum, chatrooms versus news portal, news website, company website etc.

2. We can also argue on the correct definition of section 3 [ if i'm not mistaken] of the CyberLaw Act that prohibits any action that prohibits censorship over the Internet. Isn’t such action by NST runs contrary with this act?

3. We can argue on the MCMC’s ‘Self Regulatory Content Code’ manage by CMCF. How is the effect so far? Does it work? Does anybody knows about it anyway?

4. A similar case years back involving a webmaster and Perodua had caused the whole site to be closed, when only few articles were actually related to the suit. Such decision is not fair, and the two bloggers should use this opportunity to reverse such decision.

Here is the CMCF Website if you want to know what it’s all about;
http://www.cmcf.org.my/

I just hope that we use the correct forum and procedure in trying to fight for our rights, rather than taking an action that will in the future be regretted.

For example, in the west, most offenders of child pornography uses chatrooms and some forums. Blogs can be used for a similar offense.

The main question is, do you want to make the Internet safer, or do you want it to be a free for all kinda place? To find the middle ground is very-very hard….

Internet should be minimally control so that it users would not run amok just for the sake of being ‘happening’. On the other hand, too much control like China is unacceptable.

The government and we the internet community should work hand in hand in making the internet to be a safer place. More education on Nettiquette and similar ethics should be not only be preached, but be practised.

We should not blow the horn to arms, just because of the legal action taken towards our two brothers, out of our hatredness or bias towards the present authority. Instead, we should help them in their defence via methods such as i suggested above.

Similarly, the authorities and public should learn the differences between a blog and news portals. And they should take the differing views on their actions by many bloggers, forumist and chatters as constructive opinions or just ‘hot air’ compared to when similar views were given on news websites, company websites etc.

On a personal note, it is kinda baffling that two bloggers are sued when other websites which openly declared their intention to be a news site, and wrote much more damaging theories whether it is against the government or the opposition, are let off scot free.

Well, its the right of the plaintiff who they wanna sue anyway….

TQ and happy blogging.

Bluesyworms - January 22, 2007 at 8:24 pm
[...] kasih buat Susan Loone menyediakan webpage Bloggers United. Blog 4896 turut menyediakan senarai panjang blog-blog yang menyokong perjuangan hak kebebasan [...]

arifabdull :: Bloggers United - Hak Kebebasan Bersuara :: January :: 2007 - January 22, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Bersatu teguh bercerai roboh, Bloggers United!!

azhad - January 22, 2007 at 9:30 pm
despite the fact that i am categorised as more of an entertainment blog, my concern is no lesser than any of you.
i have pushed for the campaign on my part, and i support the movement not only for a great man in rocky, who i have had he privilege of working for, but also for the right of bloggers, including myself.

klubbkidd - January 23, 2007 at 7:13 am
Susan,

Please check out this:

http://blackinkorea.blogspot.com/2007/01/support-for-bloggers-united-so-far.html

Black - January 23, 2007 at 7:50 am
i myself have ceased to subscribe to NSTP services until justice is served to our brothers, rocky and jeff. keep the freedom of our blogging world alive. bloggers united!

lo - January 23, 2007 at 9:42 am
[...] comments on the Internet. » Full article at the International Herald Tribune | Asia Pacific » The Official Malaysian Bloggers United page Technorati Tags: new straits times bloggers international herald tribune asia pacific defamation [...]

Online Media Beat » Malaysian bloggers unite against defamation suits - January 23, 2007 at 10:52 am
Hey there,

This was not really covered by bloggers from the neighbour down south, as far as I know. But there’s one post here with an interesting intro…”Two of the most influential bloggers in Malaysia are being sued. Could this case spark off a clampdown on bloggers in the region?”

http://tomorrow.sg/archives/2007/01/18/malaysian_bloggers_sued_by_new_s.html

cheers from a neighbour from down south,
Rod

Rod - January 23, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Guys,

I’ve wrote something on what should we do next. Go to my blog or you can follow this link.

http://suratdalambotol.blogspot.com/2007/01/entri-65-golekan-bebola-salju-dari.html

Hasrul Halid - January 23, 2007 at 1:23 pm
I wrote the following to Sheih and repost here for you Susan:

For the sake of BLOGGER UNITED unity, lets not get into partisan politics and convenient political blame. It would ruin everything, just like it has been ruining many of our effort.

This is not just about fighting anyone or group but it is the fight against evil disguised in whatever platform claim to be.

Look the evil can even look like a monk, an imam, a priest, even a Prime Minister and his SIL, and definately a “Vice” Chairman, CEO, Editor and a fired plagariser faking as an Editor of NST.

We are united for the freedom to blog and we fight against the use of money and power to supress freedom of expression.

A Voice - January 23, 2007 at 5:57 pm
i’ve stopped buying NST since 1985 and The Star since dec 19 2006. be like me

tfgolf - January 24, 2007 at 6:54 am
[...] blog introduces a website called bloggers united that has been launched to support the two bloggers being sued by a Malaysian newspaper for [...]

Global Voices Online » Blog Archive » Malaysia: Website Formed to Support Bloggers - January 24, 2007 at 9:37 am
UNITED WE STAND. NO MORE JUNK STUPIDO NEWSPAPER. ME, MYSELF & MY FAMILY & FRIENDS, THEIR FRIENDS… EVERYBODY.. NO MORE, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! EVERY SECOND THE CLOCK TICKING… WE WILL MAKE SURE THIS INFO PASS TO OTHERS…. THROUGH NETWORKING… DOUBLE STANDARD. NO FREEDOM. WE KNOW WHAT RIGHT & WRONG. iF WE, BLOGGERS DIDN’T BLAST THE REAL STORIES, THEN HOW? IMAGINED>….

hulubalang2020 - January 24, 2007 at 11:34 am
saya juga ikut meletakkan nama saya menyertai bloggers unite ini. namun, harapnya, bloggers unite bukan mahu kebebasan memblog melulu tanpa tanggungjawab.

p/s
logo yang disediakan terlalu besar tinggi, jadi saya ada buat yang kecil sedikit dan letak di laman web saya. kepada sesiapa yang mahu versi logo kecil sedikit ini (200 x 70 piksel) ada di
http://saharil.com/images/bloggersunited_S.jpg

(tukar S kepada M, L, XS, dan XL untuk saiz lain)

saharil - January 24, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Update sokongan antarabangsa yang telah diterima oleh Bloggers United:

http://blackinkorea.blogspot.com/2007/01/updates-support-for-bloggers-united-so.html

Black - January 24, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Hi! Why I can’t fill my info in profile? Can somebody help me?
My login is Kisakookoo!

Kisakookoo - January 24, 2007 at 1:46 pm
[...] 部落格联手~大无畏 [...]

天上人间 Down To Earth » Blog Archive » 部落格联手~大无畏 - January 24, 2007 at 5:00 pm
[...] Harap sangat Bloggers United juga akan dapat menyokong kenyataan bersama [...]

arifabdull :: 31 NGO Bantah Saman Malu Terhadap Penulis Blog :: January :: 2007 - January 24, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Lets advocate freedom of expression for a better tomorrow.om/about/

endroo G - January 24, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Lets advocate freedom of expression for a better tomorrow.

endroo G - January 24, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Count me in! I’ve added the postings on my blog. Please include my link as well….. http://wattahack.blogspot.com/

Rikey® from WATTAHACK? - January 24, 2007 at 11:00 pm
I’m with you guys.. Bloggers unite!

kirsch - January 25, 2007 at 12:11 am
You have my support!

Gallivanter - January 25, 2007 at 6:54 am
A very big and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has courageously registered their comments here. We will take into account all your ideas and contributions and see how we can move this movement forward. Meanwhile, continue to visit this page for regular updates.Bloggers United!

susan loone - January 25, 2007 at 9:18 am
Add me on fellas.
Best,
Bennyloh

bennyloh - January 25, 2007 at 10:51 am
[...] Please post your support and word of encouragement to our superhero Rocky, only at Bloggers United Official page. [...]

Thanks and No Thanks « Kickdefella - January 25, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Susan, check out this:

http://www.individualland.com/blog/?p=82

Support from one Pakistani Blogger.

Black.

Black - January 25, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Honest truth
Bloggers unite!

hasilox - January 25, 2007 at 9:02 pm
We may not all agree with each other’s views all the time, but in defending our rights in the realm of blog, we are Bloggers United…

A M Ubaidah S - January 25, 2007 at 10:50 pm
you never walk alone

rahim - January 25, 2007 at 11:15 pm
I believe in freedom of speech, and I cant wait to see how this resolves. On my blog some people commented about blogs vs other medias in Malaysia, and I read about that comparision in other places as well.

But i think this is really about freedom of speech, and ttraditional media is not an accurate represenation of that, so the comparison is not valid..

Gobala - January 26, 2007 at 1:21 am
i want to join the pact. but when i send the email, it was rejected. so how to join the pact? anyway to rockys and jeff ooi, may the force be with you two. lets bring it on!

kingbinjai - January 26, 2007 at 7:36 am
Susan,

Updated support. From Prachatai.Com. Click here:

http://blackinkorea.blogspot.com/2007/01/updated-supports-for-bloggers-united.html

Black - January 26, 2007 at 8:36 am
Apart from last years’ 48 postings at Rocky’s, we now have the plaintiffs requesting for comments to be deleted from his 18th and 24th January ‘07 posts, citing it as sub judice to the case.

First they want to take away your voice, then they’ll tell you what to think.

Contempt of court works both ways. In which case, AAB’s public statement in ’support’ of the civil suit is equally damning. As the Executive i.e. the PM of Malaysia, does he not realise that what he said has a greater bearing on the Judiciary compared to us mere mortals. If he said so as to make clear his stand, then, we, who think otherwise, should be allowed to do likewise.

Honestly, how do we defend ourselves against ‘plain (plane*) thieves’?

P.S. * – Overseas readers, please refer to Rocky’s 26th Jan ‘07 posting to get the lowdown.

shar101 - January 26, 2007 at 11:54 am
all the best, walk on and we walk together

Mike Chen - January 26, 2007 at 4:31 pm
[...] Bloggers United Official Page (Regular Updates) [...]

Important reminder, my friends « “may the truth save us all” - January 26, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Today the seek to erase you,
Tomorrow the seek to erase your frens,

Welcome to the Mat-rix!

Rikey® - January 26, 2007 at 6:54 pm
unite!!

afifi - January 26, 2007 at 7:36 pm
TRULY
voices of
rakyat’s representatives,
HERO!

kent - January 26, 2007 at 8:03 pm
30 January 2007, Wisma Denmark, Kuala Lumpur. Mark your calendars, hand in your leave forms, hire a baby-sitter, put aside all appointments, bring your notepads and your cameras!

What time ah?

Rikey® - January 26, 2007 at 10:23 pm
down with the corrupt regime of Pak Lah…we shall dismantle their propaganda machine (NSTP)!!

NSTP for gods sake pick on someone your own size.

You can silence a few of us…but you will never silence us all……

What are you going to do? Put us all in jail?!

You wish! You dont have the balls to do it!

dr heazar ismail - January 26, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Count me in. A Malaysian student in Germany

Kher Sham - January 27, 2007 at 1:28 am
Bloggers United!

Please re-publish everything the NST and Berita Harian printed on the case on the day the court heard the case on 25th.

Those articles are blatantly subjudice!!! Publish them on-line and on in as many blogsites to show how they were trying to prejudice the case against bloggers!!

lubok melayu - January 27, 2007 at 11:18 am
Let’s Unite!
Lidi yang banyak lebih susah dipatahkan. They cant break us!

p/s:
typo in my name there. its bukhariramli. and im a malaysian student blogging from australia.

book - January 27, 2007 at 11:55 am
i like to say that i support u rocky bru and Jeff Ooi. I have change the subsription of my newspaper from News Strait Times and Malay Mail to The Star yesterday. God Bless u Both.

Charanjit Singh
Operation Manager,
TSS Security Sdn Bhd

Charanjit Singh - January 27, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Hi Susan,

Can you link up the latest article from ‘Walk With Us’ on prejudice and sub judice evidences to this post for others to digest.

Thank you.

shar101 - January 27, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Shocked, shattered and sick of NST’s vendetta against Jeff Ooi and of course RockyBru. Just came back from Internet-less leave to discover the disgusting, disgraceful and dirty news.

Please count me in as a supporter of our beseiged colleagues.

ktemoc - January 27, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Support!!

Bloggers united, no fear…

teckchi - January 27, 2007 at 8:12 pm
[...] Bloggers United [...]

The Journey … » Blog Archive » NSTP Declare Wars With Bloggers…? - January 27, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Sick and tired with the cronies and fake-democracy

ahfook - January 28, 2007 at 12:12 am
[...] 关于电脑： NST与博客之战 “may the truth save us all”: Bloggers declare war on NST “may the truth save us all”: Bloggers United 3540 Jalan Sudin: Please, Sir Kickdefella: Say NO To NSTP Critical Thoughts: Bloggers United as a [...]

Ahfook’s Story » Yes to Bloggers United, NO to News Straits Times!! - January 28, 2007 at 12:33 am
I’m in as well.. Pic up on my blog. Bloggers United!

JACQ - January 28, 2007 at 12:14 pm
[...] Categories: Bloggers United [...]

arifabdull :: Sub Judice? :: January :: 2007 - January 28, 2007 at 5:34 pm
[...] Categories: Bloggers United [...]

arifabdull :: Panggil seorang, memanggil semua! Pertahankan hak anda untuk bersuara! :: January :: 2007 - January 28, 2007 at 5:38 pm
[...] Categories: Bloggers United [...]

arifabdull :: Blogger United dapat sokongan antarabangsa :: January :: 2007 - January 28, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Jakarta have their supports to us againts this matter. Below, is one of the massage that my few media friends send it to me.

Dear Akioneo,

I think it is a bad case for Malaysia to press charges againt a blogger. I used to work for a Kuala Lumpur newspaper and found it odds sometimes when covering the government activities. Blogs are good outlets to compensate such censored media. But now it is going to different when a state-owned media is taking legal action against a blogger. What a shame! Please let your colleagues know that you have our supports in Jakarta.

http://www.andreasharsono.blogspot.com/

akioneo - January 29, 2007 at 9:10 am
I hope both of them make it… go rocky and jeff!

viviensiu - January 30, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Hi, just want to inform that the last picture, with the caption of “Pix: courtey of Jeffooi.com” was taken by me and Jeff had credited me with the photo. I certainly do not mind the photo being used at all, but I would appreciate it if you write something along the lines of “Taken by MENJ” and a link to my blog.

Thanks!

- MENJ

menj - January 31, 2007 at 11:07 am
Hi enj, sorry about that – i have done as you suggest. check it out!

susan loone - January 31, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Online poll:

Do you think Blogging provides independent minded readers an alternative source for untainted and unbiased views on issues of public interests and therefore should be rigorously defended as our rights to freedom of expression and speech?

Poll here: wielmaja.blogspot.com

Note: You can only vote once, so cast your vote carefully.

wielmaja - January 31, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Its those who hide something that attempt to stop free speech, only people who are scared that the truth will be told.

GEORGE - February 1, 2007 at 12:30 pm
since we cannot comment on the court case here’s one funnies I would like to share on yesterday’s news.

http://wattahack.blogspot.com/2007/02/dear-god-letter.html

Rikey® - February 2, 2007 at 10:11 pm
[...] Bloggers United [...]

arifabdull-Garis Perubahan :: Perkenalkan diri demi kebebasan diri :: February :: 2007 - February 3, 2007 at 1:35 am
[color=#3993ff]Hello,
every morning I use to bring my kinds to school and on the way back I think about ways to earn more cash for my family for example I can buy them toys, and because I have passion for the web I wanna build a website to try to earn some money with advertisement. My actual job is a public work so I have some afternoon and the weekends to make it. Actually I am trying to understand how to select a good [/color] [url=http://www.web-host-2.info/dedicated-web-hosting-01-01.html]dedicated web hosting[/url] [color=#3993ff].Once I finished I wanna make an promotion plan, so I can get a decent amount of visitors and get started. And unfortunately I’m not good with titles OR the in-between, at least not currently. Any opinion is welcome.
Bye
Cristiano[/color]

fredfraschers - February 3, 2007 at 6:56 pm
[...] Bloggers United must read [...]

arifabdull-Garis Perubahan :: RSF Annual Report 2007 :: February :: 2007 - February 4, 2007 at 7:25 pm
ALARM!!!!

http://www.aisehman.org/

arifabdull - February 13, 2007 at 2:03 am
[...] Bloggers United [...]

arifabdull-Garis Perubahan :: Gong Xi Fa Cai and Happy Chinese New Year 2007 :: February :: 2007 - February 15, 2007 at 12:08 am
http://chaosregion.wordpress.com/2007/02/13/abdullah-ahmad-badawi-dikutuk-orang-orang-malaysia/

Susan, i found this writing from one blogger from Indonesia.

Black - February 15, 2007 at 3:17 pm
memang betol lah, pak lah should be called dah lah…..!!
he is in fact afraid of every single shadow under the sun…
dah lah..

)

heliconia - February 19, 2007 at 5:32 pm
I hope I got the right page…Bloggers UNited, No fear!
I will be there in Wisma Denmark, to meet with fellow bloggers.
I strongly believe that there are positives in every negative.
It seems here that Blogger UNited is indeed very true and very real.

All you bullies out there, you know who you are, be afraid, be very afraid!

alliedmartster - February 21, 2007 at 8:25 am
Glad to see that the movement is going strong…one month on.

Long may it continue!

dr heazar ismail - February 21, 2007 at 4:05 pm
[...] blogger Rocky who is being sued by a Malaysian newspaper says he does not feel that he is fighting alone anymore. Preetam [...]

Global Voices Online » Blog Archive » Malaysia: Blogger Not Alone Anymore - February 22, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Happy B’day, Bloggers United!

Stay together and stay strong…

Rod

Rod - February 23, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Dear Susan,

I am following your instruction to introduce myself on Bloggers United official page.

I am Elviza Michele Kamal and currently based in Bangsar. I wish to support this movement.

I have posted the logo and blogrolled this page at my blog http://www.elviza.wordpress.com.

Thank you for the prompt reply Susan! Thanks to Sheih as well.

elviza - February 23, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Welcome to Bloggers United Elviza, glad to have you around. Took a look at your blog and enjoyed yr writings, keep it up!

susan loone - February 23, 2007 at 2:33 pm
It’s good to performed a “brotherhood of the roses”. Together we bring Malaysia to the right track.

Hail Malaysia, Hail Bloggers United

Ketua Perusuh
http://ketuaperusuh.wordpress.com/

Ketua Perusuh - February 25, 2007 at 8:37 am
WATCH MY S P A C E !!

I blog for peace,

I blog = struggling within my faith! within people who have the same faith

I blog = sending messages to the Malaysian Government,

Let us FREE……stop all the propaganda, stop all the trial by media..

It’s been too long…

Thanks Susan for listing me.

heliconia - February 25, 2007 at 5:09 pm
just wanted to announce that it is time i stand up and be counted!

anyway, hope it is also not too late to wish everyone Gong Xi Fa Cai!

adriantai - February 26, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Bloggers United was a great idea whose time was right. I liked it from the time i saw it. Blessdefella!! Consider me signed up.

galadriel - February 27, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Go Bloggers United!

Having met most of the regular bloggers, I am reassured that our fight against Injustice, and discrimination is not a lonely one.

United we Blog!

Tony YEw - February 27, 2007 at 1:16 pm
I’m old already but ready to roar for you Rocky, Jeff and Bloggers United.
BLOGGERS UNITED, NO FEAR.
No More NST

Tiger of Kota Masai - February 27, 2007 at 1:30 pm
At first, I do blog just for fun & sharing a lifetime experience with few close friends. But, after what has happened to our fren, Rocky & Jeff.. it has widen my perspective about bloggers.

Unity we stand. Go bloggers united.

Norae - February 27, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Go bloggers united. U sure have my support and I will bring more reinforcement with me. For Rocky and Jeff, we will be right next to you in this fight against this shitty NST. All the best.

UNITED WE STAND

ijoy - February 28, 2007 at 9:23 am
[...] today, we have decided to join the big family called “Bloggers United“. To defend and unite, and to be defended and [...]

Malaysians Abroad Blog » Blog Archive » Bloggers United - February 28, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Don’t let anyone take the fun out blogging. With all the problems out there, blogosphere is the place to be. Go Bloggers United!!

saidondengki - February 28, 2007 at 8:04 pm
[...] couldn’t have came at a better moment. At a time when ‘Bloggers United‘, an initiative to support Jeff and Rocky in the plight they are facing, have been [...]

Bolehland » Blog Archive » ‘M’@Desa Permai Indah - February 28, 2007 at 10:31 pm
For those bloggers who are interested to find about jobs opportunities in Dubai or UAE, please visit kerjadubai.blogspot.com

fudzail - March 2, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Dear Susan,

So here I’m…. Tks for discovering my blog.
“bersatu kita teguh, becerai kita roboh”
Adios

Anon. Fm Miri - March 2, 2007 at 10:56 pm
we’re on the edge of a revolution here. I started my blog albeit on a lighter tone after being caught up with what Rocky and Jeff are going thru. I read blogs first before the news nowadays…..
anyway i’m at http://www.chindianatrails.blogspot.com. hope you can make it.

kuhan - March 3, 2007 at 9:20 am
Wisdom tells us that what is REAL is never intimidated by what is UNREAL.
By extension, what is true is never threatened by what is false. Call a sober man a drunkard and he will laugh heartily; however, the seriously drunk will respond with anger, denial, and violence. The line is fine that separates fact from fiction – and quite often what passes as fiction holds more vital truth than dead facts. Some people have poison tongues and enjoy spreading disinformation and slander. But to cut off their tongues is a barbaric and cruel act, and by far a worse offence. Those with integrity have absolutely nothing to fear from those without. In the Aquarian Age, communication and community issues are paramount. Censorship is old paradigm, Piscean Age thinking – and is doomed to extinction. Blog on fearlessly, my friends!

Warm greetings from a newbie in the blogopshere, posting from the Malaysian rainforest

Antares - March 3, 2007 at 12:31 pm
I am in with you… still trying to find my slant to provide a different presepctive on what is happeing…..

My motivation to start my blog was when Rocky and Jef were sued. I had to move from being a passive commentator to an active voice.

find me at http://mindacergas.wordpress.com

One Man, One Vote, One Chance – GE12.

mindspring - March 3, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Yup, I’m with you guys all the way. I reckon bloggers fill a much-needed void in Malaysia in terms of fair comment and social voice.

I moved to Singapore a couple years back and the internet became my main source of Malaysian news rather than TV and newspapers. That’s when I discovered ‘alternative-news/pov’ websites like Malaysia-Today, Screenshots and Rocky’s Bru (this sentimental attachment too, might be partly why I stand firmly behind Jeff and Rocky).

Inspired by the blogs of veteran bloggers, the growing awareness that so much crap goes on beneath (and sometimes above) the calm surface of our country, fuelled the urge to express my frustration about the way things are.

So here I am today… at http://sean-the-man.blogspot.com – shooting from the hip and taking no prisoners.

seantang - March 4, 2007 at 12:02 am
[...] Bloggers United Official Page (Regular Updates) [...]

Humans are indeed more important than a blog « “may the truth save us all” - March 4, 2007 at 7:04 am
Hi Susan,

I’m a Bolehlander by birth but currently a resident of Balikpapan, Indonesia. Sure, I’m with you guys. And I take my (hard) hat off… please keep it up! I might disagree with some of you… but I sure as hell gonna defend your right to say them… mmm. I don’t run a political blog, but who knows I might tread those tetchy waters someday. I just make inane, sometimes insane nonsense at http://matsalo.com. I’m gonna blogroll this page next. Don’t mind to lend a hand, walk with you whatever, when I get a chance to. Appreciate very much there’s people like you out there…

Mat Salo - March 5, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Hi Susan:

Have been following your blog for a while now. Great cause over there.
I used to write to Jeff Ooi on certain meritocracy issues, and sometimes I made noise in The Star, but it seems that all efforts have fallen into deaf ears over the years.

Now that I’ve resided in NZ, I find that there’s a lot more we could learn in Msia. The question is whether Msians are truly willing to accept change, at all cost.

Nonetheless, this is a good cause and you have my support!

http://pavlovaramblings.blogspot.com

Sabrina - March 5, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Hi Susan and all!
I am glad to be here and would like to join hands with ‘Bloggers United’ and fight for our rights and
for justice.
boh tong (retired SIA cabin crew execuitve)

Boh Tong - March 6, 2007 at 9:05 am
bloggers united! count us in.

sri - March 6, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Bloggers United. i’ll walk with you anytime.

goddess - March 6, 2007 at 1:29 pm
hi

shenyeeaun - March 6, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Count me in… Yeeehhaaaa!!!

Tauke Saham - March 6, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Count me in!! Lets be united!!

zh1yong - March 7, 2007 at 7:38 am
Hola Susan,

U neva walk alone Bloggers United n thanks Susan 4 addin me in yr Blogger United list, I felt honoured…:))

LadyBird - March 7, 2007 at 10:33 am
[...] Bloggers United was born because of NST sued against bloggers of Rocky’s Bru and Screenshots. Other bloggers [...]

Am my blog will put PM of Malaysia in danger? | 4896 - March 7, 2007 at 1:58 pm
count me in too…

aman - March 8, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Hi, I’m Jeffrey, formerly of Karate Bearfighter. I have no idea what the lot of us can do against the massive (if very wonky) machinery that is the Federal Government, but I sure as hell would like to find out.

Jeffrey - March 8, 2007 at 8:16 pm
[...] Bloggers United, please sue this guy for us. [...]

Tengku Adnan : ” All Bloggers are liars!” « Tell You Something - March 10, 2007 at 4:08 pm
[...] Bloggers United Official Page (Regular Updates) [...]

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me? « “may the truth save us all” - March 12, 2007 at 6:32 am
http://www.MalaysiaBodoh.com

http://www.DurianRoom.com

Need I say more!!!

Oh yea…VM2007, sponsored by the Malaysia Bodoh govt.

Keep on blogging!!!

Chris - March 18, 2007 at 2:16 am
Susan …

Please count me in !!

the Razzler - March 19, 2007 at 2:23 pm
[...] Bloggers United Official Page (Regular Updates) [...]

Happy 3 months old, bloggers united « “may the truth save us all” - March 20, 2007 at 7:38 am
may the truth be with you…long live bloggers united…
anyway…count me in as bloggers united soldier…

snow_soldier85 - March 20, 2007 at 11:39 am
keep on blogging. it is free. do protect our right of writting. patria o muerte!

babazahra' - March 21, 2007 at 10:11 am
Hi guys,

I can’t wait for the official launch of bloggers united where the malaysian blogger’s group is formed officially.

Just like National Press Club, this one can be named National Bloggers Club.

Probably first in World!!!

Best of luck…..

scamboy - March 22, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Please count me in too.

Apandi - March 23, 2007 at 7:14 am
[...] havoc over the blogosphere. Still hot from the sense unity among bloggers due to highly successful Bloggers United campaign, countless bloggers joined the club in condemning Tengku Adnan’s remark. Bloggers were the [...]

Bloggophobia in Kuala Lumpur… why? | Kuala Lumpur is Home - March 23, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Well Done..
Keep up ya Good Work!!

Bloggers United!

Deans - March 25, 2007 at 10:50 am
Please count in me too.
Thanks.

Deans - March 25, 2007 at 10:56 am
I have posted a short critic on my personal weblog about a tourism mininster from a very beautiful country called Malaysia. Anyone is welcome to log on to the blog ( http://anakpaloh.blogspot.com ).

Please add me to the Bloggers United Malaysia as well.

PS: I’m a Malaysian.

koo chia en, daniel - March 26, 2007 at 11:04 am
[...] Bloggers United Official Page (Regular Updates) [...]

From Indonesia to Latin America, Bloggers United « “may the truth save us all” - April 1, 2007 at 5:50 pm
I have stopped reading NST.

Please add me to Bloggers United.

Crankshaft - April 1, 2007 at 7:34 pm
[...] yang bersejarah di negara kita apabila lebih kurang 50 orang penulis blog yang berpayung di bawah “Bloggers United” bertemu di Kelab Wartawan Kebangsaan, Kuala Lumpur dan mebubuhkan Pakatan Kebangsaan Penulis Blog [...]

Aliansi Bloggers Nasional « Amin Iskandar @ Black - April 6, 2007 at 1:04 am
Hello, Jeff, Ahirudin, Marina, Susan & other fellow bloggers!
I’ve been reading, reading & reading all that you’ve been writing & a lot of the stuff helps me ‘think out of the box’. Good work, bloggers!
I do not, however, accept all your views, particularly anti-American ones & they have been a source of indecisiveness on my part in accepting the ‘Bloggers United’ logo in my blog. Why am I so pro-America? That is of course, another story…
Don’t get me wrong-I believe strongly in the absolute freedom for us bloggers and an uncensored net as promised by our former Prime Minister.
Having said all that, I’m quite fed up with some of the ridiculous juvenile comments by certain ministers without providing any scholarly scientific proof about us bloggers being mostly women, being mostly irresponsible, etc… So I’m placing your logo in my blog at http://thieneleventhhour.blogspot.com & linking all your blogs to mine.
Again, I want to say that I’m a pro-American blogger & I do my blogging in a -how shall I say – unusual way – using materials of some our bloggers’ nemesis (NST) & others to tell my readers this fact from X-Files, my fav show: THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE.:

Luke - April 7, 2007 at 3:03 am
i put the logo long time edy, count me in, blogging no harm!

fanny chew - April 7, 2007 at 5:26 am
Regarding the threat to register bloggers, in the US the telephone and cable companies are now demanding the
social security number of all TV viewers, internet users and telephone users that subscribe to their services.

Rooster Cogburn - April 7, 2007 at 12:40 pm
It’s really understandable, considering that bloody cowardly S.O.B. Osama is all out to destroy the freedom-loving country by all means. The States is certainly not safe as Osama’s rats are lying low in the gutters & elseway, believe me.

Luke - April 7, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Hi, Susan. I’d like to be a proud member of Bloggers United. Please count me in!

quexerra - April 8, 2007 at 7:56 am
it is a worldwide fight keep up the good work

itismealso - April 9, 2007 at 1:05 am
Dear Susan,

First, my congratulations to Rocky, Jeff and all the NAB protem committee members (including you) for the historic event.

Been an avid reader of your blogsite including Jeff’s, Rocky’s, Kickdefella’s, etc and you have done Malaysians proud with your investigative journalism.

The ordinary citizens of Malaysia needs NAB’s presence as the alternative media without all the biased reports – towards transparency, truth and justice for all Malaysians.

You can count me in as a potential member of Bloggers United.

Do keep up the good work and my best wishes to NAB & Bloggers United.

flyer168

flyer168 - April 9, 2007 at 4:45 am
Please count me in!

Bloggers united!

Nikolous Arzy - April 9, 2007 at 7:35 pm
are you interested in starting chapters in usa eu and other

itismealso - April 10, 2007 at 1:43 am
count me in ~ h4×0r

hackerzx - April 12, 2007 at 10:08 pm
[...] and the organisers could be better pointed out in your About page. Also, I have now noted that Bloggers United’s official page, which is maintained by Susan Loone, has not posted anything in relation to the gathering. I [...]

Bolehland » Blog Archive » B.U.M. 2007 - April 13, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Susan Loone & Other Bloggers

I have compile a directory of socio-political blogs of Malaysia in a blog named “SOPO Sentral of Malaysia” @ http://sopo-sentral.blogspot.com. Perhaps, let me cut and paste below a comment I made there for others to understand its purpose:

“This SOPO Directory, as I see it, shd be about agglomerating the various Bloggers dealing with the serious side of blogging, specifically SOPO or:

1. social and societal issues (especially public interest issues);
2. political issues (including partisan, inter partisan, and even inter-faction issues); and
3. economics issues (exclude business, stock market, and management issues, unless it has socio-political relevence).

As Brighteye (a blogger) pointed out, other bloggers do make commentary SOPO postings, despite being personal blog. Since Blogspot.com has sufficient memory size per blog to cater merely listings blog address, lets be inclusive rather exclusive.

Anyone familiar with my first blog, Another Brick in the Wall, shd have an idea of my sopo inclination and would have notice I listed blogsites, of political beliefs and factions that I do not adhere to. I can be considered as commiting “political heresy” to some.

They way I see and as a believer in the establishment of All-Blog to promote freedom of speech (to Blog), I am embodying the motto of the upcoming Blogger United Gathering, “engage and embrace”.

I do not have any guilt or reservation or insecurity of my belief, opinion and strategy (if I happen to craft one). No problem for me to “engage”. We are not in a battlefied engagement but a mental and intellectual engagement.

If we are moving to a knowledge economy or k-economy than lets move to k-politics, k=social and the hybrid k-sopo too!. Lets be “professional”, even if being personal is unavoidable.

Coming back to inclusivity, my proposed solution for our fellow Blogger Brighteye would be to create p-SOPO Bloggers Directory as in partial SOPO. It will cover students and personal blog that have SOPO commentaries and analysis, those in the creative areas and other relevent type of blogs. As I see, p-SOPO could later become SOPO. Writers, filmmakers, arts, and etc are also partial SOPO comentators.

p-SOPO is expected to be a bigger list than SOPO, thus it is daunting on me to compile it. I won’t be looking for them. Alert me and I’ll update. Is that solution ok with you, brighteye?

There is a lot to be done. I had just set it up for something like a week. All will be done in good time.

I could sure use some feedback to alert of p-SOPO thats turn SOPO, and non updated or deceased SOPO blogs and bloggers, respectively (which perhasp need its own classification).

So, keep coming people …

Bloggers United!”

P/S I shall be picking from your list, Susan.

A Voice (from Another Brick in the Wall) - April 15, 2007 at 8:46 pm
[...] Malaysia, two prominent bloggers of this country celebrate the early months of 2007 (read here and here) with a libel lawsuit that started the whole bloggers-are-bad brouhaha and sorry politicians [...]

Bloggers under threat » webgrrrl.net - April 17, 2007 at 10:18 am
You have my full support… free speech is for everybody…

Bloggers United!

idéntiti - April 19, 2007 at 10:46 am
i am new in the blogger world.

Just created my blog “MALAYSIA ALTERNATIVE VOICES” recently.

Feel free to visit my blog http://malaysiavoices.blogspot.com/ and give me your comments, feedback and suggestion.

e-mail: malaysiablogger@gmail.com

Malaysia Blogger - April 21, 2007 at 3:39 pm
[...] blog di negara ini memasuki era baru apabila sekumpulan bloggers mengambil inisiatif menubuhkan National Alliance of Bloggers baru-baru ini. Penubuhan gagasan ini dijangka akan membantu mengembangkan blog di kalangan rakyat [...]

Bloggers Bukan Musuh Orang Politik « ANALISIS MALAYSIA - April 29, 2007 at 12:43 pm
[...] Bloggers United Official Page (Regular Updates) [...]

World Press Freedom or Freedom (re)Press(ed) Day? « “may the truth save us all” - May 3, 2007 at 1:49 am
[...] Communications & Multimedia Act, Defemation Act, & the ISA. Well worth a read for all the politico-bloggers out there to stay away from the clutches of the [...]

Shagadelica » Blog Archive » World Press Freedom Day at KL Central Market - May 5, 2007 at 5:47 pm
how to join??

azman - May 10, 2007 at 1:37 pm
[...] has united them in their struggle against censorship. Malaysian bloggers have now rallied around a petition where they claim freedom of speech and “a space on the blogosphere for free and fair comment, [...]

Solidarity now! « Sungame - May 14, 2007 at 4:34 pm
[...] not sure if Susan Loone still can not smell what I was. But, I already realised it before the Bloggers United transformed become All-Blogs (National Alliance of Bloggers). Before someone opposed the All-Blogs [...]

All-Blogs Hijacked - Part 1 - May 18, 2007 at 4:45 am
Sekali lagi Hishamuddin perlu membuka telinga dan mata untuk membaca dan mendengar sikap kebiadaban Mukhriz , apakah kali ini Hisham terus mahu memekakkan telinga dan membutakan mata tidak mahu mengambil sebarang tindakan kepada Mukhriz . Salakan Mukhriz ini patut dihentikan oleh Hisham bagi mencuci nanah-nanah yang berlendir didalam UMNO. Jangan jadikan platform Pemuda untuk biadab kepada Presiden Parti, Mana kejatanan Keris yang Hisham cium sebelum ini,mana darah muda pemuda UMNO atau Hisham memang layak meninggalkan Pemuda kerana sudah tidak berjiwa pemuda lagi.

mizie - May 21, 2008 at 3:34 pm
[...] Bloggers United [...]

Blog Blog Politik « Blog Menghimpunkan Link Blog Menarik Di Malaysia - May 28, 2008 at 11:22 am
[...] can be seen as … Ooi and fellow blogger Ahiruddin Atan who runs Rocky’s Bru, are currently …http://sloone.wordpress.com/bloggers-united/rocky’s bru: Ah, Rehman Rashidthe blogger behind aisehman.org blog anonymously unlike Jeff Ooi and [...]

rocky and bru - June 29, 2008 at 5:50 pm
[...] 11. Early this year, two Malaysian bloggers are sued for allegedly defaming The New Straits Times Press in their blogs. Because of this controversy, a legal fund will be set up to provide financial assistance for bloggers who face legal action. What is your opinion towards this issue? Blogger tidak bergaji dan mereka mewakili diri sendiri. Jadi apabila diwujudkan satu dana yang sah untuk membantu mereka ia adalah satu cadangan yang baik. Siapa yang akan menyokong mereka jika bukan satu badan bebas yang telah dibentuk untuk memberikan sokongan kepada mereka. Syarikat gergasi seperti New Straits Times Press tentunya mempunyai sokongan yang lebih besar dan dana yang lebih besar jika perlu berhadapan dengan kes-kes seperti ini. Maka blogger juga perlu ada dengan sokongan rakan-rakan blogger. Maka wujudnya Bloggers United. [...]

sultanmuzaffar, Selamat Ulangtahun Yang Kelima | sultanmuzaffar di internet - July 19, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Sharizat has called for a Jihad against Anwar Ibrahim. You know what I feel like. I feel like bending her over and giving her one since this is the season for sodomy. Butt on second thought I will leave it to Rodwan or Najib to take care of that.

AQILAMTHAO - August 13, 2008 at 11:06 am
[...] the statements made throughout the blogosphere have been blunt, disapproving and quite ruthless. A Bloggers United fund has been set up, with the main intent being to aid Ooi and Aharudin with their impending legal [...]

T H I N K » Archive » The Responsible Blogger Dilemma - September 7, 2008 at 4:04 am
[...] [...]

My Blog » Blog Archive » Calling one, calling all! Defend your right to free speech! - September 9, 2008 at 6:00 pm
The PR government obviously understand the economic benefits of having wifi and wimax in turning Penang into an intelligent island. This is valid. For those who are more cautious about the electromagnetic radiation of wifi, wimax have also valid reasons. Obviously health has to be great concern. Economic benefits can come before health.

Unfortunately, at this point in time nobody whether it be the WHO or any other scientist can confirm that wifi, wimax is harmful to health because research is still going on. Out here in Europe, one does read report of the ill-effects of wifi and wimax but research is still going on.

The fact that there is no clear-cut scientific proof of ill-effects now does not mean we conclude it is OK. We act otherwise when the proofs of ill-effects are there. This will be too late as it has already affect health.

What change of mindset in Europe is the adoption of the precautionary principle. We are not sure of the effects of electro-magnetic radiation, it may have no effect or it may have ill-effects. But we will not take the chance and so we limit the use of wifi, wimax. We do use it but we set the rules for its use in public spaces. I am happy that I live in city which is not totally covered by wimax although wifi is used offices, in certain cafes, hotels. There are public spaces where there are no wifi, no wimax.

People must be given choices. They do not need to quit the state. Here is an issue of democracy and human rights. Democracy is also respecting and accepting minority views. Minorities also have their rights.

But my comment here is the precautionary principle. More and more people in Europe are changing their mindset and European law is going in the direction the precautionary principle. The precautionary principle is applied to genetically modified organisms is another example.

I take therefore the position that there must be public spaces, areas of Penang where wifi, wimax should not exist all while in other places it is installed.

European Observer - September 30, 2008 at 2:53 am
Hey guys,

I found a great deal on http://www.MemorySticksPro.com for 2gb 4gb 8gb and 16gb memory sticks.

I purchased one 2-3 days back and already received it so the deal seems sound. I am bargain hunter and I
looked all over ebay, amazon, buy.com, etc. but this was the cheapest I found so thought I’d share with
everyone as my first post on this forum ever.

Hope it helps! Give me some reps!

Looking to be a contributing member here!

Regards
Matt

pobtrorbJonsE - February 5, 2009 at 9:33 am
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EMMA WATSON NUDE - March 12, 2009 at 1:02 pm
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PARIS HILTON NUDE - March 21, 2009 at 3:51 am
You have my 100% Full Support on all Free Speech Issues at Hand!! Thank you for posting this wonderful & informative blog about bloggers rights!!!!

Rev. William Roma - April 15, 2009 at 2:40 pm
we the Malaysian citizen do have the rights to air our thought in this space. let it be a Non-provacative, non-racist,
non-pervert teaching.

we put emphasize on the fight against fraud, money corruption etc..

rebena - October 21, 2009 at 5:28 pm

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