SE Asia's press progressing against all odds<\/p>\n
Among the many observers who attended Monday's hearing of the
\nlibel case against Tempo magazine was Steven Gan, founder and
\neditor-in-chief of the online news agency Malaysiakini.com.,
\nknown as an icon of Malaysians' struggle for free speech. The
\nJakarta Post's Ati Nurbaiti spoke with Gan on current issues of
\nfree press in the region.<\/p>\n
Question: With the court cases against media in Indonesia and
\nThailand, the recent murder of journalists in the Philippines,
\nbut also talk of budding changes to provide more free speech in
\nMalaysia, how do you see this so-called \"transition period\" of
\ncountries in Southeast Asia?
\nAnswer: We're indeed still in a transition phase -- during which
\npeople have been fighting for press freedom, and the parties that
\nhave something to lose from this freedom are fighting back. Such
\nparties are learning from countries like Malaysia and Singapore
\n-- such as through civil suits demanding large compensation for
\ndamages from libel -- and other methods to suppress free speech.<\/p>\n
Like in Thailand, where the constitution guarantees a free
\npress, one can still file civil suits. [The ongoing case is a
\nlawsuit filed by telecommunications company Shin Corporation,
\npartly owned by relatives of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra,
\nagainst Thai Post daily.]<\/p>\n
Indonesia is a bit different (from Asian countries like Sri
\nLanka) which have repealed defamation laws.<\/p>\n
But it's of concern to us in the media to continue to ensure
\nthat there is a need for free speech, but that will take time,
\ngiven the powers that be -- not only politicians and the state
\nbut also big business.<\/p>\n
Wouldn't businesses gain from a free press in terms of fair
\ncompetition?<\/p>\n
Yes, some businesses, mainly those that are not part of the
\ncrony system, would indeed be happier, especially those that are
\nnot engaged in corruption.<\/p>\n
Today, the courtroom was packed with people from different
\nsocial groups; would that happen in your country?<\/p>\n
I was very impressed with the show of force today -- it shows
\nthat press freedom is not only the concern of the press. In
\nMalaysia, we can't organize those kind of demonstrations (which
\noccurred outside the court building) yet, but the interest for a
\nfree press is there.<\/p>\n
And like here, international observers and investors also want
\nto see continued reform ...<\/p>\n
How long do you think this \"transition\" in the region will
\nlast, with all the ups and downs in the efforts to achieve free
\nspeech?<\/p>\n
I'm very positive about this. We're moving forward but there
\nwill be setbacks. In the long run, governments in the region will
\nrealize they cannot move forward without a free press,
\n(particularly) with more integration among countries.<\/p>\n
Journalists being killed, like in the Philippines, indeed show
\nsuch setbacks, a reaction from certain people who have nothing to
\ngain from a free press. [The latest killing was of a radio
\nbroadcaster following remarks he made on the illicit drug
\nbusiness.]<\/p>\n
Some in Asia also cite \"Asian values\", which is taken to mean
\nthat you cannot be too critical of other countries or that the
\nmedia cannot be too critical of its government.<\/p>\n
That is slowly changing, like in the case of Burma (Myanmar).
\nThere has been pressure for more freedom and some reaction from
\ngovernments (in Southeast Asia). Continued pressure from both
\ninternational organizations and the people of those countries
\nwill eventually influence these governments.<\/p>\n
But in regards to bad press among media groups, we need to
\nensure better journalism and to ensure that (those responsible
\nfor bad journalism) are punished.<\/p>\n
A few journalists from Malaysia and Singapore have said that
\nthere is not much demand for a free press, for investigative
\njournalism, in their countries, so why risk your job?<\/p>\n
You've been talking to the wrong journalists. Look at the case
\nof Anwar Ibrahim -- those who don't support him said people don't
\ncare and the court had clearly declared him guilty. But there was
\ninterest ... Malaysiakini.com was leading in coverage on the
\ncase. Eventually, (the Federal Court) had to correct that
\ndecision, although it took four or five years.<\/p>\n
Whether there is interest or not, journalists should practice
\njournalism the way it should be -- we must continue to strive to
\nreport the truth.<\/p>\n
Nowadays, there is the big threat of bankruptcy: Defamation
\nsuits in which an enormous sum is demanded for damages can be a
\nkiller blow to press freedom, it can be even worse than sending
\nsomeone to jail. The courts would really have to take into
\naccount the effect of astronomically high sums on press freedom,
\non the public's right to information (in reaching the verdict).<\/p>\n
The chilling effect we see is self-censorship in the media.<\/p>\n
Would more media institutions in Malaysia test the waters now,
\ngiven that a sign of change may be seen with Anwar's release?<\/p>\n
For Malaysian media, the problem is not just a matter of
\nlosing your license, but ownership tied to major ruling parties
\nsuch as the UMNO (United Malay National Organization) and the MCA
\n(Malay Chinese Association), so you still have to toe the party
\nline.<\/p>\n
We've been applying for a license to be a newspaper, as this
\nwould have more impact than being online, though we're not
\nworried about readership (which stands at 50,000).<\/p>\n
The reasons for not giving us a print license are unclear --
\nan official said only that Malaysiakini already had a medium.
\nSo are people in Malaysia happy with Anwar's release?<\/p>\n
Given the reception that he had when the charge (on sodomy)
\nagainst him was overturned and especially when he left for Munich
\n(for surgery) at the airport there were about 5,000 supporters,
\nyes, quite a substantial number of people welcomed his release.
\nAnd many bought up the newspapers, showing that people were still
\ninterested in what was happening to him. Generally the newspaper
\ncommentaries welcomed the release and most of the writers said
\nthis will cause a bizarre chapter in Malaysian politics.
\nDo you see signs of more freedom now in Malaysia?<\/p>\n
It's still too early to say whether this would lead to more
\ndemocratization, but this is a very positive development and this
\nwill be hopefully a first step by the judiciary to redeem its
\ntarnished image ... I hope if Anwar returns to politics, he might
\nplay a role (in the opposition) to put pressure on the government
\nto continue the road to further reform ... such as in bringing
\nabout a free media through the repealing of laws like the
\nInternal Security Act.
\nIs there demand of more freedom?
\nThe demand is there. If you look at the reformasi movement when
\nAnwar was arrested, there were calls against corruption and abuse
\nof power, rule of law ... the movement petered out because of the
\nharsh crack down under (former prime minister) Mahathir Mohamad.
\nAre changes possible under his successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi?
\nBadawi is moving too slowly ... it is important for alternative
\nmedia, civil society and those in politics to put pressure on
\nhim, to ensure he will deliver what he promised.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/se-asias-press-progressing-against-all-odds-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}