New Forms of Media Publishing

Alternative newspapers are playing a major role in today’s politics, where readers do not just generally rely on the mainstream media to be updated on the current political affairs in Malaysia.

Malaysia-Today.net has been the most viewed alternative online newspaper, where Raja Petra is the editor. His comments and opinions are highly appreciated, although it has been famously been landing him in hot soup.

He was arrested under ISA for defaming Islam, posting seditious opinions on now Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak on his affair and murder involvement of Mongolian Model/Interpreter Altuntuya.However, the issue of freedom of speech is still vastly debated today, where ethical publishing or cultural context is still very highly and closely monitored to not trigger any social unrest in society.

Nowadays, to be charged under the Internal Security Act(ISA) is a very easy thing, as when one crosses the boundary of voicing out one's opinion, which is deemed offensive and brings insult to the government, the King and Islam, it is therefore considered seditious.

In Malaysia, freedom of speech is not commonly practiced, although the Malaysian government claims that all journalists,news presses and citizens are given the freedom to voice out their thoughts. However, Raja Petra, Politician Teressa Kok, and a Sin Chew female Chinese reporter was arrested. The reporter was arrested as she was doing her job by reporting the truth on one of the politicians during the by-elections. This has clearly shown that freedom of speech is yet to be fully practices in Malaysia, and the rights of the people should not be violated in such a way.

However, it is relevant that anyone should be aware of ethical issues while writing or reporting a news, to be sensitive towards other people's religion and believes. Moreover,ISA is a tool for monitoring, but has been badly misused by the authorities to shut people who are telling the truth.

(290 words)

Reference

1. Raja Petra Image, Google image, last viewed 15th June 2009,

<http://dansemacabre.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/marinapete.jpg>