The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) that supports the formation of the National Alliance of Bloggers (All-Blogs) also urged the Government to accept blogging as new media. NUJ president Norila Mohd Daud speaking at the World Press Freedom Day 2007 forum Bloggers: New Breed of Journalists or Online Journal Keepers further showed their seriousness in carrying out responsible blogging, especially in terms of press freedom and issues pertinent to nation-building. But question marks arise… Why the Government stand strong on the opposition? Should it be a need of transparency? Freedom of press?
The concept of the uncensored 'borderless world' made information more easily accessible to anyone which described by NUJ president (2007) was definitely agreeable. She said, "as such, any abuses by public officials can be immediately exposed on the Internet." This point has made me thinking about the Government who practice gatekeeping throughout the media.
In my opinion, our Government need to ensure accountability and transparency as well as keep the publics informed all the time. We, as responsible citizens of Malaysia should have the rights to know more about the country and blogs have always do the job of 'Informing' especially through Jeff Ooi's blog. It's an eye opener for all the politicians and the publics.
The restrictive laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act, and Official Secrets Act (OSA) have restricted the local media to freely deliver news to the publics. I doubt bloggers are bounded with the laws as well? Don't you think it is necessary for the Government to amend the laws and practice freedom of press?
During a forum at a World Press Freedom Day event, themed Press Freedom, Safety of Journalists, and Impunity yesterday, Barisan Nasional's Kota Melaka MP Wong Nai Chee said press freedom was not given priority nor was it at the forefront of the country's political agenda.
"Politicians fear it (raising press freedom issues) will be self-inflicting and bring about political damage," he said yesterday at the event organised by Asian Institute for Development Communication (Aidcom). Is that true?
Reference
'Accept blogging as new media' in The Star Online, viewed on 27 May 2007, URL: http://star-techcentral.com/tech/story.asp?file=/2007/5/4/technology/20070504155505&sec=technology
'NUJ backs bloggers alliance' in The Star Online, viewed on 27 May 2007, URL: http://star-techcentral.com/tech/story.asp?file=/2007/5/5/technology/20070505131217&sec=technology
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