They have never been so apparent as right now, in this time of political upheaval and uncertainty. The recent spate of ISA (Internal Security Act) arrests have put the media on its edge. They are, and perhaps justifiably so, scared out of their pants, afraid to print, write, or broadcast news concerning the opposition (the term used to refer to the non-ruling party, not the bad, opposing party).
That's another thing about Malaysian politics. In North America, they have Democrats and Republicans, but in Malaysia, they have the ruling party and the opposition. One would be deceived into thinking the opposition were 'bad' people based on this discriminatory label. So anyone outside the ruling party in Malaysia - the Barisan Nasional, would be 'opposing'. But I digress.
Because the government issues licenses for media organizations, they are forced to comply to state rules. In other words, if the media don't self-censor, the government does it for them. Either way its rampant media-blankoing.
As a shining example, look no further then the recent Petaling Jaya Candlelight Vigil. Since Raja Petra was released the weekend before, about 100 people had decided to gather at the MBPJ Civic Hall on November 9, 2008, to protest against the blunt use of the ISA on journalists, writers, and opposition Members of Parliament as well as to remember the BERSIH rally from one year ago.
The protest reached a crescendo when the group started singing 'Negaraku' - the national anthem. While the general rule for Malaysians is to stand at attention when the song is played, the police saw a perfect opportunity to surge into the crowd to disperse them. No shots were fired that night, but violence spilled over in ugly cuts, wounds, and other such brutality. PJ Utara MP Tony Pua and Kampung Tunku state assemblyman Lau Weng San were reportedly punched.
The very next day, they filed public complaints during a press conference. I was shocked and dismayed at how NTV 7's nightly news glossed over the subject matter. They never once mentioned the event's name in full nor had they bothered to show any footage other than that of the press conference. Cut to a scene of Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar saying that the protest was unlawful as they didn't have a permit. I can tell you it was handled 'delicately' because I had prior, inside information about the protest. Had I not known, I would've been one of the fools tricked into dismissing the event as 'some rowdy opposition event,' which I assume is what NTV 7 thought.
Let me quote Shufiyan Shukor, Malaysiakini producer:
"When our cameraman Shukri was detained, all he felt was an arm around his waist and a question, "Nak bagi tape dan camera ke nak pergi balai..?" (or something to that effect -- u can read it in malaysiakini.com or watch the interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
... but before he could say anything, camera taken and he's in the black maria.
When we deal with advance democracies, we can rely a lot on the law, especially since the police in those countries usually are more educated and well briefed on their boundaries in enforcement ... but even this doesn't guarantee safety for the journalist, cameraperson or blogger.
What more in this country when the boys in blue don't get pass SPM?
To survive in this country as journalist, blogger, cameraperson, you have to be a little 'street-wise' ... be on the lookout for the plainclothes guys and gals -- sometimes they wear vests clearly showing they're cops, but sometimes they don't. Normally they give warning -- they scream 'Reporter sana! Reporter sana! Reporter sana!' and point their fingers at you telling you to move away -- turn the camera down and move away ... if you feel brave and willing to push the limit, move away to another scene and begin shooting again. But that night, no warning.
In short, when the cops here want you ... they'll get you. Try quoting the Constitution and the right to peaceful assembly and the UN convention on human rights and media freedom etc... and they don't even bother re-quoting the Police Act on you...they just bundle you in the black maria. You are considered lucky if there is no kick in the groin or a truncheon to the face. Or worst! A smashed up camera!
Last year, they very much left journalists and camerapersons alone. This year we are seeing a lot more harassment."
It seems we have a long way to go.
