credits to Daryln @chokoilatte

As the long-awaited 3 rd of May approaches, brave and prescient journalists around the world come together once again to share their thoughts on an abiding issue that has been affecting their careers. It's World Press Freedom Day (WPFD)! Based on the global concern of unfulfilled human rights for freedom of speech as well as freedom of media, WPFD has been set as a reminder for us that a lot of publications and journalists around the world are still being censored, harassed, attacked, even murdured merely because of sensitive topics that they report. Aimed to raise awareness about the safety for journalists, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has chosen this year's theme as ‘Journalism without Fear or Favor’ (#JournalismUnfiltered).

Therefore, in feeding my curiosity, rendezvouses have been set subsequently with two very passionate media persons that would like to share their spirits, experiences, and stories. While the co-founder and executive producer of Kource Media, Nicholas Yap did not show much expression on his face, I could still see flames glowing in his eyes as he recalled the struggles he faced in the journalism world. Even though I did not manage to have a face-to-face meeting with the executive director of Center of Independent Journalism (CIJ), Mam Wathshlah Naidu's voice speaks volumes.

Nicholas Yap - Co-founder and executive producer of Kource Media

Wathshlah Naidu (left) at National Stakeholders Consultation on the Right to Information Legislation as CIJ’s representative

Our Rights to speak up!

Freedom of press has been a hot issue for quite some time, and a concern for Yap and his partners. He said, “We believe that freedom of speech equals freedom of press because if you don’t have the expression of freedom of speech, then how would you have freedom of press? Freedom of speech is a basic fundamental human right.” With one take of deep breath, he emphasized that the reason why Kource existed is to have everyone’s voice heard. Whilst, a different approach is used by CIJ in expressing their concern upon a balance rule. As we talked deeper about it, Mam Wathshlah stated, “The key point of freedom of speech is inherent but not absolute. Therefore, in accordance with Malaysia’s Federal Constitution as well as the international law, CIJ promotes freedom of speech with a larger context while considering other people, especially not to disturb or harm other people.” With different perspectives of their own, both of them still hope and seek for the same goal – freedom of speech and press in Malaysia.

“WPFD is to encourage press freedom. It does not matter if it is something big or small, as long as it is expressing that freedom,” Yap said. For him, freedom is like a treasure for every journalist as it is a way for journalists to express themselves in writing. He added, “A lot of people forget that we have the right to criticize if it is necessary and when it is necessary.” Mam Naidu also expressed her belief that, “If the space is not free, we (as journalists) cannot be an independent media, and when people realize that it is not an independent media, people start to rely on different sources of information that sometimes information may get distorted. Therefore, the independence of the media is very crucial.” She also revealed that progressive manner in reporting is an essential point to support the effort as an independent media.

Mam Naidu also reminded journalists that the media have to be really careful on how they report, as stated in the Printing Presses and Publication Act. “Media must not report unverified information. Media also have a role in preventing misinformation and fake news because they are in a position where they can encounter the right information and they can bring up relevant updates.”

Good timber does not grow with ease: the taller the tree, the stronger the wind

Since last year, Malaysia has succeeded to jump up 22 rungs on the World Press Freedom Index to be the top in South-East Asia and 123rd in the world. In comparison, our neighboring country, Singapore, is surprisingly ranked 151st in the world. This was made as an example that a great and well-developed government system does not guarantee a full freedom of press and media. This comparison, as expressed by Yap, would be a motivation for Malaysians to keep up this space of freedom. Mam Naidu added that after the 2018 general election, there are a lot of opportunities for journalists to express their ideas, come up with stories, and criticize the government. She said, “It is a relief to see the chance of healthier debates being grown.”

However, Mam Naidu mentioned that there are some challenges even though the freedom of space is getting wider. Online threads, such as dissatisfied parties on social media, become most of journalists and publishers’ dread and according to Mam Naidu’s experience, it is possible to be gender-based threads. Misinterpretation of their stories may also lead to several problems that most likely will end with law punishment. Further, her concerns also ran into the possibility of shrinking freedom chances – if the current government working mode goes back to the pre-election situation.

Essential point for journalists is that general and basic skills are needed to come up with news or stories. “It is really important that right now we need to have journalists with the skill to think, criticise, and analyze,” explained Mam Naidu. Journalism is not only just a job to seek information but it is the art of understanding main problems.

Every cloud has its silver lining

When I asked Yap whether it is possible to make Malaysia a place without fear or favor for journalism, his answer was simple. “The question that should be asked is when can the government give that freedom to the press.” One thing for sure, while society may be saturated in yelling for freedom, beyond their differences in visions and working style, both Yap and Mam Naidu agreed that collaboration between organisations is needed to enhance this industry in Malaysia.

National Stakeholders Consultation on the Right to Information Legislation, jointly organized by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU), November 2019

Small steps before the “gallop”

Half an hour had passed in a blink of an eye, yet the conversation started to become more interesting. On what CIJ's plans are to raise awareness for freedom of speech, Mam Naidu answered that CIJ is looking forward to working together with the government in making sure the law and policy reaches impact journalism. CIJ also anticipates to work together with the Ministry of Communication in establishing a media council that will form media accountable to their own standard of article and responsibility on reporting.

She also weighed in on her thoughts how guiding journalists are becoming highly crucial. Mam Naidu mentioned that CIJ wants to focus on capacity building where they are looking at programs on how CIJ can support journalists in terms of developing further skills as investigative journalists. “One thing that CIJ wants to focus on is what is article reporting.” She also explained, “CIJ is in direct action in reaching various communities in order to have active free media spaces. Right now, CIJ is in the midst of discussion with cartoonist Zunar. We are planning to develop a curriculum to work together with university students, for example, in how students can make cartoons as part of their own action of advocacy.”