My journalist friend

By Amde Sidik

Let talk about my journalists-friends who work for our mainstream printed media in the country. One particularity, they have one thing in common when they write. Their opinions are identical to each other.

Generally, they are friendly; they would enthusiastically participate in any discussion even if they do not agree. Say this in kedai kopi or warong mamak scenario. However, that the same topic that we agreed or disagreed upon at the kedai kopi may turn out to be completely the opposite when you read the papers they wrote the next day (I do not talk about Malaysia TV Channels)

So what can we make out of this? Why talking and doing is different in this context, is this a lesser kind of hypocrisy? I may say something like 80 percent of them behave this way.

The other 20 percent come from other non-affiliated government media, for example, the on line media-bloggers, and with some very small printed media. This group do not think the same way as mentioned above. They would dispute or disagree for any reason under the sun, but to certain extent, they do provide entertaining reasons.

This small group can also bemuse others in particular the blogs like Malaysia-Today, Malayskini and many more are getting ever popular among younger Malaysians. Because Malaysia does not have alternative media that could critically observe the administration of the country. Day and night we hear one-way traffic flow, I am sure even those in the government find it boring! Yet at the end of the day, many would just say…what to do? No better than saying good night.

Whilst, another very small fraction chose to be quiet for reason of cari makan thus would not like to disturb the hornets’ nests, especially on controversial subjects like politics, race, religion, and morality. Remember the infamous cases, Lina Joy and Morothy all to do with religion. Whilst an example of ultra sensitive subject is immorality issue-one can have many wives but no one can be gay, the case in hand was Datuk Anwar Ibrahim. No journalists from the mainstream media would want to give their views openly.

In politics, none other than corruption, and see how government agencies take charge, even the integrity of ACA is questioned. Next, the way our police force behaves, the latest judgement in High Court by Judge Datuk Mohd Hishamuddin Mohd Yunus with regard to ISA detainee (Abd Malek Hussin) awarded the victim for 2.6 million RM –mentioned in previous posting. Did any one notice how our newspapers downplayed this explosive news?

I would have thought the media (the journalists) should inform public even at least succinctly about the real world and about the events that are damaging to the country.

Journalists should play a role by reminding those need reminder. I do not see Malaysian columnists in the mainstream media doing it.

Far too many malpractices committed by the executives- the gatekeepers of the country.

Of course, we understand, journalists too are cari makan.

Sometime ago I was with one journalist friend who said to me, he does not really think that journalists these days have their own mind to tell the truth. For example, one simple token, a hand phone, given by honourable YB- a gift for covering a function of his ribbon cutting ceremony at his constituency would be enough to tie a knot between journalist and politician. Is this not a form of bribe?

I highly admired my friend’s view. I pray he would remain as he is, devoted to his work ethic, except, I guess, he would remain materially poor and even have fewer friends to invite him for dinner.