Dr Cheah TE
6:13pm Mon Jan 27th, 2003

I have to admire your steadfastness to journalistic principles, certainly a rarity in Malaysia. Your current ordeal is by no means a step back but certainly a great blessing in disguise. As your enemies plot your downfall, my o­nly advice is - soldier o­n. There may appear to be no vocal support but still waters run deep.

As a government servant, I have already pledged not to go against the ruling government by signing an agreement last year.

Nevertheless, the events that unfolded lately with malaysiakini calls for the vocalisation of dissatisfaction.

What is happening now is a sign of authoritarian high-handed tactics; the latest being the eviction order. By whose authority? o­ne reason given was because malaysiakini has allegedly been involved in activities that contravene the laws of the country! If I recall corrently there is currently no charge against malaysiakini in court! Malaysiakini is innocent until proven guilty. A police raid is certainly not tantamount to guilt!

The raid was done to gather evidence, not due to sufficient incriminating evidence. This scenario is a clear case of 'legal gangsterism'. It is indeed frightening to know that our future leaders are capable of such acts. So much for Vision 2020.

We may have the tallest buildings in the world or the very sophisticated new international airport, but it all appears to be a case of an empty nutshell. Success is not measured in how tall our buildings are, but the people in them. Let Malaysia be measured by the richness of thoughts and other qualities that depict modern society, not by material possessions alone.

Suppression of speech in this era of globalisation is a gross error o­n the part of the government. Handling controversial issues in a proper manner is a quality important for the people and politicians alike. Yet it appears that the people still lack the ability to carry out intellectual discussions and debates.

Issues relating to race and religion are always sensitive. It has been the root cause of most wars. It o­nly takes a little spark to trigger an explosion. The flip side of the coin is not to inflame the situation further. I understand that there are many purported injustices but it is a fact of life. Discussing the issues in a balanced manner is important. It is like walking the tight rope. There is a growing importance of hearing both sides of the story.

Malaysiakini should be wary not to fall into a so-called opposition role. It is an independent news agency and should remain so. Its role is to report fairly and publish fairly. It should strive to let two opposing voices be heard, not hearing the opposing voice alone as many independent agencies tend to do. It should also not take pride in international awards alone as there are many overseas who relish the thought of Barisan Nasional falling.

In conclusion, there is no justification for the current action against malaysiakini and those behind it should come to their senses. o­n the other hand, knowing that we live in a sensitive environment, maybe it may be wise for malaysiakini to give due publishing space to the pro-government voices as well.