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Citizens group to monitor election media coverage, launches weblog- Malaysiakini

Beh Lih Yi
2:39pm Wed Feb 18th, 2004

A social reform group has launched the first election media monitoring weblog in the run-up to the general election to keep track of news coverage and media ethics.

"As citizens of this country, Malaysians have every right to demand fair media coverage so that voters can make informed choices when casting their ballot.

"It is therefore crucial that we investigate whether each of the contesting political parties gets a fair hearing in the mass media," said the project’s joint coordinators Dr Mustafa K Anuar and Anil Netto in a statement today.

The weblog known as ‘Malaysian Election Media Monitors’ was launched yesterday by the Penang-based movement, Charter 2000-Aliran.

Charter 2000-Aliran is a citizens’ media initiative based on a press freedom manifesto endorsed by 39 civil sociey and media groups.

Public awareness

Contacted later, Mustafa (photo) said the monitoring team comprises about 20 volunteers nationwide and they expect more to join.

The volunteers are tasked to monitor the conduct of the mass media on a daily basis and post their observations on the webog for public feedback.

"All of us are on voluntary basis, we receive no funding," he said.

Mustafa, who is also a mass communication lecturer with a local university, said he and his colleagues were inspired to create the weblog due to the unfair news coverage during the 1999 general election.

"Some news were distorted (and there was) lack of coverage for certain political parties. We feel there is a need to highlight this," he said.

Public awareness

He stressed that the weblog could help raise public awareness and provide a platform for public scrutiny pertaining to election coverage.

Apart from monitoring news coverage, the weblog will also scrutinise political advertisements that serve the interests of Barisan Nasional (BN) parties and disparage others.

It will also be on guard for any attempt by the BN to use the media to create fear of potential social disorder should the opposition be voted into power.

Another area of focus, is the announcement of subsidies and funds for schools and other institutions during the campaign period, which Aliran said amounts to bribery.