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Note: The following is an open letter to Zainuddin Maidin, Minister of
Information on his statements about the daily theSun, published on 29 August
in theSun itself.

Dear Minister of Information,

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and the Writers Alliance for
Media Independence (WAMI) would like to express our concern and
disapproval at your singling out of theSun daily for what you claim is a
newspaper that is pro-Opposition or that it offends certain quarters of
society. We strongly believe that the theSun has successfully
demonstrated its commitment to practices of good journalism and a
dedication towards bringing issues of public interest to the forefront
of public attention.

To the credit of theSun, it has been relentless in its reports on
corruption and abuses of power and provides space for debates on
critical issues, including the New Economic Policy (NEP), which is an
issue that has wide implications to all in society. The newspaper also
shows respect towards plurality of views by featuring opinions by
various quarters on issues of racial unity and national policies.

The effort by theSun keeps the public informed on current issues and
also of different perspectives. Through its investigative reports on
corruption and abuses of power, the daily is fulfilling its role as a
watchdog of those in power. This is clearly in support of the Prime
Minister’s drive to root out corruption, a commitment he pledged since
coming into office.

It is widely accepted that plurality of views and opinion is a rare
feature in the Malaysian media landscape due to the the effect of
regulations, primarily the Printing Presses and Publications Act and the
reality of political ownership of most major dailies. Gag orders issued
by the government further prevent the media, including theSun from
carrying out its duties.

In this environment, it is unfair to shoot the messenger by charging the
daily of blowing certain issues out of proportion, considering that
theSun provides adequate space for opinions and dissenting views.

On the contrary, and seen from the framework of legislative and
political ownership, we should support the daily for upholding good
journalism practices.

By
Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director, CIJ

and
Wong Chin Huat
Chairman, WAMI