May 6, 2014

Freedom of expression may be enshrined in the constitution, but the harsh truth is that this right seemed to be only accorded to certain sections of the populace.

Those who appear to have friends in high places can say anything and everything they want even if it is seditious.They can use the most racist language, litter it with threats real and innuendo and be applauded for their brevity.

Yet, the law comes down hard on lesser mortals who only choose to interpret the law or put the facts on the table.Lets accept that press freedom does exist in this country only for selected people and selected organisations.Citizen Nades

by R. Nadeswaran@http://www.thesundaily.my

ON Saturday (May 4), World Press Freedom Day was observed and celebrated in various degrees of importance befitting its status in the respective countries. For many years now, I have turned down invitations to speak at seminars to commemorate the event. I have come to the conclusion that such an effort would be an exercise in futility.

Year in and year out, people take the stage, moan and groan, lament and bitch about freedom for one day and forget about it for the next 364 days before a new cycle begins. Its the same tune, same lyrics perhaps performed by different singers like an annual ritual.

But then, one has to keep asking oneself: What can press freedom bring about when the media is always treated with suspicion and disdain? On examining the issues that have been raised in this newspaper over the years, you wonder what can freedom (if any) exactly do or to what extent would it bring about change.

Many a time when contentious issues that need to be debated are raised, they are shouted down by a coterie of self-appointed do-gooders who, like maggots climbing out of the woodwork, become apologists and defenders of the offenders.

Freedom of expression may be enshrined in the constitution, but the harsh truth is that this right seemed to be only accorded to certain sections of the populace.

Follow this link:

Press Freedom and The Media: Why the Suspicion and Disdain?