‘internet media in malaysia: problems and prospects’

aliran is organising a roundtable discussion on the above topic. this discussion is targetted at website editors, bloggers and podcasters, social activists and concerned citizens. i had been invited to join the discussion from anil netto of aliran. the following is part of the mail i received from aliran. please note this roundtable discussion is for invited guests only.

We are pleased to announce that Charter2000-Aliran is organizing a National Roundtable Discussion on ‘Internet Media in Malaysia: Problems and Prospects’. This day-long roundtable, supported by the South East Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), will be held at Vistana Hotel in Penang on 9 Dec 2007 starting at 8.45 am. and we would like to invite you to share your experience.

Advancements in information and communications technology (ICT) – particularly the convergence between media, information technology and telecommunications – are often seen as a phenomenon that promotes freedom of expression, media freedom and further democratization of societies. Sceptics, however, argue that the liberalizing potential of ICT is often curbed by the political and economic structures that are inherent in society.

In Malaysia, the Internet initially surged in popularity at the end of 1998 with the emergence of the Reformasi movement, sparked by the unceremonious dismissal of deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim. That was when social and political activists set up hundreds of websites to provide alternative information and views especially for those who were suspicious of the credibility of the mainstream media. Although many of these websites have become defunct over the years, there are still a few that persist and many more new ones and blogs have appeared, providing alternative information and opinions about issues and problems relating to the Malaysian society.

This roundtable, therefore, aims to:

[a] gather selected actors in this area of alternative communication;
[b] discuss issues and challenges affecting the Internet media;
[c] assess the extent to which the Internet promotes freedom of expression and empowerment for groups that have so far been marginalised by the mainstream media and the powers-that-be;
[d] highlight issues that are not adequately covered now by the mainstream media and the alternative media;
[d] discuss the Malaysian government’s proposal to set up a media council; and
[e] network among the Internet media practitioners.