NEWS: Change mindset on blogging

THE negative perception about bloggers and blogging should be
changed, said Centre for Policy Initiatives chief executive officer Dr
Lim Teck Ghee.

Dr Lim said blogging could be seen as an alternative media to the masses.

“It
provides a platform for public discourse irrespective of their
background. The notion that bloggers mainly have negative intentions
including bringing down the government and destroying the country's
racial harmony is an erroneous view and politically motivated,” he said.

He added that most bloggers were concerned about the nation.

Working together: BUM2008 organising committee chairman YL Chong (left) and Dr Lim sharing a lighter moment during the press conference.

“Having a healthy public discourse will help unify the nation and build the country as well,” he added.

Therefore, the Centre for Policy Initiatives is organising a half-day public discourse at Lake View Club, Subang Jaya, on May 1.

The BUM2008, will carry the theme Towards A Civil Society and it will feature well-known bloggers, academician and journalists.

The
afternoon session will talk about Fostering Civil Society – Various
Voices with the National Alliance of Bloggers president Ahirudin Attan,
ex-judge Datuk Syed Ahmad Idid, academician Dr Azmi Sharom, journalist
Jacqueline Ann Surin as well as Dr Lim.

Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi,
lawyer-cum- Selayang MP William Leong, Human Rights Advocate Haris
Ibrahim, Malaysiakini.com editor-in-chief Steven Gan and journalist R.
Nadeswaran will talk during the evening session.

Registration fee is RM50 per person and is limited for 120 on first come first serve basis. The fee includes buffet dinner.

For more information, log on to http://bum2008.desiderata.blogspot.com/.