NEWS: Government to engage bloggers in cyberspace

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will take on bloggers in cyberspace and respond to wild and baseless allegations raised in blogs.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said remaining silent was no longer an option.

He acknowledged that the Government had overlooked the need to engage the new media, which was a new dimension in shaping public opinion, in the recent general election.

The Government had not been savvy in engaging the new media and lost out in cyberspace, he said, adding: “But we live and learn.”

Najib said this during a question and answer session at the Asia Media Summit 2008 here yesterday.

He in fact has started the ball rolling by putting a reply through his press secretary Datuk Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad to a posting on Malaysia Today, a news portal run by Raja Petra Kamaruddin.

Najib said it was obvious that the Barisan Nasional Government would now need to engage the new media.

“We need to have people who are active participants of the new media, who are sympathetic and understanding of the government’s position.

“Therefore, instead of just criticising them (the new media) or running them down, the best thing to do is to engage them. Hopefully they will understand our perspective,” he added.

To another question, Najib said the Government gave the mainstream and new media a great deal of latitude to criticise.

However, he said: “There is a line which shouldn’t be crossed” because it could undermine the wider interest of society.

On action taken against blogger Raja Petra, Najib said he was charged with breaking the laws of the country – making baseless allegations and seditious remarks.

He said Raja Petra had been free to criticise the Government “very robustly and stridently” in his blog for years and the Government had not taken any action against him.

“But when certain things he said constituted a very serious attack against the institution, the Attorney-General decided that he had crossed the line,” Najib said.

Other than the new media, he said the established media too had become more critical since the elections.

“If you read the newspapers on a daily basis, you will see that they don’t hold back their punches. If they know there are weaknesses or abuse of power anywhere, they will latch on to these and criticise the Government and individuals openly,” he said.

In an immediate response, blogger Ahirudin Attan (Rocky Bru) welcomed Najib’s announcement that the Government would respond to allegations, saying:

“This is really good. It’s better late than never and it’s something for the blogging community to rejoice because blogging is about interacting with each other.”

The National Alliance of Bloggers president said one of the alliance’s aims was to get the Government to take part in blogging.

“This is because blogging is also about giving feedback to the Government and it’s great that the Government is picking up the opportunity (to blog).”

DAP’s PJ Utara MP Tony Pua, who is also a blogger, felt that the Government should be earnest in replying to issues or allegations levelled against it, pointing out that the Government should not use the medium only to win over public opinion.”

“If the allegations are indeed wild, then its response to correct them is welcome. But if it’s only to put down frank criticisms, then it'll defeat the whole purpose.”

NEWS: Is code of ethics necessary for bloggers?

THERE have been various discussions on what, if any, ethics the Weblog community should follow. Since not all bloggers are journalists and the Weblog form is more casual, they argue they shouldn’t be expected to follow the same ethics codes journalists are following.

So, is a voluntary code of conduct for bloggers and online commentators necessary?

Observers believe that it is, to ensure quality of online discourse, so to speak, and rid the blogosphere off irresponsible bloggers who hide behind the cloak of anonymity that the Internet offers.

They reckon that many Internet users would benefit from some clearer guidance about posting comments online. A code of ethics might help to make bloggers and Web users more aware of the legal implications of what they post on the Net.

A survey by UK legal firm DLA Piper said 46 per cent of Web users think bloggers should sign up to a code that reflected the laws on defamation, intellectual property and incitement, with 15 per cent ambivalent and four per cent strongly opposed. Meanwhile, some 34 per cent of bloggers opposed the idea, but 32 per cent supported it.

The survey highlights the dangers created not only by self-publishing, but also by more innocuous user content such as video, photos and comment posted to media sharing sites.

Only one in three of the Web users surveyed said they had actually read the legal liabilities in the terms and conditions of the sites they use, though 14 per cent had material removed from a site in the past for breaching those terms.

The blogosphere would certainly be a more pleasant place for online discourse with responsible bloggers who have certain ethical obligations to their readers, the people they write about, and society in general.

NEWS: Bloggers organise discourse to network and brainstorm

BLOGGERS are here to stay. Relegated once to the insignificant list, the latest shift in the political arena has redefined their presence and given them the due recognition.

As a testimony to their emerging influence, a special discourse was held recently featuring several personalities from the blogging world, media and academics. More than 150 bloggers and non-bloggers attended the Bloggers Universe Malaysia (BUM) 2006, a half-day discourse at the Lake View Club.

Themed Towards A Civil Society, BUM 2008 was organised by a group of bloggers in their individual capacities in association with the Centre for Policy Initiatives.

Journalist and blogger: National Alliance of Bloggers president Ahirudin Attan @ Rockybru questioned whether self-censorship would be imposed on blogs and online news.

“This event is an avenue for people to come together to network and brainstorm with leading members in specialised areas, in light of the tremendous changes in the political landscape and even media field,” said BUM 2008 organising committee chairman YL Chong @ Desi.

“We need to engage each other, whether those from the fourth estate (mainstream media) or fifth estate (new media).

“A blog is merely a channel; the brainpower behind it determines its quality and contest so the cyberworld can accept it,” said Desi, stressing that newcomers in blogging need to know their core strengths and specialise in that area in their blogs.

The talk's afternoon session featured National Alliance of Bloggers (NAB) president Ahirudin Attan @ Rockybru, ex-judge Datuk Syed Ahmad Idid, academician Dr Azmi Sharom, Centre for Policy Inititatives director Dr Lim Teck Ghee and journalist Jacqueline Ann Surin speaking on the topic Fostering Civil Society - Various Voices.

The evening session, entitled The Fifth Estate (Bloggers) As Agency For Change, featured laywer-cum-MP William Leong, human rights advocate Haris Ibrahim, journalist R. Nadeswaran and blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin.

Rockybru outlined the possible challenges for blogging and the civil society, and questioned whether self-censorship would be imposed on blogs and online news.

On an ideal civil society, he said: “If the judiciary and media aren't free, it won't create the civil society we're hoping for.”

Dr Lim paid tribute to the community of political bloggers who have provided important information, analysis and feedback on key issues taking place in the country.

He said the impact of bloggers could be seen in the results of the recent general election.

Syed Ahmad pointed out that “civil society” had two meanings. “Firstly that such society comprises voluntary civic and social organisations as opposed to the force-backed structure of a state.

“The second meaning is that civil society is the 'third sector' as distinct from the Government and the Business,” he said.

“But be warned. 'A regime in which only civil society existed would be a regime of anarchy', hence the requirement for law and order or government regulations whereby the conduct of the population is maintained for the greater good of the majority.”

Dr Azmi said one could be within society and make a change.

“My students were excited after the recent election. For the first time, young people saw that their vote made a difference and that it mattered.

Paying tribute: Centre for Policy Inititatives director Dr Lim Teck Ghee speaking at the discourse.

He said the internet could provide an alternative to the mainstream media.

Surin focused on blogging becoming an alternative source of news and guidelines for posting comments on blogs, citing MalaysiaVotes.com, the site she created with two journalists to cover the recent general election.

“News publishing doesn't belong to major establishments anymore. As a result of shift in power, there is a higher level of participation in newsmaking, thus creating a more vibrant democracy,” she said.

Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who is also a blogger and a guest at the event, said it was good to see that bloggers were given the recognition they deserved.

“I hope this trend continues to grow and that bloggers become a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

A blogger who wanted to be identified as Shanghai Fish said BUM 2008 was a good way to meet and socialise with fellow bloggers, while getting new input from the speakers.

“As a blogger, I don't write anything I don't take full responsibility for. Everything that I've posted was done with a clear and honest conscience,” said the NAB member.

NEWS: Teh turns to blogging to reach the youngsters

KLANG MCA chief and former Pandamaran assemblyman Datuk Dr Teh Kim Poo has jumped onto the blogging bandwagon and can be reached at www. pandamaranklang.spaces.live.com.

“Blogging is one good way to interact with the youngsters. For me, the blog is a personal effort to reach out to the younger generation which relies so much on the Internet for information,” said Teh.

Teh, who was born and bred in Pandamaran’s new village area, has aptly named his blog site KampungKu Pandamaran.

Helping hand: Teh (right) writing a recommendation letter for Fan Lay Hoon’s school-going children who need food aid.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has said that one of the reasons for Barisan Nasional’s dismal election results was that it lost in the cyber war and to a certain extent I agree, he said.

“Yes, I lost in the general election but that is not going to keep me from helping the Pandamaran folks who I grew up with. Our MCA division will soldier on as there are many who still come to us for help in matters like schools transfers, welfare aid for old folks and also take part in the various community activities that we organise,” he said.

Teh added that his new service centre at No. 718 Jalan Pendamar in Pandamaran is open to the public on Mondays from 7pm to 9.30pm and 10.30am to 5pm on other days. The public can also call 03-3166 7139 for information.

NEWS: Blogs of Courage

When Daren Lee started to blog about his son’s epileptic condition in 2006, little did he realise the impact it would create. The blog inspired many, and gave new hope to others.

The Lees have grown closer through blogging.

Nathanael during therapy.

Tan says blogging has inspired him to lead a life that is as normal as others.

BRINGING HOPE AND INSPIRATION TO OTHERS

By Cindy Koh

IT all started out with curiosity. Daren Lee began fiddling with
blogging sometime in September 2006, when he wanted to start a blog for his church’s youth service. He subsequently got hooked and went on to start to blog about his older son, Nathanael’s epileptic condition.

The blog, www.darentiff.blogspot.com, serves as the main point of
connection for friends and family members to get Nathanael’s updates and progress in his medical treatment. It contains details on how the four-year-old was diagnosed with infantile spasm after going through a series of tests at a local private hospital since he was a newborn, how he started treatment (medical and physical therapies) at a public hospital, and the family’s struggles, joys and courage.

It has been a stressful journey for this father of two and his wife
Tiffany Tang, as they juggle Nathanael’s condition, work and other
responsibilities which can deem the blogging routine challenging. But what kept him and Tiffany (she helps update the site as well) going was the people’s responses to the blog.

Darentiff.blogspot gets from 50 to 100 hits per day and this speaks
volumes for Lee, as it is educating and creating awareness of epilepsy, which is often a misunderstood neurological disorder.

According to a World Health Organization report for the Southeast Asia region, at the global level, it is estimated that there are nearly 50 million persons suffering from epilepsy, of which three-fourths or 35 million are in developing countries. Many people who have family members with such disease are still reluctant to talk about it, as it is seen as a curse or an incurable evil disease.


“The responses have thus far been very encouraging and through the site, the respondents learned, rejoiced and were inspired or ministered to,” Lee says. The family has also made friends online that led to five families from different race and religion forming a support group of sorts. But most rewarding of all, Lee says, is that the family has grown closer through blogging and sharing of information.

The blog has also ignited interest from international viewers, one of
whom is a Swedish professional who asked if he could get a video
recording of a therapy – Snoezelen – that Nathanael is going through. (It is a room equipped with special lights and music to stimulate senses in the child.)

In addition to that, Lee was invited to write about fatherhood for a
Singapore family magazine after the editor visited the blog.

Lee also found out that Malaysians are a compassionate lot. After
putting up a posting on Nathanael’s need for a swing to be set up for his occupational therapy session at home, two good Samaritans offered to do it and they are from the Klang Valley. “What are the chances of knowing anyone who could set up a swing here? It’s amazing!” Lee exclaims.

Looking at the hope and inspiration the blog has given to those who visit, Lee sees himself still blogging in five years’ time, perhaps even further into the future. At Press time, he is setting up a domain, www.darentiff.com, to expand on family interests.


A VOICE FOR AND FROM THE DISABLED

By Izwan Ismail

WHAT inspires someone to write a blog, that in turn, inspire others? For Peter Tan, he blogs to discuss the plight of the disabled people. Wheelchair-bound, the 42-year-old Penangite suffers from spinal cord injury and chronic renal failure.

About five years ago, Tan started The Digital Awakening (www.petertan.com), which chronicles his life as a disabled, and shares his experience with others who may be interested.

Five years on, Tan says his life is now more enriched by the Internet experience.

“Through my blog, I can say that more people now have a better understanding about disabled people and the problems that they face every day,” he adds.


Tan has also managed to make more friends, to share and exchange views. “Most of them are bloggers and people who read my blog. In fact, I have made more friends over the last five years through the Internet than I had before.”


In 2005, Tan initiated a fund-raising campaign for the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Penang Branch. The organisation had provided hospice services when his mother was seriously ill. To show his appreciation, he and four other bloggers shaved their head and raised more than RM5,000 for the society.


“I am forever grateful to the community of Malaysian bloggers who had chipped in and promoted the cause in their blogs. This shows that blogging can make the world a better place,” says Tan.

According to Tan, blogging has also inspired him to lead a life that is as normal as others. “The last five years have been the most interesting in my entire life. I have travelled long distance, visited foreign countries, drive a car, and even got married. I never thought that these were possible.”

To date, Tan has posted slightly more than 1,000 entries in the five years of his life as a blogger. That makes it an average of 200 entries per year.


On the fifth anniversary of his blogging journey recently, Tan wrote, “It is the archive of my struggle within, the things that I have done and places that I have been. Most of all, this blog is a gift to myself for that one day in the future when my memory is not that good anymore.

This blog is about me, myself and I. It is about my journey through life. These are the stories that I want to tell myself when that one day comes.”

Another inspiring blogger is Maryani Abdullah. She has Cerebral Palsy, a medical condition caused by a permanent brain injury, which makes speech difficult and voice hardly audible.


Through her blog, Art of Body Expression (http://mariannie-missycat.blogspot.com), Maryani expresses her personal views and concerns.

Her blog has also enabled her to connect with other talented disabled individuals to pursue a common interest – performing arts.

“I want to change public perception that we are an incapable lot. I hope to introduce a new type of innovative art performance, which will be accepted by all, and not just by the disabled community.”

In her blog, Mariani posts lots of pictures and slide shows of her performing arts activities and how the performers have developed physically, mentally and emotionally.

“Through blogging, I hope that my voice will be heard, and more will be done for the disabled,” she says.