Letter to Editor
WITH reference to a recent letter published by Focus Malaysia questioning Malaysiakini’s coverage of alleged political corruption in Sabah, I wish to respond as a concerned citizen who values both press freedom and public accountability.
Yes, media outlets must exercise care and fairness. But fairness does not mean waiting for perfect conditions before raising legitimate questions – especially when the subject is someone who holds public office and the evidence, however uncomfortable, has been submitted to the authorities.
Can we imagine if Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein had to wait for confirmation from US President Richard Nixon before they could break the Watergate scandal?
It is journalists’ job to pose difficult questions. That being the case, why is Focus Malaysia directing more scepticism toward a fellow news organisation than toward the individuals at the heart of a corruption exposé?
The argument seems less about factual accuracy and more about tone, motive and even foreign funding. These can too easily serve as convenient distractions from the core issue: were public figures offered or did they receive money in ways that demand investigation?
Let’s be clear. Malaysiakini did not declare anyone guilty. It reported the existence of a whistleblower, the nature of the allegations and the fact that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been handed material for review.
This is not “trial by media.” This is what journalism looks like when it takes its journalistic duty seriously.
‘Media policing media’
Could the reporting have been more balanced? Perhaps. Was the portal breaching any ethical standards with its reporting? Possibly not.
But demanding surgical perfection from independent media while excusing the power structure under scrutiny, we are sending a troubling message. Why do we need to question the microphone more than address what’s being said into it.
One can’t help but notice a familiar pattern. When powerful interests are uncomfortable, the first response is to undermine the messenger.
Accusations of editing, funding bias and political slant suddenly take centre stage. And when these critiques come not from those aggrieved by the reports but from within the media fraternity itself, this becomes very uncomfortable.
As readers, we can and should expect rigour from our media. But we must also be careful not to slide into the kind of cynicism that treats every uncomfortable story as an agenda. If there is truly nothing to hide, scrutiny should be welcomed, not feared.
Ultimately, the public must ask: do we want a media environment that prioritises public interest, or one that waits for permission? Journalism, especially in politically sensitive cases, is rarely tidy. But it is necessary.
And if Malaysiakini occasionally oversteps, let us correct it, not condemn it. Because when we start policing tone more than truth – and background more than content – we risk losing the very thing we all claim to defend: accountability. – May 6, 2025
Razak Osman
Petaling Jaya
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: Malaysiakini
