CHARTER 2000-ALIRAN MEDIA STATEMENT
The joke is on the government
Besides, there were others, such as a popular radio station, that also told so-called 'lies' to the general public in the spirit of the day. And, curiously, this radio station has so far not received any warning or threat from the government, which has displayed a good sense of humour in this particular case. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Aziz's threat against Malaysiakini makes us wonder whether the government is inclined to find a pretext to punish this news portal. Malaysiakini has provided effective and stimulating space for incisive articles, intellectually challenging letters, and a fair measure of investigative reporting. Please support our work by buying a copy of our print publication, Aliran Monthly, from your nearest news-stand. Better still take out a subscription now. If you prefer to read our web-based edition, please support our work and make a donation. Malaysiakini's April Fool prank might have touched a few raw nerves in the government because the news portal had reportedly alleged that three ministers and one menteri besar would be charged for corruption. This prank must have served as a cold reminder to the public of all the outstanding cases of serious corruption begging to be prosecuted. This must have been Malaysiakini's only crime. Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail, who initially was reportedly alarmed by this prank and was keen to prosecute, decided against it. He later claimed that the local media had misquoted his initial reaction. Certainly, what is not a joke is that the government has not walked the talk convincingly ever since it made its pre-election promise to go after corruption in a big way. We sincerely hope that the government's professed commitment to wiping out corruption does not amount to a bad joke. Dr Mustafa K Anuar & Anil Netto Joint coordinators Charter 2000-Aliran 14 April 2005
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