Aliran is alarmed at the total lack of journalistic ethics by the Malaysian media when it slavishly reported the so-called denial of Norhayati, the former under-aged girl who had previously stated in open court that she had an intimate relationship with Rahim – without screaming "PERJURY!"

They gave this denial story front-page treatment making it look like a real scoop of the day, without raising or posing any questions. This left thinking people wondering if the pursuit of truth shouldn’t be the business of the media.

In this shameful, scandalous episode a very brave and gallant man with a remarkable record of service and dedication had to make a supreme sacrifice. Lim Guan Eng’s parliamentary career is in ruins; he can’t earn a living from his professional calling; he lost his precious freedom and the comfort of a family life; he was locked away for 12 months.

All for what purpose? Did the media ask her this question?

She must have taken the oath before taking the witness stand.

Did she swear to tell the truth, nothing but the truth? Why then did she make a mockery of that oath and lie through her teeth? Did the media ask her this question?

By lying under oath, isn’t she guilty of perjury? Did the media ask her this question? And shouldn’t the media have demanded that the AG charge her and prosecute her?

She had caused so much pain and agony to the frail and feeble granny who went all over the country pleading for justice for her young granddaughter. She even had to go to court to give evidence and at one stage "suddenly slumped in her chair and had to be carried away."

Her poor granny now feels utterly betrayed and devastated. Is this how one repays the kindness from a caring and compassionate person who was both her granny and mother? Did the media ask her this question?

Nobody cared to ask these questions. There were no editorials chastising this tragic episode. Only a faithful reporting of the lie!

It is a sad reflection on us as a society when so much space, opportunity and publicity is given to a lie. When a lie is given so much prominence; it reveals what little respect we have for truth.