Category: Comparative News

Written by Aris Abd Rahman

The Mass Rapid Transit collision in Singapore on 16 November 2017 had worldwide media coverage on that incident as Singapore claimed that they have one of the world’s best public transportation systems. On that particular MRT collision, The Independence reported that the MRT is no longer a national pride but a national embarrassment. The tittle of the news was “MRT collision is branded a “blemish” in Singapore’s efficiency and infrastructure by international news outlets”. The collision at Joo Koon station being the latest in a string of service breakdowns that has plagued Singapore’s public transport system and inconvenienced countless commuters in recent years. The train collision injured at least 29 people and they had had to seek medical attention from local hospitals. The train collision has gained widespread international traction, with several news outlets commenting on the collision, the first such incident since 1993. Bloomberg News did not mince words in its report. The report was re-published in the South China Morning Post, as well:

“The incident is the latest blemish in a city known for its efficiency, tree-lined highways and slick infrastructure. Singapore’s mass transit system has been strained as the population expanded, leading to multiple breakdowns and delays especially in the past six years, symptomatic of a learning curve the city faces as it upgrades infrastructure rapidly to cope with more people.”

On the other hand, New Straits Times focus was on how many Malaysian were involved in this accident. The headline was “Wisma Putra confirms 6 Malaysians injured in Singapore’s train collision”. The news reported that The High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore is working closely with the local authorities to monitor and obtain further updates on the incident. Malaysians involved in the incident and require consular assistance are advised to contact the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore and contact number so does email were given in order to communicate efficiently. The train accident was also reported simple and did not condemn the local authority.

“At 8.19am, a second train stopped behind the first faulty train. At 8.20am, the second train moved forward unexpectedly, and came into contact with the first train,” regulator Land Transport Authority (LTA) and train operator SMRT were quoted as saying.

A report by Ahmad Fairuz Othman (New Straits Times), with the tittle “Singapore MRT crash tests public’s faith in transport system” is more pleasant reading comparing to Bloomberg tittle “Singapore Train Collision Leaves 25 People Injured”.

The Mecca Grand Mosque crane collapse on 11 September 2015 received worldwide news as the crane fell 10 days before the start of the Haji, the annual pilgrimage for Islam. The Star quickly came out with the news “Six Malaysians missing after Mecca crane collapse” to alert Malaysian on the current situation. This first news was publish at 12 September 2015 at 11.23am. 3 hours later at 2.16pm, The Star produce a new report with the tittle “Name list of six Malaysians missing in Mecca crane collapse”. Meanwhile CNN updates their news with the tittle “107 killed in crane collapse at Mecca’s Grand Mosque”. Unlike The Star, CNN reported on how the catastrophic happen. The first sentences was “A powerful storm toppled a construction crane Friday afternoon at the Masjid al-Haram, or Grand Mosque, in Mecca — killing at least 107 people and injuring 238 others.”

CNN only reported at least 12 Egyptian pilgrims were injured but the remaining 226 was not reported. In this report CNN also quoted “The Grand Mosque is no stranger to tragedies, often because of the crush of people in Mecca for Hajj.”

“In 2006, a stampede killed at least 363 people. That stampede, like others in the past, happened during a stone-throwing ritual in which the pilgrims stone a symbolic devil. Hundreds were killed in stampedes in 2004 and 1998 and 1,426 died in 1990.”

BBC News reported similarly to CNN with the tittle “Mecca crane collapse: 107 dead at Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mosque.” BBC mention on the injuries casualties but the figure is different from CNN and The Star. This news mention 230 were injured and were treated as outpatient. The news also reported that, shortly before the crash, the city had been hit by unusually high levels of rainfall and winds of up to 83kph (50mph).

In reporting of both cases, the Malaysian newspaper such as The Star and New Straits Times focuses on Malaysian even though this two mishap did not happen in Malaysia. They focuses on Malaysian abroad and their safely when the catastrophic happen. Meanwhile for foreign newspaper such as CNN, BBC or even South China Post they see the bigger picture of the catastrophic and details in reporting.

 

Written by Balqis Ariffin

The persecution of the Rohingya, the stateless minority in Myanmar is generally considered as the most persecuted minority in the world, in which the tension has significantly escalated last year when violence erupted between Myanmar’s military and the militant group, Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). Subsequently, it forced the latter and its people to flee for their lives to neighboring countries.

Indeed, the internal dispute should be address as a contemporary genocide that was concealed from being exposed to the world. However, such immoral measure is futile as the incessant atrocities against the Rohingya community have sparked an international outrage and criticism towards Myanmar. Primarily, its de facto leader and Noble prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been widely criticized and condemned for her failure to address the crisis and also mentioned the situation as an act against terrorism.

Despite intervention and condemns by several nations, the plight of the Rohingya does not show any signs to resolve anytime soon, as the underlying crisis is more complex. It is universally acknowledged the issue of Rohingya is an inhumane practice of genocide that was somehow obsolete but is still used as a warfare tool in a contemporary culture.

NEWS IDENTITY

Free Malaysia Today

Free Malaysia Today or usually known as FMT was founded in the year 2009, in which it is an online news portal that provides bilingual news to its reader. Besides that, FMT considered itself to be an independent news organization that emphasis on current affairs that occurred in Malaysia.

Al Jazeera

Basically, Al Jazeera which was launched in 1996 is a state-funded broadcast station that was established in Doha, Qatar. Besides that, the television station is also available in various languages and on the internet as well. Recently, it was subjected amongst the request outlined by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to cease the television station operation to resolve diplomatic crisis. However, such mandate was rejected by the Qatar government as it was considered as an internal affair, besides that several parties have voiced out against such demand as it will jeopardize the press freedom.

AGENDA

Most of all, the independence value that the FMT promotes is evident through its reporting, in which it provides neutral perception on the issue of Rohingya refugee in Malaysia. The article emphasized on both aspects of advantages and disadvantages of seeking refuge in Malaysia, in which it provides a better life for the refugee and their family. However, the highlight of the news is that the failure for the government to recognize the Rohingya as a refugee hence they are not able to work in Malaysia since Malaysia is not a signatory to the United Nations 1951 Convention of the Status of Refugee and 1976 Protocol.

Besides that, the tone that was used in the article is not prejudicial nor damaging the reputation of Malaysia as it did not critically criticize the conduct of the government in failing to address the issue of Rohingya effectively. Despite that, the article still provides clarifications on the conduct of the government of Malaysia. Therefore, by analyzing the agenda of the FMT through its news reporting it can be stated that the article provides neutral tone and perspectives.

On the other hand, the article published in Al Jazeera is critical as it provides criticism towards the government of Malaysia, particularly the failure of the government to effectively address the plight circumstances experienced by the Rohingya that seeks refuge in Malaysia. Besides that, the manner of the article was written is somehow critical as well as it signifies negative values against the conduct taken by Malaysia, however, it emphasized on the reality of the Rohingya’s plight as it was reported with concern over the interviewee’s experience and statement.

In addition, it also provides various perspectives and statements on the issue ranging from president of the Rohingya Society Malaysia (RSM), UNCHR as well as the Prime Minister Office. Therefore, it can be stated that the stance that the news organization took as well as consider the ownership of the Al Jazeera is somehow priorities to highlight on the plight of the refugees, despite that the article is still trying to be independent by reporting various parties.

PRACTICALITIES

Basically, the article published in the FMT does provide a refugee’s perspectives through the interview conducted with two Rohingya refugees that have lived in Malaysia, therefore the information has provided substantial data reliability to the news. However, it is the only citation that is available in the article, as it does not refer or cited any other news article. Despite that, it must be emphasized that the article was merely written by a news agency, Bernama and it was uploaded by FMT on its website.

In addition, the article also provides perspectives on the failure of Malaysia to allow the refugee to work. Most of all, the article provides significant findings on the plight of the Rohingya that seeking refuge in Malaysia, however, it is not extensive and analytical as it only reports the issue on the surface only, in which it was reported with a neutral manner.

Meanwhile, the article published in the Al Jazeera is more analytical and provides profound information on the issue concerning Rohingya refugee that seek shelter in Malaysia, this is evident as it cited a Rohingya refugee, an advocate for Rohingya community as well as perspectives by a UNHCR and Rohingya Society Malaysia (RSM) which is a group for the refugee that is recognized by the UNHCR and also the Prime Minister Office. Hence, by including various notions regarding the issue it certifies reliability as well as validity on the information highlighted on the article. Most of all, the news seems to provide various perspectives on the issue which somehow ensure its reliability and validity of the information given through its sources compared than the news that was published in FMT.

TRANSPARENCY

Other than that, in the aspect of transparency relating to the article that was published in the FMT, it can be observed that it does provide transparent information on the issue through the interview conducted with the refugees. This is evident as there were neutral perspectives on the issue primarily that living in Malaysia has both advantages and weaknesses that the government needs to overcome. Furthermore, the news also does not signify support towards any parties as there are absent from the elements of bias and prejudice that was incited against another party. Therefore, it can be stated that the article does not conceal any form of information in its reporting as it ensures that both parties has the platform to justify the issue accordingly.

Besides that, the article that was published in the Al Jazeera tends to signify the value of transparency as it provides in-depth and extensive discussions on the issue, in which it does not refrain from reporting certain arguments even though it is critical towards the government of Malaysia. Moreover, the news also possessed transparent elements which can be observed with the citations of various people that represent different background and expertise on the issue of Rohingya refugee in Malaysia. Thus, these factors have subsequently fulfilled the fact that the news reported in Al Jazeera is indeed transparent through its critical reporting.

References

Bemma, A. (2017, November 23). Malaysia: A Rohingya Safe Haven? Retrieved December 20, 2017, from Al Jazeera: http://www.aljazeera.com

Bernama. (2017, October 15). Life In Malaysia Way Better, Says Rohingya Refugee. Retrieved December 20, 2017, from Free Malaysia Today: http://www. freemalaysiatoday.com

Hutt, D. (2017, March 23). Malaysia speaks softly in the South China Sea. Retrieved December 10, 2017, from Asia Times: http://www.atimes.com

Shahar, F. (2017, November 18). Malaysia has a hand in prompting China-US to discuss security in South China Sea. Retrieved December 10, 2017, from The New Straits Times: http://www.nst.com.my

Written by Farah Hanani Binti Sukri

In early December 2017, there was a controversial issue regarding the Capital of Israel, where the President of United States announced that the Baitulmaqdis (Jerusalem) as a Capital of Israel. Donald Trump planned to move US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The issue became controversial and lots of media give a huge attention to this matter as the issue has been conflicted since past decades ago. Another issue that has been getting huge media coverage is on the issue of Malaysian couple has been jailed in Sweden for the child abuse.

From the analysis in BBC News, mostly the headline portrayed Palestinian condemned Israel for the war. One of the content that obviously showed is “Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he would not accept any US peace plan in the wake of Mr. Trump’s move”. From the observation, there is no single article regarding the Palestinian suffering from the war, but somehow the articles are more about Israel wanted to defense their territory. United State has been involved in this conflict because the state became a main contributor for Israel military and has a strong diplomatic relations. This article also stated the number of donor from US for the Palestinian, which is “The US Provided $260m of bilateral aid for Palestinian in 2016”. Why does it need to be mentioned? It is maybe BBC News wants to portray that the Palestinian did not appreciate the US contribution for helping them. It is obviously showed that BBC News has their own propaganda or agenda in publishing the news. They might use Media Framing Theory of what needed to publish in shaping readers’ mind.

However, Astro AWANI also has reported the news regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestin. After the conflicting on the issue regarding the capital of Israel, some of the articles headline highlighted on “PM Yahudi terus angkuh, mahu palestin terima kenyataan Baitulmaqdis ibu Negara Israel”. It is obviously that Astro AWANI showed supported towards the Palestinian’s suffering from this conflict. It is because there also have some news that showing Palestinian is being brutally attacked by the Israel. In addition, Astro AWANI reported the news that “Dunia Islam bersama rakyat Palestin”, which the content showed that the Trump’s decision in recognizing Baitulmaqdis as Capital of Israel has make Islam all around the world become more aggressive in protecting Baitulmaqdis as an Holy place for Islam. Besides that, Astro AWANI also reported “Dua terbunuh sususlan Amerika Syarikat iktiraf Baitulmaqdis’, which the news highlighted on two (2) palestinian died and 14 injured during the protest in front of Baitulmaqdis with Israel’s Army. From the observation, it showed that Astro AWANI have their agenda to inform people on what is actually happened to the Palestinian and to show how they suffer from this conflict.

As for the conclusion, the comparative news regarding the Israel-Palestinian conflict from BBC News and Astro AWANI have a different coverage as they are not from the same country and both of these news agencies holds different perspective yet they still managed to get an accurate information from relevant sources.

 

 

Written by Irfarina Ahmad Nazli

Despacito, a song by Luis Fonsi, has gained worldwide popularity over its catchy tune and strong influence of Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee. Originally written in Spanish, the song won numerous award nominations in year 2017, among them ‘Teen Choice Award for Choice Single: Male Artist’ and ‘MTV Video Music Award for the Best Song of the Summer’.

Image courtesy of Google

Even so, the song’s popularity did not settle well with a majority of the Malaysian public. Stating that there have been public complaints about the song containing obscenity, the Ministry of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commissions (MCMC) has decided to ban its song and music video on government-run radio and television stations. Private companies including YouTube however, were unaffected by this ban. It was believed that the song, when translated fully to English, contained sexual innuendos and was a cause for concern.

“Let me surpass your danger zones until I make you scream and you forget your last name.”

“We will do it on the beach in Puerto Rico. Till the waves scream dear lord. So that my seal stays with you.”

“I want to see how much love fits in you”

These were part of the lyrics, rife with hidden sexual meanings. The song described the pursuit of a love interest, but after viewing the translation, many claimed it to be an “un-Islamic porn”.

While some celebrities and news portal did not report favorably over Malaysia’s action, others like the Sun (United Kingdom’s news portal) was in agreement, seeing that it was undoubtedly “un-Islamic”. The action of censoring or banning of lyrics and music videos is not new in Malaysia. Contents deemed inappropriate and touches on religious sensitivities, containing nudity or sexually explicit connotations will experience removal and will not be displayed for the public.

Lady Gaga would know this. The controversial pop singer takes the cake for having the most songs banned in Malaysia. Popular songs like ‘Telephone’, ‘The Edge of Glory’ and ‘Swine’, all by Lady Gaga have been on the banned list, mostly for depicting strong violence and vulgar use of language. There was also ‘Judas’, which was banned due to its relation to Christianity, but in an offensive way.

Sexually explicit content is highly commercialized nowadays, not just in songs but in television, films and magazines, making it a norm in today’s culture. Its audiences are widespread, creating the impression that we need to conform to identical standards share by many across the globe. This has resulted in change of value orientation, bearing towards media to show us what is worthy. It is a dangerous thought as many tend to perceive
information on print and electronic media to represent reality, when it naturally isn’t so but are inclined to be staged to appease to a wider audience.

Perhaps, to improve the situation, education institutions such as secondary schools and higher education institutions can form mock organizations assisting the MCMC and CFM to allow members of the public understand these agencies’ roles. At the moment, awareness on these agencies has not reached satisfactory level, unless the individual is required to learn about them in their courses such as mass communication and law. To have active members of the society, everyone should be given adequate exposure of the agencies including knowledge of its roles, in order to avoid an overlapping of roles and complaints.

Written by Nazmi Suraya Ruslan

Identity of News Organization: Utusan Malaysia

Utusan Malaysia or literally translated from Malay to English as “The Malaysian Courier” is a Malay-language newspaper published in Malaysia. Distinctive for its blue masthead as its logo and trademark, Utusan Malaysia was first published in Jawi in 1939. Utusan Malaysia became an influential medium for the people to voice out their opinions towards the ruling of British Government in Malaya.

Practicalities and Agenda of the media

From the observation, the Malaysian media, Utusan Malaysia have limited views on the issue and maintain the same perspective of the government policies. The news reporting styles are more straight forwards with no additional information or support from other various sources to educate their readers on the harm of illegal rallies. The approach taken by the media is portraying the consequences of offence and punishment to advocates their readers by joining the Bersih rally. Utusan Malaysia own perspectives yet to be discovered as for now, there are not enough evidence to conclude their perception on the Bersih rally because of they stand as a pro government in this issue.

 

Identity of News Organization: The Guardian

The Guardian aims to serve the public interest and every article reported is based on the integrity, impartiality and independence not influenced by commercial interest and political pressure. Its principle emphasizes on the independence aspects of the newspaper by providing sacred facts in every article published. It also provided readers with comprehensive and breaking news coverage with in-depth analyses stories. The Guardian values the highest principle of truthfulness, objective and fair journalism in every news reporting.

Practicalities and Agenda of the media

The Guardian is focusing on the level of repression in Malaysia. As this news portal is international media, thus they are ungoverned by any particular law which gives them the opportunity to implement free writing and express their concern liberally. Rather than to emphasize on the reasons for the rally happened, they were highly questioning the action by the government and relate it with the freedom of speech and expression in the local scene. Therefore, this shows that The Guardian is more liberal and practices a high level of freedom in their writing.

 

Written by Norafiqah Jamal

This comparative study looked at two issues involving Malaysian reporting and overseas reporting. The first issue is China Geely buys stake percent of Proton. This comparative news is between News Straits Times (NST) with Reuters. The second issue is an Indonesia flag flap during Sea Games Kuala Lumpur on August 2017 between The Star and Al Jazeera news. All the comparisons of the news divided by the identity of the news agencies, the agenda of the news agencies and lastly the practicalities of the news agencies wrote the gist of the news.

The first issue in comparative news looked at the issues about Geely who is a carmaker company from China buys 49.9 percent of Malaysian automaker Proton. This is one of the shocking news for Malaysian because Proton is one of symbol of nationalism of Malaysia. So the comparison has been made between Reuters news online and News Straits Times also online. Basically, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd, parent of Hong Kong- based Geely Automobile Holdings buy 49.9 percent of struggling Malaysian carmaker Proton from conglomerate DRB-HICOM Bhd. Proton was founded in 1983 during an industrialization push of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamed. It is domestic market share peaked at 74 percent a decade later as drivers took advantage of cheap loans as the government encouraged Malaysians to buy local products. But since the market share drops to 15 percent on last year (2016), Proton needs to do something to overcome this issue and sell share to China carmaker company names Geely for 49.9 percent. So the news came out from different perspectives regarding the issues of national pride.

REUTERS

The headline from Reuters shows the fact. Reuters based in London is one of British multinational media and financial information company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It was acquired by The Thomson Corporation in 2008, forming Thomson Reuters. Reuters Group was best known for the Reuters news agency, which was the original business of the company. So based on the news wrote by the Reuters journalist based in Malaysia, Rozanna Latiff and Norihiko Shirouzu. In the news they stated about the Geely wants to help Proton because Proton is a national car and source of pride of Malaysia. So the agenda of Reuters is supported by Geely. Even though this joint venture has hidden agenda but Reuters makes people who read the news believe that Geely will helps Proton to rebrand the product to remake it till success. This is because, Geely marking the Chinese automaker’s first push into Southeast Asia. News published by Reuters always accompanied by source. So for this news, the reporters from Reuters come to the press conference about the dealing between Proton and Geely. Reuters also stated a bit of Geely background when Geely buys the Volvo car group on 2010. Put the figure of stock exchanges in DRB-HICOM Bhd. in previously reported also Reuters stated the interested automakers to buys stake from proton like France’s Renault SA and Peugeot SA as well as Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corp. So in few last paragraphs, Geely said Proton will gain access market such as Malaysia, India, Australia and Britain.

NEWS STRAITS TIMES

The headline questioning the statement from former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamed when he said “I am a sissy. I cry even if Malaysian are dry-eyed. My child (refer to Proton) is lost. And soon my country. Please excuse me.” The writer of the news is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of News Straits Times Press (NSTP), Abdul Jalil Hamid. So the headline sounds insinuation to the former prime minister since him against the UMNO and go to opposition party. Since NSTP owned by Media Prima. And Media Prima is a medium for the political party (UMNO) to deliver their objective of party and so the propaganda of the party. The headline obviously referred direct to the former Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamed. The News Straits Times (NST) comes out this topic after four days the announcement was made. In this news, NST used the sentiment of national pride and give back the fact and picturing the situation to attack Mahathir back about his decision during his era when he being the Prime Minister of Malaysia. NST also stated the fact about Proton situation before the company from China bought the stake till 49.9 percent. The agenda can be seen in the news articles is the main purpose of NST support government and want to say that the decision making by the Proton to sell the stake to Geely is the right decision. In the meantime, NST also stated Proton has two attempts to cooperate in producing a car with Indonesia but fell through. This prove with NST stated, while Mahathir still Minister of Trade and Industry, he has contacted Mitsubishi but narrow circle of Malaysian was engaged in the negotiations since Proton have problems started its production. The news published by NST does not state when the Mahathir come out the statement? Also does not mention either the statement from Mahathir is actually relevant or not. So for this news, we can see how one issue happened can be related to other issues. NST using political tactics to against the opposite party since Mahathir turned away from UMNO.

The second issues in comparative news related to Indonesia in flag flap in the Sea Games 2017, Kuala Lumpur. The mistake, which makes the red and white Indonesian flag resembles Poland’s has caused anger among Indonesian. The mistake shows negligence and demanded the guidebook was withdrawn and a new version printed. Even though Malaysian have apology regarding the mistake, still the anger of Indonesian were spreading and “#shameonyouMalaysia” has become a popular hashtag on August 2017. Even in Malaysian side, Youth and Sports Minister of Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin apologized on behalf Malaysian and counterpart Youth and Sports Minister of Indonesia, Imam Nahrawi.

AL JAZEERA

Al Jazeera main agenda that can be observed from the reporting is that the organization wants the governments of Malaysia to feel sorry because the wrong doing were humiliated Indonesian. They also state that Indonesia appears to have taken particular offence because the guidebook was distributed to VIPs during opening ceremony in Kuala Lumpur for the 29th SEA Games and only its flag was shown incorrectly. News published by Al Jazeera is always accompanied by sources. Even Al Jazeera has their own intention but still they report it for two sides from Malaysia and Indonesia. Al Jazeera even stated in the news that Khairy says the guidebook will be corrected and reprinted and he felt regret of the mistake so much. Before the news written, Al Jazeera also look forward of what happened in Twitter regarding this issue. On Twitter, Indonesia said their flag represents the sacrifices of independence heroes and caused Malaysia of either being stupid or deliberately misprint it. Last but not least, Al Jazeera mentioned that Malaysia and Indonesia often trade accusation of stealing the other’s food and culture even both country share a similar language and majority nations are Muslim.

THE STAR

The headline from The Star show the news will tell what behind the headline is. Regarding the issues, The Star stated in the first paragraph mishandling of a nation’s flag is such a sensitive issue. This is because the flag represents the country itself. Even the apologies come swiftly. But still the embarrassing mistake was made. Source: Foreign Minister, Anifah Aman; Youth and Sports Minister of Indonesia, Imam Nahrawi and Youth and Sports Minister of Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin. The Star agenda can be seen to clarify and tell the history behind the flip flag that happened in the world. The news also has stated the reason why some of countries flip the flag. There is symbolic of collective signal of national distress. But that happened fortunately. In Malaysia, it is unfortunately. Based on the regulations that has prohibited if the flying of their national flag in reverse or upside down if it acceptance. In America, the flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. The Star journalist made news from different source and it trusted. The Star has taken the example from America perspectives, when the Americans did and urged their fellow citizens to do as protest against their increasingly unpopular President Donald Trump. That would signal that the United States is a country where the president is not above the law. The journalist also stated the national flags are a relatively new phenomenon. The Star also brings the cases happened in Canada versus United States during the league baseball tournament in Georgia. It was seen on live broadcast and made newspaper headlines the next day. It makes the anger from the fans and the nationality. Lastly, the message The Star wanted to deliver is on how to overcome the problem is not by fighting or accusing but settle it down gently and wisely. Sense of humor always helps to defuse tense situations and quick thinking helps solve the problems. Open minded because everyone makes mistakes. Forgive and forget to bring the joy for both nation.

 

Written by Aliya Soraya

Issue 1: Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy

In June 2008, the former aide of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, made a police report alleging that he was sodomised by Anwar Ibrahim at a condominium located in Damansara. He made the report two days after the alleged incident and the case has been on going for 7 years. Since Anwar is the Opposition Leader of Pakatan Rakyat (PKR), the case has attracted the media from all over the world. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News was one of the media from that. As for Malaysia, New Straits Time also did their reporting in this issue.

In 2015, the Federal Court set 10th February to deliver its verdict. The Federal Court in Putrajaya is to pronounce its verdict in the final appeal by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to set aside his conviction and five-year jail sentence on the charge of having sodomised his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, seven years ago.After the verdict, Anwar has sent an appeal regarding on his sentence. As a result, his appeal has been rejected by the court. Anwar currently serving serving a five-year jail term after he lost his appeal at the Federal Court to set aside his conviction on the charge.

1. Practicalities of the media

BBC was one of the largest media that did this reporting and followed the issue from the beginning. They even have their on-ground reporter to keep on reporting about the sodomy case, even after the court session. Throughout their reporting on this case BBC has conducted an interview with Anwar Ibrahim, ask him about the length of the imprisonment and his own opinion about the charge. The interview shows how BBC questions the scenario of politics in Malaysia. During the interview session, the reporter asked Anwar how he felt and Anwar’s answer was “This is the price I have to pay”. We can rarely see or hear this when it comes to reporting about the oppenent in Malaysia.

As we can see, in reporting the sodomy case, BBC was focusing to the scenario of the politics in Malaysia as the case involve the higher opposition of Malaysia. BBC also is more liberal and practice a high level of freedom in their reporting. This is because BBC is one of the powerful media among the media around the globe. Apart from that, BBC also quoted some expert regarding on this issue.

On the other hand, NST also mostly cited the prominent person for the case such as the counsel of Anwar Ibrahim, the federal counsel and also the judges during the trials. This is important in order to create a clear situation and make their reporting more reliable, rather than just wrote down what was happening on the case. To add on, NST also reported the scenario that happened in the court in details, with the times. As for the NST Online, there are significantly low in freedom of speech and expression in the news writing regarding this case. This is because of several reasons such as ownership and regulation within the local policies. The writing bound to favour government side and influence public just the ways it is. NST practically published the government statement explaining the cause of the legal action taken against Anwar Ibrahim. However, NST tends to provide some evidence in the news reporting as been mentioned before.