Comparative News – Page 5 – In Press Global

Does Zakir Naik speeches Influence Muslim to be a Terrorist?

Written by Nadiah Zainal

Zakir Naik was a trained medical doctor that turned into an Islamic preacher. Avery well known Islamic preacher that has travelled around the world to give sermons. Zakir Naik was accused to influence terrorism in his speech several times. An excerpt of the statement taken from one of his sermon; “As far as terrorist is concerned, I tell the Muslims that every Muslims should be a terrorist”. Dhaka Terror Attack happened in July 2016 where five militants took hostages and opened fire on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan Thana. One of the terrorist involved in the attack said in his Facebook that Zakir Naik’s words and writing has inspired him to do it (Mahound Paradise, 2016).

International Media: The Hindu
1. Identity:
The Launched in 1878, The Hindu is one of the few newspapers that are English based language. It is the leading national newspaper of India and it is highly respected for its wide comprehensive coverage of national and international political news. In India, most of the newspaper has its own political ideologies and The Hindu does not go far from it. From the news published in the newspaper, it can be seen that The Hindu are strongly attached with the Left-Wing parties which focuses more on culture, traditional and religion.
2. Agenda:
The Facebook statement made by one of the terrorist has made the Indian government and some of its people are not at ease seeing Zakir Naik still free and can still give speeches around the world. Accordingly, The Hindu newspaper, does not seen to be on preacher’s side in a quite subtle way. As mentioned before, The Hindu newspaper ideologies is based on centre to left wings. All the published reports are targeting Zakir Naik and his organization. It does not look like they are backing him up.
3. Practicalities:
From the article published by The Hindu regarding Zakir Naik terrorism allegations, it showed that their reports are based on their own investigations. All of the information stated in the write up can be easily retrieved from the Internet but they look for variety of information from variety of sources and putting it together into one article. The author does not only retrieved information from other sources but also did his own interview with Zakir Naik’s brother-in-law. He did a background check before writing and publishing it.

Local Media: Malay Mail Online
1. Identity:
First published on 1st December 1896, Malay mail is an English language newspaper that is based in Kuala Lumpur. It is also an independent online newspaper that covers the news of the day, be it politics or lifestyle. Malay Mail words of wisdom “we do not want to change the world – after all, we are journalists and not activist – but strive to report the changes in a balanced and non-partisan manner”. In regards to Zakir Naik’s allegations by the public, the story published by them does not necessarily taking sides on either Zakir Naik or the Indian or the Bangladesh government. It is somehow balanced between them agreeing and disagreeing the fact that Zakir Naik promotes terrorism.
2. Agenda:
Zakir Naik has delivered his speeches in Malaysia quite often. He has quite a number of supporters in Malaysia. Malay Mail online did a neutral report on Zakir Naik’s terrorism speech that inspired one of the terrorist involved in Dhaka Attacks. It is more to inform Malaysian of what had happened and which part of his speech that has inspired the terrorist. Not all of the Malaysians knows Zakir Naik so it is their job to make sure the details are all there
3. Practicalities:
From what they have published it is safe to say that the journalist in Malay Mail online and some of their published reports are the results from their own investigation. An article by Ida Lim and Kamles published on July 6th titled “Premature to assume Zakir Naik encouraged terrorism, deputy minister says” showed their investigation. The authors went to interview the deputy minister, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Malay Mail online wants to retrieved other people’s comment and perception to back up any information that has been published. Malay Mail online does go to other media agencies to retrieve some of the basics information about the topic but after they have received it, they did their own investigation to support their story. With their tagline “The paper that cares” it does fit the mould.

Reference:
Biswas, S. (2016, July 6). Who is Zakir Naik? Where the Dhaka attack terrorist ‘inspired
by him’? Retrieved from http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dr-zakir-naik-dhaka-attack-terrorists-isis-islam-cleric-bangladesh/1/708745.html

Lim, I., & Kumar, K. (2016, July 6). Premature to assume Zakir Naik encouraged terrorism, deputy minister says. Malay Mail Online. Retrieved from http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/premature-to-assume-zakir-naik-encouraged-terrorism-deputy-minister-says

News Strait Times and News.co.au coverage on Budgie Nine arrested in Malaysia for Public Indecency

Written by Nasihah Hamid

The Budgie Nine refers to the Australian men whose arrested in Malaysia for stripping down to their undies of swimming trunks emblazoned with Malaysian flag and drinking beer from their shoes at 2016 F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix. This group action has caused outrage among the local citizen especially for Muslim society where they claim that the men have significantly embarrassed the country hosting them (Paterson, Gusmaroli, Hansen, & Gleeson, 2016). The Budgie Nine were charged for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and public indecency after celebrating Australian Daniel Ricciardo’s race win by strip off to their swimming trunks at the event in Sepang.

budgie20nine20f120strippers — The ‘Budgie Nine’ – source: *http://en.azvision.az*

Identity

News Strait Times

The News Strait Times is an English newspaper that owned by the ruling government, Barisan National. In fact, it once reinforced public perception that this media merely serve as propaganda mouthpieces for the government. It is Malaysian’s oldest newspaper that originally known as The Straits Times but reestablished as the New Strait Times. Its vision includes to become the provider of news, information, and entertainment as well as to achieve readers satisfaction through their professional and highly regarded organisation that value quality, integrity and innovations in their services.

News.co.au

News.com.au is owned by private organisation News Corp Australia, and this news portal delivers extensive breaking news and national interest stories with a timely news update. It balances both of Australian and international news in various sections. News stories present on news.com.au is informed by their values which are faith and truthfulness. They make sure that the validation of information is done before publishing to the readers. In fact, they focused on getting the information first with the right facts and significantly committed to providing open, fair and balanced coverage.

Propaganda

After going through all the news article and headlines, there is an element of “sensationalism” in reporting this case. They report issues that can provide a massive over-hyped reaction by readers and shall benefit them in return. By providing this kind of headline, they will encourage readers to read the article further and possibly can shape their perception towards the Australian. NST Online article is noticed to slam the nine Australians directly. In the article titled “deport and ban the Aussies”, it openly criticises the impolite action by stating that these men are mocking Malaysian sensitiveness and unforgivable.

Based on the news reporting, news.co.au takes this controversy of Budgie Nine seriously as they keep updating and publish follow up the article from various dimensions. However, it can be seen that news.co.au emphasise on the Malaysian perception and opinion of this issue. Their article consists of the negative opinion of Malaysian citizen and media towards Budgie Nine action. For example, one of the articles indicates that New Straits Times reflected the stunt as “stupid” and local authorities were enraged over the controversial act.

Practicalities

NST Online significantly provides the reader with evidence such as pictures, video, sources of information and quotes from the individual involved. Since this issue considered as international news, NST online also take the article from other news agency like Reuters and AFP, but they make attribution and give credit to the original owner. This can be seen in several articles such as “Chastened ‘Budgie Nine’ back in Sydney after F1 stunt” and “Government adviser among nine Australians arrested in Malaysia”.

As for news.co.au, the news articles are more open and free in writing as they include both local and international perspective. Since the incident happens in Malaysia, thus they also provided the Malaysian views of the obscure action taken by the nine Australian at Sepang. Therefore, this shows that this portal is balance in reporting this issue by providing the information on both sides.

References

Paterson, I., Gusmaroli, D., Hansen, N., & Gleeson, A. (2016, October 4). Budgie Nine: Australian men arrested in Malaysia for ‘public indecency’ call in top lawyers to avoid jail. Retrieved April 24, 2017, from The Daily Telegraph: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/budgie-nine-australian-men-arrested-in-malaysia-for-public-indecency-call-in-top-lawyers-to-avoid-jail/news-story/d9d095afd4bbf09584d79293095ef097

‘The Britain Worst Paedophile’

Written by Illyana Helmy

Paedophilia has become a major social issue in today’s modern society. It is a health problem, and the word Paedophile is commonly applied indiscriminately to anyone who sexually abuses a child. A paedophile is the current high profile nature, and it is something that is related to aetiology, antecedents, personality, and behaviour. Child sexual abusers are most likely being perceived as negative behaviour, and regardless of any gender, the paedophiles have an impact towards the victims (McCartan, 2008).

Richard Huckle is 30 years old man who is a photographer from Ashford in Kent admitted an unprecedented 71 offences, including rapes against young children aged between six months to 12 years old. He is an English teacher and philanthropist in poor Christian communities in Kuala Lumpur. He committed the crime between 2006 to 2014 during his existence in Malaysia. Huckle is known one of Britain’s worst predator paedophiles who targeted, groomed and abused Children’s in Malaysia. Based on the records his victims are over than 200 Malaysian babies and children. The worst part is that he shared the images of his horrific crimes on the dark web. Because of this, he has been handed 22 life sentences. Some people claim that the number of his victims could be higher as the investigators found a very long ledger and scorecard on his computer. Huckle created a ledger as he awarded himself marks for different kinds of abuse that he has done towards 191 girls and boys.

huckle-678877 — *Richard Huckle – source: http://www.express.co.uk*

At the beginning of the case, The Star highlighted that the Malaysian police encountered a slight problem to obtain further information and cooperation from the British authorities. Initially, Malaysian police were informed about Huckle in 2014, but they didn’t receive further details. British authorities only mention that Huckle was suspected to have involved in paedophile activities in Malaysia. However, the information did not supply as requested by Malaysian police and they were trying to get more information (The Star Online, 2016). This situation brings a lot of questions. The main obstacle is about the law practising in Malaysia different than European Countries because Malaysia carries out capital punishment which could lead to death. In another article from abc.net.au which is an Australian-based news portal reveal the information’s that is contra from The Star. Based on CA deputy director, Andrew Brennan during his interview he told reporters after sentencing on Monday which is November 2014 the day that the British had informed Malaysian authorities of Huckle case, they have shared all the required information and all of the intelligence. Also, The British High Commission also told the Reuters news agency that they had constantly been engaged with the Malaysian authorities since 2014. Unfortunately, the Malaysian police did not respond immediately to request for comments on the British High Commission statement. Based on the conflicting arguments statement above, it is, of course, shows that both parties were put the blame on each other for not giving very fast respond to the Huckle’s case.

To sum up, The Star online and abc.net published news in a different point of view. Both of it, try to explain and justify to the public about the situation. After all, it is not the government faults for late in taking actions because the public has been questioning where is the police, since Huckle doing his activities for almost a decade.

Reference

abc.net.au. (2016). Print Email Facebook Twitter More Richard Huckle:Malaysian

authorities under pressure to explain handling of paedophile case.

AlJazeera. (2015). Malaysia revives detention without trial.

McCartan, K. F. (2008). Current understandings of paedophilia and the resulting

crisis in modern society .

New Straits Times. (2015). POTA a necessary tool in terror war.

The Star Online. (2016). IGP: Police plan to record statement from British pedophilia.

The Star and Al Jazeera News Coverage on Child Marriage

Child Marriage Written by Amy Yasmin Roslan

Child marriage is any formal marriage or informal union where one or both of the parties are under 18 years of age (UNICEF, 2016). According to UNICEF (2016), 700 million women alive today were married as children, and more than 1 out of 3 were married before 15. Girls who are involved in child marriage before they turned 18 are most likely to experience abuse and even die due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth. They also have limited opportunities to finish their formal education and let alone, to pursue a degree. According to Girls Not Brides (n.d.), the reasons for child marriage may differ from one community to another, but poverty, lack of education, cultural practices, and insecurity are the primary drivers. Very recently, the situation of children in need of special protection, notably girls vulnerable to sexual abuse and HIV/AIDS, suggests that early marriage is being used as a strategy to protect girls from sexual exposure or to pass the economic burden for their care to others (Innocenti Research Centre, 2001). According to Innocenti Research Centre (2001), a recent UNICEF study shows that parents are anxious about girls becoming pregnant outside marriage; thus, any opportunities will be seized.

The Star

Identity

The Star stand on child marriage is that it is always wrong regardless of the reasons. The Star’s R.AGE team who are made up of young journalists has worked with many parties who are dealing with child marriages. An article published in the Columnists section by The Star Says titled ‘Child Marriage is Always Wrong’ on 9^th April 2017. The Star Says is a team from The Star that provided viewpoints after analysing the issues and developments of the day. The Star Says suggested that when an underage girl became pregnant because of her underage boyfriend, both families of the girl and the boy could have worked together to raise the child without making them abandoning their studies or even get support from the social services. Foster care could also be an option, however unpalatable, for financially disadvantaged families who can’t afford to care for the child (The Star Says, 2017).

Agenda

The main agenda of The Star that can be observed from the headlines of the news is that children should be protected from child marriage. The Star supports individuals who share the same values. Although Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is from Democratic Action Party (DAP), The Star emphasises his opinion regarding child marriage.

Practicalities

The recent incident of Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Shabudin Yahaya remarks on child marriages was caught on video and published in BNBBCTV, a YouTube account of The Council of Barisan Nasional MPs Malaysia. The Star released the video footage of the debate with a caption ‘Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Shabudin Yahaya explained his views on child marriage and rape’. The video published did not do any justification to Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Shabudin Yahaya because it did not show every part of his speech. The day after the incident, The Star published another article titled, “Video of Shabudin’s remarks on child marriage goes viral”. The report stated that Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim defended Shabudin by saying Shabudin has been “very supportive” of the Sexual Offences Against Children Bill 2017 as he had presided over cases of sexual crimes against children. The Star quoted unquote the words very supportive in its reporting.

Al Jazeera

Identity

Al Jazeera approaches the child marriage issue using from the law viewpoints. The organisation did not state if it is wrong or right, but the articles published always revolved around the negative impacts of child marriages and actions that can be taken by the government to forbid more of these cases from occurring. Also, Al Jazeera always includes the background for this issue such as poverty and social norm to provide better understanding to the readers

Agenda

Al Jazeera main agenda that can be observed from the reporting is that the organisation wants the governments of the countries involved in child marriage to take more proactive actions. Articles published on child marriage are always categorised under the Human Section. The organisation believes that children have the right to decide their marriage, spouse and future.

Practicalities

News published by Al Jazeera is always accompanied by sources. The article titled, ‘Rights group: Nepal failing to stop child marriage’ included the Agencies as its source. Meanwhile, the news titled ‘Turkey: Motion ‘protecting child marriage’ draws debate’ included Al Jazeera News And News Agencies as its source. Al Jazeera also went to gain an insight of the reality of child marriage by personally interviewing the victim. In an article titled, ‘Nepal’s challenge of ending child marriage’, the journalist Subina Shrestha managed to interview Pari Devi Mandal, a 17-years-old mother of two. The reporter quoted the exact words uttered by the victim and even stated the location of the interview. The journalist also managed to interview a human right activist, Manohar Kumar Pokhrel also quoted his exact words on the issue of child marriage in Nepal.

Local and Foreign Media Coverage on The Missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370

Written by Nor Diyana Abd Kadir

Three years ago, 239 people on board a Malaysian flight from Kuala Lumpur bound for Beijing mysteriously disappeared. At that time, many believed that the plane had crashed into the Indian Ocean. However, news reported from foreign media had spurred many assumptions on exact whereabouts of the aircraft. This had led too much of the confusion and anxiety to those who are affected by the tragedy in one way or the other. During the weeks following the incident, the government spokesperson had given out statements that reassure the situation is under control. While some may agree that the authorities could have done things differently in their ways of reporting, many rely on foreign sources that were steadfast in supplying an endless stream of information.

mh370 — Image credit : *freemalaysiatoday.com*

Identity of News Organisation

Local Media: New Straits Times (NST)

The famous local English-language news daily, The New Straits Times began circulation as The Straits Times in 1845 before changing its current name in 1974. Initially, the paper is recognised as Malaysia’s only broadsheet format English language newspaper. It has changed to a tabloid version on 1 September 2004 to be syncronised with British newspapers; The Times and The Independent. The tabloid format paper was either controlled or owned by government coalition parties under ‘Barisan Nasional’ or companies who have strong relations with the ruling party and now is part of Media Prima group of companies (Lim, 2007). Thus, it has become a government mouthpiece and progressive nation-building newspaper which covered a rich editorial content of various weekly sections such as lifestyle, business and technology (New Straits Times, 2013).

International Media: The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (the ABC)

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (the ABC) was formed by the government and launched on 1 July 1932 by Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and ABC radio announcer Conrad Charlton. Since its inception, ABC has become a modern day broadcaster and reliable source of news and information for Australian society across the nation and to the region. ABC being the government’s mainstream channel, it is aimed to provide informative, entertaining and educational services that reflect the breadth of its nation. Among ABC prominent contents are nightly entertainment, music, comedy shows, children’s programming and sport.

Chronology of Event (Timeline)

Practicality

Both local and foreign media were somewhat extensive enough in their documents citing various references from the time the incident had occurred up to 12 months after. This exhibits the degree of transparency in their narrative although we could observe an apparent variation in reporting style. For instance, ABC laid the timeline in ascending order while NST chose to have their latest reports shown first.

Degree of transparency and level of reporting

Interestingly, if we look at this from a different angle, the western media is often critical to the management (or mismanagement) of the crises. They sometimes try to discredit the Malaysian authorities by insinuating headlines that feel less relevant, vengeful and trailblazing away to the actual search and rescue efforts. A case in point, the ABC sub-headlines reads on October 31, 2014 – “First lawsuit filed over disappearance” which was not mentioned in the NST version of the chronological report. This seems to be a deliberate attempt by the mainstream foreign press to shame the authorities adding further insult to injury.

On another incident, they also shrug and criticise how the airlines were handling next of kin, where they were informed via text messages of their missing loved ones. In a press conference journalist threw questions that further draws anger to their relatives of the casualness of the text message as if there’s no hope to find the victim. Many argued Malaysia Airlines (MAS) should have waited and contact the family members before releasing the text message. This move may have single-handedly tarnished the integrity and reputation of the channel of public communication for both MAS and the country.

An NST report stating that there is information such as “air traffic control radio transcript, radar data and airport security recordings” that cannot be shown to the public. These statements came from representatives of Malaysia Airlines who were supposedly being told to inform the relatives on any updated information. These sorts of reports demonstrate on attacks by the press while taking advantage of the venerable opposition. By any measure, one cannot deny that Malaysia Airlines were on a clear path of PR disaster when they texted the message. They often layout an incomplete and inconsistent accounts leading to undermining the confidence of relative and press of any further statements. Without a doubt, the local media has been protective of their information. NST reported on both positive and negative statement on how authorities update the MH370 passenger next of kin whereabouts. However, being a government mouthpiece; the statement is contradictory to other media reports.

Another contradiction came when their official report entitled Factual Information Safety Investigation for MH370 said that “civilian radar had tracked the plane for a short time after it diverted on March 8 of last year, apparently contradicting earlier Malaysian statements that only its military radar had monitored the plane”. Furthermore, the government also at a fault as they controlled the media too strictly by not disclosing one of the more key dates which were when the preliminary assessment of the report was released on May 1, 2014. The reports highlight several steps that show weaknesses in crises management. Instead, its timeline focuses on somewhat monotonous tone omitting any information that can jeopardise the credibility of the government when in fact they have made numerous public statements of their commitment to being transparent.

The final observation seen is the stark contrast of freedom of speech and media control. Relatively, western media tries to create public discourse where people can come together to give an opinion, discuss and identify societal problems freely, and through that discussion it will influence political action. Meanwhile, on the local front, nations described as authoritarian that practices state-owned media channels where they have complete control over information in direct or indirect ways. Although they sometimes are seen to work independently, there is absolutely no room for media to speak against the predetermined narrative. Many public relations experts conclude that the country was caught off guard by an aggressive international press mainly because curbs on free expression effectively muzzled Malaysian press.

mh370 2 — Image Credit: *thenewdaily.com.au*

References

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370: Timeline of events. (2017). ABC. Retrieved from

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-08/timeline-a-year-of-searching-for-mh370/6261778

Malaysia confirms worst fear about flight MH370. (2017). ABC. Retrieved from

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2014/s3971390.htm

Malaysia says there’s sealed evidence on MH370 that cannot be made public. (2014, March 26). The Straits Times. Retrieved from

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-says-theres-sealed-evidence-on-mh370-that-cannot-be-made-public

MH370: Sister of crew member says next-of-kin have not been receiving updates on plane search. . (2017, March 26).

http://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/01/202486/mh370-sister-crew-member-says-next-kin-have-not-been-receiving-updates-plane

TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (TPPA)

Written by Mahathir Ahamad

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is probably the most talked about economic issue of the year, apart from our age-old favourite housing. Today the TPPA will even be the focus of protest marches around the country. So what is the TPPA? It is a proposed regional regulatory and investment agreement with twelve participating countries: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam. According to the partner countries the TPP is intended to “enhance trade and investment among the TPP partner countries, to promote innovation, economic growth and development, and to support the creation and retention of jobs.”

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) took five years and 19 rounds of negotiations before it was concluded on Oct 5, 2015. The deal is aimed at freer trade by reducing tariffs, improving markets access and setting common ground for labor and environmental standards and intellectual property protections. The twelve countries namely Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States and Vietnam represent 40 per cent of the world economy. The following are the chronology of events leading up to the signing of the TPPA:

2006: Started off as the Trans-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement with four countries namely New Zealand, Singapore, Chile and Brunei.
2008: March, the United States joined the negotiations and 10 months later, Australia, Peru and Vietnam followed suit.
2009: March, first negotiation scheduled for the new pact, included four more countries (total number: 8). However, the negotiations postponed due to the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
2010: The first round in Australia in March, parties exchanged views and agreed to gather information and draft papers as well as discuss the participation of more countries. The second round of negotiations in San Francisco, California, June the same year whereby parties discussed the agreement architecture and the relationship between the TPP and the existing free trade agreements (FTAs). In the same month, the third round of negotiations in Brunei, whereby Malaysia joined as the ninth member of TPP. The fourth round of negotiations in Auckland, New Zealand, focus on creating the text for individual TPP chapters.
2011: TPP kicked off its fifth round of negotiations in February in Santiago, Chile. Between March and December another five rounds of negotiations took place respectively in Singapore, Vietnam, Chicago, Peru and Kuala Lumpur.
2012: Dallas, Texas, hosted the 12th round of negotiations in May. In the same year, the 13th, 14th and 15th round of negotiations took place in San Diego, California, Leesburg, Virginia, and Auckland, New Zealand, respectively. During the 15th round, Mexico and Canada entered the negotiations.
2013: The 18th Round of TPP negotiations in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Japan formally joined the TPP negotiations on July 23 the same year. The 19th and final round of negotiations took place in Brunei. Thereafter, TPP leaders, ministers as well as chief negotiators held various meetings to iron-out and finalise the agreement over a period of two years.
2015: On Oct 5 in Altanta, TPP ministers announced that they had concluded TPP negotiations and a full text of the agreement, consisting 30 chapters, were made public soon after. On Nov 18, the leaders of 12 countries sealed the TPP free trade initiative in the Philippines on the sidelines of a two-day summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. In Malaysia, the results of a cost-benefit study by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies and PricewaterhouseCoopers on the impact of the TPP was uploaded on the website of the Ministry of International and Trade Industry on Dec 3.
2016: The text of the TPP Agreement (TPPA) tabled in the Malaysian Parliament on Jan 26. Among the 12 nations involved in the TPPA, only Malaysia had brought the TPPA to Parliament for approval before it was signed. After two-days of intense debate, both the Dewan Negara and the Dewan Rakyat approved a motion allowing Malaysia’s participation in TPPA.

Looking at the scenario mention above, the writers have decided to pick The Star Online representing for their local news and Cable News Network (CNN) for their international news on this issue. Thus, we will able to see the evidence related to the coverage, news direction and social implications among the society whom affected to this new economic approach.

The Star Online views: In their business section, it highlight what would be the contribution towards Malaysia’s economy growth. Malaysia’s Parliament authorized the government to sign and ratify the 6350-page Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). From this deal, advantages such cheap labor, Strategic partnership between participant, corporate interests and foreign investor, multilateralism and so on would contribute to national gross expansion and strengthening local currency. Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to increase by US$107bil (RM444bil) to US$211bil (RM876bil) over 2018-2027, which would raise GDP growth between 0.6 and 1.15% in 2027, Hike in export growth is projected to be outpaced by increase in import growth – therefore trade surplus is projected to narrow between 4.3 and 5.2% of GDP in 2027 and Firms to benefit from access to US government procurement, greater digital liberalization and stronger enforcement of trade secret protection.

As we all know, United State is the main power who seems subtly control the agreement. Although the deal might highlight neutrality among participant, yet public need to understand the backbone and the real driver that would determine the future of the deal. The Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) faces its biggest challenge with the election of its major critic Donald Trump as US president. The agreement will collapse without the participation of United States, as being clarified by Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, minister of International Trade and Industry. For TPPA to be ratified, it needs at least six countries, accounting for 85% of the combined gross domestic product of the 12 signatories and without the United States, there will be no TPPA.

CNN views: As one of the America’s most influential resources in news, CNN distinguish the benefits and the positive outcome in embarking the deal. It would create a free trade zone around the Pacific, bringing together 12 countries that account for 40% of the world’s economy. Critics say it will mean more U.S. jobs get shipped overseas. Advocates say it’ll expand U.S. exports and create more well-paying jobs here at home.

The deal will be a major issue in the presidential election. Already candidates such as Bernie Sanders on the left and Donald Trump and Ted Cruz on the right have come out opposed to it. Hillary Clinton, whose husband pushed free trade deals including NAFTA while he was president, has yet to take a position on the TPP. The deal still needs the approval of Congress before it takes effect in the United States.

The informative discussion published in CNN in order to explain the pro and cons of the deal. There is fierce debate on whether free trade deals are good or bad for American workers. Critics of the deal argue TPP will provide unfair competition for U.S.-made goods from businesses that use low-wage workers overseas. The Economic Policy Institute, a liberal think tank, estimates that NAFTA, directly cost the U.S. at least 700,000 jobs in its first 20 years. However, the TPP could mean lower prices for U.S. consumers and businesses. If the deal means that manufacturers here can use cheaper imported parts or raw materials they’ll be more competitive. Economists who support free trade argue that can improve a nation’s wealth, even if some low-wage jobs are lost overseas in the process.

One thing that attracted me in preparing this report is that previously, CNN does not cover or highlight any news regarding TPPA in their news portal, since August 1^st until 31^st January 2015. But now that the TPP has become a major factor in the presidential campaign, that silence is finally ending. Media Matters for America studied cable news coverage of TPP negotiations from August 1, 2013 to January 31st, 2015, and found that the agreement was mentioned just once on CNN and Fox News during that period. One explanation may rest in who owns these media conglomerates. During the month of July 2016 alone, the TPP was mentioned 455 times by CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC; about six times as often as during the entire 18-month period.

To conclude, media play important role in shaping the content direction towards their target audiences or to be general, the masses. The media itself also being control and shape by the owner or the gatekeeper, which is normally the backbone behind all the agenda and the manipulative hand that constitute the country. If the media said that apple can cure Aids, then the medical industries would be vanish and no value, even though it’s factual enough to persuade the public.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING (ROHINGYA)

Written by Siti Murni

Human trafficking is the trade of humans, most commonly for the purpose of sexual slavery, forced labour, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others.This may encompass providing a spouse in the context of forced marriage, or the extraction of organs or tissues, including for surrogacy and ova removal. Human trafficking can occur within a country or trans-nationally. Human trafficking is a crime against the person because of the violation of the victim’s rights of movement through coercion and because of their commercial exploitation.

Local Media: The Star

The Star is an English-language, tabloid-format newspaper in Malaysia. It is the largest paid for English newspaper in terms of circulation in Malaysia, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations.It has a daily circulation of about 250,000.

International Media: The Guardian

The Guardian is a British national daily newspaper, known until 1959 as the Manchester Guardian. The Guardian is edited by Katharine Viner, who succeeded Alan Rusbridger in 2015.

Propaganda of the Event

Human trafficking has caused the number of suicides or deaths is increasing. According to The Guardian, the police had found the body in the Thai border who are suspected victims of human trafficking. There is the fact that excessive when a fisherman said he saw 13 dead. It is apparent illogical, as if he had witnessed the incident, why he had not reported to the authorities. In addition, there are conflicting info as the Malaysian police discovered the bodies of 24 people, but the fishing was only witnessed 13 deaths. It was not immediately clear if the body found when people Rohingya ethnic minority group in Myanmar, whose members have fled widespread persecution in that country.

Meanwhile according to other news, which is Awani News, Two Rohingya man was sentenced today to three years’ jail by the High Court here today after he pleaded guilty to charges of smuggling a migrant Myanmar to Malaysia last year. Judicial Commissioner Abu Bakar Katar ordered the sentence from the date they were captured by the General Operations Force on May 2. He said that during his stay at the camp between August 2014 to March 10, 2015, he saw a migrant died from illness or beaten. They, however, were arrested in the early morning the next day by police in Kampung Guar Musang, Padang Besar current local agents in two cars to Alor Setar. In his judgment, Abu Bakar said that the smuggling of migrants attracted worldwide attention.

Malaysia has detained 12 policemen suspected of human trafficking, two of whom are said to be connected to recently discovered jungle graves. The migrants are mainly Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar – also known as Burma – or economic migrants from Bangladesh. They had earlier thought the graves each held multiple bodies, but Mr Wan Junaidi said it was “one person, one grave. Reports in Malaysian media questioned whether officials on both sides of the border were complicit. Thai police uncovered similar abandoned camps on the Thai side of the border earlier in May. It triggered a crackdown on human trafficking that appears to have led traffickers to abandon their human cargo on boats in the water off Thailand. The boats, crammed with hundreds of starving migrants, started coming ashore in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Asia’s migrant crisis

Rohingya Muslims mainly live in Myanmar, where they have faced decades of persecution.
Rights groups say migrants feel they have “no choice” but to leave, paying people smugglers to help them.
The UN estimates more than 120,000 Rohingyas have fled in the past three years.
Traffickers usually take the migrants by sea to Thailand then overland to Malaysia.
But Thailand recently began cracking down on the migrant routes, meaning traffickers are using sea routes instead often abandoning the boats once at sea.

Chronology of the Event

In the year of 2005: Co-author of the book “Influx Viruses”, Aye Chan of a pro-military government, Mogh / Rakhine State, Rohingyas have been degraded as a dangerous enemy that must be eliminated from the face of the earth. Then, in the year of 2009: The increase in the number of Rohingya boat people at sea: “In the refugee camps in Bangladesh, which has long ceased to accept people, the Rohingya are now looking for a way to Thailand and then travelled overland to Malaysia, and Indonesia. Thai army has been accused of seizing hundreds of refugees, towing them out to sea and “leave them to die” without engine and almost nothing for food or water”. Moreover, in the year of 2014: Ethnic Kachin rebels in the north. Besides that, in the year of 2015: The government temporarily withdraw voting rights of Rohingya Muslims by the proposed constitutional referendum, following the street protests by Buddhists.

Evidence of the Event

Cases of human trafficking around the country actually affected countries, such as Thailand. This can be seen when Thailand began to take precautions to keep improving relations between countries but it riled. This case also proven with a route determined in human trafficking. On 14 February 2016, 14 victims of human trafficking were found in Wang Kelian, Perlis, last May, was buried at the Muslim cemetery in Kampung Tualang, Pokok Sena on Sunday. Chief Coordinator of Funeral Funeral Rohingya, Kedah Islamic Council, Sheikh Fakhrurazzi Yub informed, all the remains of the man buried in one grave about 10 am and finished about an hour later. This proves the Rohingya issue still continues until now.

A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for a senior army officer accused of being involved in the trafficking of Rohingya migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh. The warrant is part of efforts to close down smuggling routes through Thailand.On a purely human level, there are currently about 800,000 people in western Myanmar, denied the most basic of rights and discriminated against due to the circumstances of their birth. From a simple human rights perspective it’s a continuing outrage that should shame us all.Migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh have previously been detained in camps in southern Thailand before being sent to Malaysia. The warrant against the general was issued by a court on Sunday, police chief Somyot Poompanmoung was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying.

Image credit: therakyatpost Image source

TRUMP WON, WHAT HAPPENED TO MIDDLE EAST COUNTRY?

Written by Farahin Mustafa

On 8^th November 2016, the whole United Stated went for poll to select their 45^th president. It was a match between Mrs. Hillary Clinton, a former secretary of state and U.S Senator (Hillary Clinton for America) and Donald Trump, a millionaire with zero knowledge on politics. Before this, Barrack Obama held the presidency for eight years and passed the position to Donald Trump after he won the U.S election 2016. Hillary Clinton represented the Democrats at first was seen to win the election when she got support from many celebrities (Scott, 2016) however, Donald Trump who represented the Republican passed the 270 electoral college votes and won the election even though there is no support from the celebrity. It was argue that the lost was caused by lower number of voter this year. Approximately 130 million America did cast their ballots according to the statistic. . In order to win the election, both Trump and Clinton need to achieve 270 college votes and in this election, Trump secured majority college votes, 360 votes while Clinton lost with only 232 votes this time (Duncan & Levett, 2016). Trump was popular with his propaganda “Making America Great Again” seems like the only factors that led him to win.

Image credit: Business Insider Malaysia Image source

Six weeks before the election, a debate was held between Trump and Clinton on September 20, 2016 at Hofstra University in the city of Hempstead on Long Island. The debate was hosted by Lester Holt, 57, the respected anchor of NBC’s evening news program and has been watched by 80.6 million viewers. The main issue for the debate was gender and national security. In this debate, it seems that most of the time Clinton hit Trumpt using all the statement that was made by Trump especially on the war and middle east country. However, Trump manipulated it by saying that he against the war while the moderator agree with Clinton, Trump just igonored it. Trump won seats across the rural midwest, but he also won several swing states, including Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Trump collected 276 Electoral College votes, compared with Clinton’s 218 (Al-Jazeera, 2016).

Image credit: Blazingcatfur Image source

After going through all the articles and the headlines, I must say that Al-Jazeera is the best news reporting ever as they fear none in searching for the truth. They have much information and have the ability to relate all the events happen and come out with assumption. The assumptions then try to reveal the truth. Howeve, no exact sources was mentioned this is because they are not seeking for interview instead they are trying to match the puzzle. Even though Al-Jazeera failed to practice reasonable journalism but they succeed in pursuing the public interest and revealing the truth.

Al-Jazeera however cannot run from its nature to be protective when it come to Islam. Their articles are more onto putting hatred towards Trump. All the predictions also talk about whatever happens, U.S. will still screw the Middle East country. Differs than Free Malaysia Today, which the article keep the words selection to make the article wise, not to blame anyone, there is predictions but not showing hatred to Trump. Free Malaysia Today trying not to be biased because this issue have no relations with them, it just that it relates to Muslim country.

The truth is that no matter what Trump decided on the Middle East Policy, Palestine would be screwed. Trump actually considers his work as a play and war is deemed peace (Warren, 2016). Trump is actually was not consistent with his decision with his global vision. He wanted to fund the Israel but at the same time want to be with the Russian and making a deal with the Saudi Arabia. No one can predict what will happen next. Trump has no background in politics, what he knows is to manipulate people and get the power. He wants power and money rather than being respected. With his propaganda making America Great Again, Trump wanted his races to be great without taking into account how lazy the white man in America. They are at their comfortable level and Trump is trying to raise the lazy bone of whites.

In a nutshell, I must say that both newspaper have their own propaganda in searching for the news to be published for the readers. Al-Jazeera is seeking for the truth while Free Malaysia Today is just a news portal trying to publish news regarding the current issues. Both predicting what Trump will do when it comes to Middle East policy but none of them can really predict what will happen because the truth is Trump is inconsistent person, his global vision did not match with what he did now. Whatever happened is, Trump would screw the Muslim country. Even though he try to manipulate his statement during the presidential election debate, but that just only for seeking support. He still hates the minority.

Bibliography

Hillary Clinton for America. (n.d.). About Hillary. Retrieved November 10, 2016, from Hillary Clinton for America: https://www.hillaryclinton.com/about/hillary/

Scott, P. (2016, November 14). US Election 2016: Voter turnout fell to 58 per cent this year, estimates show. Retrieved November 14, 2016, from Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/14/us-election-2016-voter-turnout-fell-to-58-per-cent-this-year-est/

Duncan, P., & Levett, C. (2016, November 11). Clinton won more votes, Trump won the election. And it’s not the first time. Retrieved November 14, 2016, from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2016/nov/11/clinton-won-more-votes-trump-won-the-election-and-its-not-the-first-time

Al-Jazeera. (2016, November 9). Will America be great again. Retrieved November 14, 2016, from Politics: http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2016/11/america-great-161109180917909.html

Warren, J. (2016, June 17). Trump, propaganda and the loss of media authority. Retrieved November 14, 2016, from Vanity Fair: http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/06/trump-propaganda-and-the-loss-of-media-authority

NEWS REPORTING IN I-ROBOT ADS

Written by Mia Bazilah

i-Robot Ads

In 21st century the nation and society are becoming more matured and the mentality of the human thinking are too much different rather than previous ago. This is because the existence of globalization were brought a new phenomenon to all the nation and society to think beyond the boundaries.The cause of the globalization impacts, the whole world have their own thoughts, views, ideas, and also their own belief into a certain issues and every country has their own language as well as the way of they speak as well as the way they interpret and understand the meaning of it and also called as an international communication.

The way of media portray the issues by viewing for local media and international media regarding the crisis of the advertisement; i-robot ads.

The local media

The Star Online – “Malaysia Comes under Fire from Indonesian Ahead of Jokowi Visit”- Insulting ad against Indonesian maids triggers stern protest from Jakarta.; February 05,2015.

According to this article was explained the feedback and the emotions of the Indonesian that reflects with the advertisement of i.robot and also remind of Malaysian to ban the advertisement of irobot on the advertisement words “Fire your Indonesian maid now!” (thestar, 2015)

Malay mail online – “Print apology or face lawsuit, Indonesia tells Malaysian robot vac firm over “fire maid” ad”; February 06,2015

According to this article was explained the serious of the Indonesia ministry according to the insulting advertisement that make a bad image of the Indonesian maid and the representative of the Indonesia itself was demand request by telling the Malaysia must make apology to the Indonesian party by published the apology statement to the three local papers and to convince the Indonesian that Malaysia also concerned with the Indonesian emotions as well. (malaymail, 2015)

The international media

Cirebontrustcom news and business – “Iklan Malaysia Hina Warga Indonesia, Menaker Tersinggung” , February 04,2015

According to this article was explained how the Indonesia portrayed this issues turns to make a chaos of the Indonesian of emotions and they was so mad with the advertisement that will tends to make a “crack” on the international relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia. (cirebontrustcom, 2015)

CNN Indonesia – “ Di Tengah Kontroversi Iklan Hina TKI, Jokowi ke Malaysia Esok” , February 04,2015

According to this article was explained the progress of the hot issues between Malaysia and Indonesia and regarding to this news as well explained the Prime minister of Indonesia; Jokowi will face to the Najib regarding to the controversial advertisement. (cnnindonesia, 2015)

Indonesia News Online Tainment – “Lawatan Jokowi ke Malaysia , Inilah janji Malaysia pada Jokowi” , February 06,2015

According to this article was explained Malaysia was responsibility by taking an action to the controversial issues by doing an apology to the Indonesia nation as well and will take further action on the advertisement of Irobot Company that were located in Malaysia. (online, 2015)

EXPLORING THE COMPARISON OF BETWEEN MALAYSIAKINI AND THE STRAITS TIME SINGAPORE NEWS ARTICLES ONLINE OF WATER SUPPLY PROBLEM BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA

Written by Atiqah Ramli

INTRODUCTION

Water source is the important element to human life. Clean water supply also will improve the quality of live such as avoid us from any diseases. Today, water supply will be considered as a part element that helps to generate the economy in each country. Water resource also has the high of commercial values in each country. Each country should take some action to control the use of water resource for long-term planning. Singapore is one of the countries that will consider as a water-stressed country as having lack of water resources. Singapore is highly depending on Johor in order to obtain additional water supplies to distribute to their citizen (Ruhana , 2007). Singapore’s water resources are very limited in where almost 50% of the Island Singapore used as a catchment area for this country. Share meets the needs of clean water sources in Singapore, the country gets water resources of the catchment area of Johor estimated 98,000 acres or 70% of the land area of Singapore.

Basically, Singapore and Johor problem is referring to an agreement between the governments of Malaysia and Singapore. Water supply to Singapore has always been a political burden to Malaysia because it is regarded as advantageous in many ways, particularly Singapore extreme-cost, extremely low. This is mainly because Singapore only pays 3 cents per thousand gallons, while Melaka buy water from Johor at the rate of 30 cents per thousand gallons (Asyraf, 2013). However, in 2011 the first agreement with Singapore will expire, and Singapore does not intend to renew it. Singapore authorities rejected the renegotiation of the agreement as consider it a challenge Singapore’s sovereignty as an independent state. The Malaysian government also considers it does not challenge the sovereignty of Singapore, as it is contained in the terms of the original agreement.

IDENTITY OF THE MEDIA

Malaysiakini News Portal

Malaysiakini was published in 1999. Malaysiakini is one of the independent media that always been used by the public in order to get some latest information that happened around them. The advancement of technology have given some impact on the way people find and received the information. This independent media news portal was believed that their media agency will able to inform the citizen with current affairs, helping them to holds the government of the day accountable through the citizen, participation and voting decision. Since Malaysiakini was established from 1999 until now. Today, this independent news portal was grown up into Mkini group which includes business news portals Kinibiz.com, online video site which is KiniTV.com, electoral information, Undi.info, exclusive digital marketing advertising agency FG media, Kinibooks which is independent book that have launched this year and

Malaysiakini always takes such a great pride in its independence. This organisation strives their independently without depending by government or corporate influence by asking the readers to pay their subscription fee and a place that give some availability to other company to promo their product through online advertising. Both contribution from their readers and other organisation will helps this media organisation to stay established and grows up as media news portals among readers in Malaysia and worlds.

The Straits Times Singapore News Portal

This online news portal have supported the reader with the comprehensive coverage the worlds news such as East Asian News, Southeast Asian news, home news, sport news, financial news and news that related to the lifestyle. The updated information about the current issues that happen throughout the world make The Straits Times Singapore have the visitor that visit this portal.The style of reporting of the news such as the quality of the news, in-depth analyses and supported with breaking news will give the overview of the issues or event that happen in Singapore and also in worlds. The Strait Time Singapore also their own strength that have been consider as the world class coverage especially the current issues that happen in and out of the country.

COMPARISSON CRITERIA

Headline

Headline is the first elements that play such a huge role in attach the audience and also attract the audience to read the news article. Basically, most of people who are want to know the issues that happen around them by read the headline only and the percentage of the reader that read the whole article are less. Due to this problem the journalist need to find the effective way in order to attach their audience with journalist headline. The most effective headline news article is simple and short but the headline can give overview and references to the reader (Kevin , 2015).Based on this news article, the headline that have been written by the journalist is more catchy because the words that have been used is try to highlighted and try to portray on the truth situation that happen between Singapore and Johor. As example “Singapore supplies more water to Johor amid dry spell” (Malaysiakini, 2016). The writer has using that kind of words in order to attract reader to reads this article. The words actually simple but it gains the huge impact.

Chronology

Chronology also the importance element that journalist need to highlighted in portraying the incident that happen. Through chronology, the readers will get the overview on the timeline of the cases that happen although they do not exist in the place where it happened. There are several aspect that journalist need to follow such as factual, objective, clear and complete with timeline. Basically through observing through both article between Malaysiakini and The Strait Time Singapore, both news portal have explain clearly regarding the issues that happen from the past few years until now. All the history of agreement also been stated in this news portal in order to make the reader understand the core of this issues.

Interview

The interview quotation in news article also the important the element that will grab the attention of the readers to read the news article. Basically, the interviewee in news article that suitable for journalist to interview is people who are become the victims in this issue and the responsible people to this matter. The expertise towards this issue also suitable because readers will interested towards the opinion from them based on the issues that happen. Malaysiakini news portal also being balance and also have gain some opinion from the opposition parties regarding this problem. Through this interview or quotes that have been made by journalist, readers also will compare and value the statement that has been given by the both parties. Compare to The Strait Times of Singapore, the journalist also gain some interview from responsible people towards this issues.

Message

In news reporting, journalist has their freedom to express their opinion about any issues in writing the news article. But the message that have disseminate should have their limit and avoid from dropping any party. Message also the information that has been written by the journalist to make the reader aware with the situation. Malysiakini news portal have explain that to the reader in their news article that, if this situation cannot control properly it will give the huge tendency to give the impact towards the relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. In Malaysiakini article with the title “Johor need expertise to run and manage water resources. In this article, the journalist try to give some opinion on the issues the happen between this both of country and also try to state some solution towards this matter for the both country.

Propaganda

In reporting the news article, the journalist also has their own agenda and propaganda that need to arcived by using their readers. Propaganda which is the information that has been written but there are hidden agenda that the readers does not know. Sometime propaganda will become positive and negative. Basically, the words of propaganda always refer to the political journalist or nationalist setting. The words of propaganda have been use start from World War II in order to promote the ideas (Shamsiah & Ahmad Sufian , 2014).Propaganda also the medium that have been used by the journalist to exposed the factual of the cases and opinion of the journalist that will influence the readers to motivated them in order to make any action or change the behavior (Renee & Sandra , 2015). In other words, propaganda sometime depends on the motives of the journalist write up or raise up that issues (Cunningham, 2002). The propaganda that have shown by both news portal is to highlight on the people that involved in this issues and try to maintain and take care the reputation of the both countries. Both news portals have play the huge role to represent their country and become the mediator towards the issues that happen in their country to the readers.

EVALUATION

Based on the observation and comparison from this two news portal, Malaysiakini are being balance in reporting this issues and the issues that have been highlighted basically on the action that have been taken in order to settled this matter and o voice out the problem of water supply on behalf of Johor citizen compare to The Straits Time Singapore that unbalance in reporting because all the statement that come out from this issues is all about to defend the Singapore and the same time to blame Malaysia. This is to show the propaganda that will used by the newspaper in order to give the bad reputation to Malaysia.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, through observation and analyses for both newspapers from both side is the leaders of the two countries, Malaysia and Singapore are using the water issue is to raise the spirit of patriotism and strengthen the public support to the respective governments. Self-interest controversy exists regarding this, which does not provide any benefit to the people of many if not resolved. Unfortunately, this controversy is compounded further by other problems, such as the demands of the White Hill, the railway land in Tanjung Pagar, the reclamation of the Tebrau Straits and savings of Malaysian workers in Singapore. As a Malaysian citizen, we hope that this situation will be control properly from this situation became for the both countries and also for the sake of good relations between Singapore and Malaysia as well as peace in the ASEAN region, we urge the leaders of both countries submerge sentiment and act rationally. We sincerely urge the leaders of Malaysia and Singapore put aside their egos and immediately tries to find a solution through negotiations.