Category: Comparative News

Written by Diyana Khairron

 

Elective abortion that is the elective termination of pregnancy by women’s own request and desire is unjustly takes the life of an innocent human being and it is a moral wrong either through science, history and human rights. Whereas from science concluded that the pre-born is human. Abortion says some humans are not persons while from history stated that we must not separated humanity from personhood and human rights says that the pre-born has the right to life.

Not only that abortion is a moral wrong, but it also has the after effect where many potential complications have been associated with abortion. Nevertheless, though that it is a moral wrong, yet many women are somehow conflicting and be relate to as they are two different kind of perspective that cause the conflicting towards abortion issues as both are clearly being separated into “Pro-Life, the right to give life’ and “Pro-Choice”: The right to take life.

While abortion is a never ending issues as different people have different perspective about it. Not to mention, the women who are in desperate position to do abortion. Thus, all of this will result in different action. Due to that, abortion issues has been chosen in comparing how the local media and international media portray the issues and to what extend.

The local media to look upon to for abortion issue is Utusan Online. Utusan online is the online version of Utusan Malaysia printed newspaper and it is a Malay language newspaper published in Malaysia. Utusan Malaysia was first published as Utusan Melayu in romanised (Jawi) version in 1939. In the year of 1997 is the launch of “Utusan Malaysia On-Line”, it is the Malaysia’s first Online Newspaper in full text and visuals. The service is provided in collaboration with Telekom Malaysia, enables pay-subscribers to read online. While for the international media chosen is the online version of ‘The Guardian’. The Guardian is a British national daily newspaper. It was first known as The Manchester Guardian until 1959, and now known as ‘The Guardian’. In recent 2009-2010, the Guardian has significantly developed and expanded its digital operations. Guardian News & Media announced plans to become a digital-first organization, placing open journalism on the web at the heart of its strategy.

Throughout the comparison it has come upon that the local media do play its role effectively by being very proactive and committed in disseminating issue on abortion and explicitly to tell that abortion is a moral wrong and clearly stated the consequences the doers will have to face if commit such act.

Nevertheless, it can be seen that both media has done great work in portraying the issues of abortion and has fulfilling their media responsibility as the fourth estate successfully. However, there are significant difference in how both medias portray the issues. These may be due to different of government policy, religion believe and culture.

As for the local media, Utusan Online has shown its ability to transmit implicit or hidden message and knowledge through its news reporting on the article of “Pengguguran – Bukan cara merancang keluarga” posted on 9^th August 2005 which further explains that abortion does not only happen among teenagers or women who are pregnant as a result of adultery, but also happen among the married women who do not want the child she carries. Based on this article, Utusan Online has successfully deliver information that maybe most of Malaysian people do not aware about as we usually may think that abortion only become a problem among the unmarried women who became pregnant, but it turns out abortion also occur among the married women and perhaps this matter can be highlighted as it should not be happening among the married couple.

Utusan Online also has reported many news articles on abortion. Among the news reported articles are “Pengguguran – Isu yang makin kiritikal” posted on 20^th October 2016 that stated abortion is becoming more critical issue, but still this problem has been ignored. This article calls the people to be more concern on abortion issue and take this matter seriously.

Throughout this news article searching, it is discovered that Utusan Online has been very informative and effective in disseminating information not only on abortion cases that happened in Malaysia, but as well as letting the public know the after effect of it and how the situation really is in Malaysia. With all the reported articles, it should have given the people in Malaysia the awareness to act and do something in order to avoid abortion from continually happen among the Malaysian especially the teenagers.

Towards the legal practices, Utusan Online has reported one article of “Gugur bayi penjara tujuh tahun” that stated the offender of abortion will be sentenced to prison for 7 years. This is because from the legal perspective, the act of abortion is very serious as it causes death. Not only that, the legal practices in Malaysia also stated that abortion cannot be done without reasonable reason. This in a way to tell the people the consequences of abortion and in what situation only abortion is allowed to be make.

In the matter of religion aspect, the local media, Utusan Online is discovered to not have that much news reporting article on abortion issue that relates with religion sentiment. This may due to that Islam is the official religion in Malaysia and the fact that Islam forbidden the act of abortion unless it threatens the life of the mother. Therefore, people in Malaysia know that elective abortion is not allowed. However, there are news reporting articles on “Pegguguran – Bukan cara merancang keluarga” posted on 9^th August 2005 translated as “Abortion is not a way for family planning” and “Akses mudah lakukan pengguguran” posted on 27^th April 2011 translated as “Easy access to do abortion” stressed that abortion is clearly stated as illegal in Islam and is considered as a great sin.

Utusan Online has also posted another article towards the recent case of Zika with abortion titled “Subra: No abortions allowed for Zika-infected pregnant mothers” posted on 6^th September 2016, whereas in the articlet, the Malaysia Health Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniamsaid that he welcomed Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri’s approval for abortion in such cases but said that the law only allows abortion if the mother’s life is at risk and not the child’s. According to him again, this is what is allowed in our system which had taken into consideration the religious stand and reminded all that not all pregnant mothers infected with Zika would end up delivering babies with disabilities. Thru this article, we can see see how religious sentiment is being taking into account, even though the law of abortion in religion aspect has been known. This has showed the effort of Utusan Online in giving awareness to the public on the dangerous of abortion and support the people to avoid abortion.

It is also discovered that Utusan Online has been transparent in reporting news regarding abortion. This can be seen when Utusan Online provided the exact and real image of death fetus in most of news reporting on abortion. Another article of “Akses mudah lakukan pengguguran” posted on 27^th April 2016 showed how the local media, Utusan Online has shown transparency as the content of the article is stated in a form of conversation between a doctor and the writer. The conversation is the original conversation between a doctor and an offender in which writer disguised as a woman who want to make an abortion. The conversation includes the explanation of abortion process, several ways that are made available for abortion in most of the private clinics in Malaysia and the fee charged.

Based on the above mentioned article, it can be assumed that it is very easy to make an abortion and women can even choose which way they like and comfortable with. This has indirectly acted as an additional information for those who never knew that there are privates’ clinics out there that run a service like this. This may even lead for more abortion as people have known that there are places to do abortion. However, if we look at the perspective ways, Utusan Online is actually trying to tell people by emphasizing on the fact that it is just so easy to get medical help for abortion from private clinics, therefore, parents and community should be alert on this matter and be more cautious especially on their teenagers and to never think that in this era, the youngs will not dare to reach to this level as cases of abortion is getting increased.

Moving to international media, it is found that there are not much cases on abortion reported by The Guardian. Therefore, it may be indefinite for the people to see what is the current situation is like. Though the international people especially in UK have more freedom in speech and they do fight for what they believe in which some are pro right which accept abortion and some are pro life which go against the abortion. They do get to voice out their opinion, but it would have been better if cases of abortion are being reported in public so that the public are aware. However, this may be not that crucial to them as abortion is legal in the UK, therefore, it may seem like it is not such a big critical issue.

In term of legal perspective, abortion is legal in England up to 24 weeks under the Abortion Act 1967. However, if there is a substantial risk to the woman’s life or fetus abnormalities, there is no time limit. There is also no age limit for treatment. This legal aspect that has been portrayed has lead to the situation in the article by The Guardian that stated “Irish woman live-tweets journey for abortion in Great Britain” posted on 20 August 2016. This shows how the people in other country willingly and excited to come to Britain to do the abortion to the extend to live-tweets the actions due to abortion is legal in UK.

In the perspective of political, there is political influence through the article of “Why It Matters: Abortion in U.S. presidential race” posted on 17^th October 2016. It is known that the United State of America is among the country that hold the biggest power in the world, therefore somehow, what happen in the U.S.A does matter and may affect another country as well. In this article, the democrat Hillary Clinton supports access to abortion, while Trump been inconsistent but now appears against abortion. This article highlighting and examining the issue at stake in the presidential election and how they affect people whereby if it is a Clinton victory, it could strengthen the court’s current 5-3 majority that supports abortion rights and this will be supported by the people who are pro right. While if it is a Trump win who is a pro life and against the abortion could lead to a reconfigured court that would uphold tough state laws restricting abortion and possibly consider overturning Roe V. Wade, the 1973 decision that established a nationwide right to abortion.

Further on religion sentiment, one of the reason why the Northern Ireland’s abortion laws are different to the rest of the United Kingdom is due to its religious belief in which Northern Ireland’s status as the most religious part of the UK. Therefore, though abortion is legal in Northern Ireland but only under strict criteria and actually has never applied in Northern Ireland. Perhaps because of abortion is legal in UK, there is not much cases that have been reported by The Guardian. According to this one article in which The Guardian classify as Northern Ireland’s shame, titled “Northern Ireland woman takes NHS to court over abortion law” posted on 2rd November 2016. This article mentioned about a Northern Irish teenager who as a fifteen year old had to go to England to terminate a pregnancy, and is challenging the NHS’s refusal to fund abortions for women from the region in the supreme court. However, the health service has so far refused to pay for abortions for women from Northern Ireland who travel to England for terminations. This can be concluded that though abortion is legal, however, the desperate action taken by the people to do abortion is viewed as a shame.

Finally, The Guardian has been found to be transparent and fair by reporting any view and event on every parties as well as individual. Most of the news reporting articles display the protest rally made by the women in the United Kingdom as to preserve their rights to do abortion.

 

In overall, the local media, Utusan Online has the inclination to use the approach of persuading the people to not do abortion by keep updating on abortion cases happen in Malaysian and keep reminding the people on the religious and law perspective as well as the after effect of abortion. These approaches are alternately being used in news reporting so that to put public on the alarm state and ne aware of the issue.

While for the international media, they are more lenient and reports views and event on different party or individual as they have greater freedom in speech and that the law they hold legalize abortion. They also are very transparent and fair in delivering the message even when involving the politicians as they let the public to decide.

 

Therefore, both local both local media, presented by The Star Online and international media, presented by The Guardian has successfully fulfil their duty as the fourth estate for abortion issues.

References

The Guardian. (2016, October 17). WHY IT MATTERS: Abortion in U.S. presidential race.

Retrieved from The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/news/2016/10/17/why-it-matters-abortion-in-u-s-preside-4664752.html

The Guardian. (2016, August 20). rish woman live-tweets journey for abortion in Great

Britain. Retrieved from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/20/irish-woman-live-tweets-journey-for-abortion-in-britain

The Guardian. (2016, November 2). Northern Ireland woman takes NHS to court over abortion law. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/02/northern-ireland-nhs-abortions-supreme-court-law

Utusan Online. (2005, August 9). Pengguguran – Bukan cara merancang keluarga. Retrieved

from Utusan Online: http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2005&dt=0809&sec=Keluarga&pg=ke_01.htm

Utusan Online. (2003, October 20). Pengguguran – Isu yang makin kritikal. Retrieved from Utusan Online: http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2003&dt=1020&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Keluarga&pg=ke_05.htm

Utusan Online. (2011, April 27). Gugur bayi penjara tujuh tahun. Retrieved from Utusan

Online: http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0427&sec=Keluarga&pg=ke_02.htm

Utusan Online. (2011, April 27). Akses mudah lakukan pengguguran Oleh MARIATUL QATIAH ZAKARIA. Retrieved October 23, 2016, from Utusan Online: http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0427&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Keluarga&pg=ke_01.htm

Written by Fikri Ajlan

In the modern advancement of technology today, internet plays a major role in our lives in many aspects. It give us the unlimited access of information and it brings a lot of advantages such as seeking information for our assignments, bettering our lifestyles and gaining relevant knowledge. Same goes with journalism, we used to read or watch news story on television and newspapers but as time passing by, online journalism has emerged and it has bring a whole new perspective of journalism.

New media bring with them new opportunities for news organizations to participate in unique storytelling experiences and audience engagement. The interactive nature of these new information and communication technologies (ICTs) has challenged news organizations to rethink their traditional journalism roles and practices (Chung, 2008).

 

 

Malaysia has numerous publications and newspapers such as Utusan Malaysia, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian (and many mores) and to keep up with the current trend of technology, they have created their own online platforms and come up with their own target audiences. These online platforms have proven to be one of the main sources for news story because accessibility of the platforms. Not to forget, new news online portal such as Malaysiakini and The Malaysian Insider have also established because the amount of internet users keep increasing year by year.

The existence of social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twiiter and Youtube have opened up many possibilities in which sharing opinion can be done in a broaden audiences (as anything on the Internet can go viral) moreover when the news story is linked between any of them. On the other hand, social networking sites (SNS) has become a huge phenomenal in Malaysia and almost every internet users have their own SNS. Compared to before, our ancestors didn’t have this advantage to voice out their opinion freely and vastly, so through SNS, we can share our opinions and use it as a medium of discussion as it is more efficient and people (sometimes, even the authorities) seems to take more notes when something being posted on social media. SNS can be a very good and safe medium as long as it’s safely used by everyone.

On September 16 2016, a video of a schoolboy being violently assaulted has gone viral on social media and the terrible part about that video is that instead of helping the victim, the other classmates were seen rooting for the bully. In the two-and-a-half-minute clip, we can see the victim was punched, kicked, slapped and had a plastic chair thrown at him as well as put in a chokehold in a classroom. Some of the classmates sat around and watched the fight, while some were seen recorded the intense brawl on their smartphones.

Most of the netizens were left to frustration and angered by the video and questioned the whereabouts of the teachers. The video has received over 90,000 views and over 5,000 shares since it was uploaded.Based on the statement given from Bukit Aman spokesperson,the incident took place at a school in Putatan, Sabah and the victim’s father had lodged a police report on September 6.

On the other hand, due to the power of social media and instantaneous response from the users, it has proven that it could help in fasten the work process for the police. Based on the article posted by FreeMalaysiaToday on October 25 2015 titled “Two nabbed after snatch theft video goes viral”, two brothers were arrested in Kampung Rantau Panjang, Klang, for an alleged snatch theft involving a 56-year-old lady after the recording of the closed circuit television on the incident was widely spread on social media.

Huffington Post is one of the biggest online news portals in America and I have came across a lot of social media-related news story.  One of them which was posted 13 April 2016, titled “You Are Special’: Judge’s Emotional Speech To Troubled Teens Brings Courtroom To Tears” tells about a County Superior Court Judge Verda Colvin in which her speech has gone viral while speaking to the group of youngsters as part of “Consider the Consequences,” a program organized by the local sheriff’s office in reaching young people who’ve had a history of discipline problems or crime.

Another article came into light when Joe Liu was photographed walking in soaked office attire while his umbrella protected his small son from the pouring rain. The picture, posted across SNS with the headline “Dads,” quickly went viral in the U.S. as well as in Liu’s origin native, China. Liu aka “Umbrella Dad,” is a former diplomat who currently works on Wall Street where he leaves his office at 5pm every day to pick up his son, Rhodes in Flushing.

Due to his recent fame (thanks to social media), Liu has set up Facebook and Twitter accounts for “Umbrella Dad,” by posting articles relating to education and parenting. But that is not the main reason for the webpages as his ultimate goal is to use media exposure as a platform to set up a charity to help children in China, particularly in the rural areas.

In conclusion, from what I’ve read from both local and international coverages regarding social media, I would say that there are a bit of differences on how Malaysian media and American media highlight the importance of social media.

 

 

For example, the portrayal of social media news story in Malaysia is more on how the users interacted with each other on virtual space and how social media is fully utilized by Malaysians. The writer usually put users’ comments and thoughts in the article and how the story can bring everyone together in solving the issue. Whereas in Huffington Post, the social media news story is more about telling the story itself in hopes it can catch the readers’ eyes and ears, and somehow create a sense of empathy to the audiences. They usually use a lot of emotion when it comes to writing a news story that related to social media.

Both local and international newspapers seem to acknowledge the power of social media and as long as the journalism industry and we as the users know how to benefits the usage from SNS, it forever will be a powerful tool in discussing, exchanging and spreading information and awareness about anything.

 

References

Chung. D. S. (2008). News now: journalism in the online environment. New Media and     Society.Vol10(2):345–352. 10.1177/1461444807086478

FMT. (2016, September 6). Boy beaten, slapped while classmates cheer on.  Retrieved November 13 from Free Malaysia Today.http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/09/06/boy-beaten-slapped-while-classmates-cheer-on/

FMT. (2016, October 25). Two nabbed after snatch theft video goes viral. Retrieved November 13 from Free Malaysia Today.http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/10/25/two-nabbed-after-snatch-theft-video-goes-viral/

Mosbergen.D.(2016, April 13.  You Are Special’: Judge’s Emotional Speech To Troubled Teens Brings Courtroom To Tears.  Retrieved November 13 from Huffington Post.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/judge-troubled-teens-speech-video_us_570df702e4b0ffa5937d8ac9

Vale. P. (2016, April 19) . How The ‘Umbrella Dad’ Is Using His Viral Fame For Good. Retrieved November 13 from Huffington Post.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-the-umbrella-dad-is-using-his-viral-fame-for-good_us_5714e65ae4b0018f9cba7317

Written by Mahathir Ahamad

Pokémon Go is a free-to-play, location-based augmented reality game developed by Niantic for iOS, Android, and Apple Watch devices. The game is the result of a collaboration between Niantic and The Pokémon Company, and was initially released in selected countries in July 2016. In the game, players use a mobile device’s GPS capability to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon, who appear on the screen as if they were in the same real-world location as the player. The game supports in-app purchases for additional in-game items.

The game’s extended launch began on July 6, 2016, with releases in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Due to server strain from high demand upon release, Niantic CEO John Hanke stated that the release in other regions was to be “paused until Niantic was comfortable” fixing the issues. European releases started on July 13, and the game became available to most of the continent over the following ten days. Although the game was proposed to be released in France on July 15, it was postponed until July 24 out of respect and due to safety concerns following a terrorist attack in Nice on July 14.

In South Korea, the game was not officially released as major restrictions on the use of online mapping data exist. However, due to a glitch, a small area around Sokcho in the northeastern part of the country was considered a part of Niantic’s North Korea mapping region, making the game fully playable in that area. Numerous people took advantage of the gap to play the game. Bus tickets from the capital city of Seoul sold out and people living within Sokcho shared information on free Wi-Fi areas to tourists. In mainland China, Google services are banned by the Great Firewall. Players of Pokémon Go in China bought Australian App Store IDs and used a GPS spoofing app to use Google services. Many Chinese people downloaded a clone app called City Spirit Go, which was released shortly after Pokémon Go’s beta test in Japan.

When launched July 6,  Pokémon Go proved from the start that it could be much more than a global pop culture craze for gamers. There’s more behind this game than searching Pokémon’s at your local landmarks, firing red Poke Balls, sprinkling stardust and capturing points on a smart phone. The real take-away from Pokémon Go is that it shows market transitions can come from anywhere; even a game meant for kids of all ages.

Days after the game’s launch in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand, players shared images and tales on social media of dangerous encounters, such as Pokémon popping up near subway tracks. In O’Fallon, Mo., four teens waited at PokéStops in order to rob arriving players, police said. Law enforcement has warned people to be mindful while exploring. Looking at the scenario mention above, the writers have decided to pick The Star Online for their local news on Pokémon Go and Cable News Network (CNN) for their international news on Pokémon Go. Thus, we will able to see the evidence related to the coverage, issues and social implications among the society whom affected to this global craze.

The Star Online views: According to a news publish in the Star Online, citizen, Lum Choi Yan, 24, said she was shocked to see a man at her front door, pointing his mobile phone to the roof of her house, believe to be playing Pokémon Go. The guy said he was chasing after a ‘Pokémon’, which had flown over the roof from the playground nearby. This has created a serious safety issues as many people were already hooked and if not careful, the game could be a safety hazard and public nuisance as reported in several countries.  Pokémon Go players could easily be detected especially at crowded areas, while targeting place such as mosques and temples, high-rise buildings or secluded areas.

Another issues that infected societies due to Pokémon Go as reported by The Star Online was how it decreased moral value and competencies. For example, player would go to secluded places with a damaged signboard or behind a public toilet may be suddenly swarmed by people, all because of the game, and somehow ignored public and personal safety. People should not wander onto properties where they are not allowed. Another citizens, Tieu Chect Hou, 28, said a teenage girl, who was so engrossed hunting Pokémon, almost walked into him while he was having lunch at a restaurant in Pudu. The girl walking up and down with a mobile phone in hand and smiling by herself. She was so oblivious to her surroundings, bumping into people without apologizing.  He said since Pokémon Go was launched, many people had been acting strangely, gathering at certain spots to play with their phones and causing traffic jams.

Pokémon Go has led to some being fired. The game has proven to be a huge hit here, but it is game over for some who persistently played it during working hours. Six employers have dismissed workers for playing the popular location-based game while at work, reveals a survey by the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF). As it continues to “level up” on popularity, the game has spawned a culture of people walking around in search of cyber monsters in their homes, parks, workplaces, commercial areas and even places of worship. But the addictive, augmented reality game is worrying the MEF to that employees will not be giving their best at work.

Any issues can be used as the weapon in persuading the publics and automatically, enhance the user’s image and shaping the audiences opinion. The Star Online highlights few individual and organizations in giving their opinions, which sometimes can be seen as the strategies in gaining political influences. The Government should ban the release of Pokémon Go in Malaysia as it would only promote social ills among the youths, said Abdul Rani Kulup Abdullah, president of Pertubuhan Martabat Jalinan Muhibbah Malaysia (MJMM). He add that the augmented reality game would also destroy the faith of Muslims, as it could lead to obsession and could be detrimental to children’s development as their minds would be filled with cartoons.

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) also has urged all Muslims in the country to refrain from playing Pokémon Go. They does not allow Muslims to engage with the game based on a variety of factors including its harmful effects. This decision is in line with the view of law in other Islamic countries proving Pokémon Go game causing harm leading to incidents that claimed lives. The game also has significant negative impact on children and teenagers,” 

CNN views: There is actual measurable data now that suggests reckless Pokémon hunting really does distract drivers and pedestrians. The research, published Friday in JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed tweets and news items to piece together a picture of Pokémon-related traffic incidents. The results showed that, within a 10-day span, there were 14 crashes reported to involve Pokémon Go. Even scarier, pedestrians and drivers distracted by the game sent more than 100,000 tweets during that time. The researchers reviewed 4,000 tweets between July 10 and 20 and decided whether the tweets showed driver distraction, pedestrian distraction, or other traffic-related Pokémon topics like safety warnings or even humorous tweets from passengers.

The foreign media has diverse opinions on the issue of Pokémon Go, where mostly they will highlights the guidance issues on players, especially on minors.  The most desirable Pokémon destinations are called Pokestops and Pokémon Gyms, and they are often found in public or community places such as parks and churches. Because of their popularity, this is where your child will most likely encounter other players, both children and adults. And when we talk to our children about being aware of their surroundings, they will keep an eye on trespassing private property. Police are reminding the public not to trespass, as some Pokémon Go players are wandering off paths and over fences.

Instead of reporting the negative impact upon this global craze, they might have uncover some potential outcomes in dealing with Pokémon Go issues. The game’s augmented-reality feature and method of rewarding players who go to Pokestops located at popular landmarks in their communities have led people to be more interactive than normal while playing video games. Lenore Koppelman is the mother of 6-year-old Ralphie, who has autism and hyperlexia, which is associated with verbal language difficulties. She has also found “Pokémon Go” useful in helping her son socialize with other kids. (‘Pokémon Go’) involves a finite set of interesting characters that is consistent, stable. Kids with autism often like things that are like this that are list-based or concrete or fact-based. They’re very good at learning about things and memorizing things, so not only is this a shared area of interest, it’s an area in which the kinds of strengths with autism can shine.

No one right now knows the staying power of Pokémon Go. It might be popular for a week, a month or a year.  Some people feel like its popularity is already on the decline. During the middle of July, no one could stop talking about Pokémon Go. It was the hottest trend around. Comparing to the international media and the local media, there’s a similar approach and perspective highlighted by the author which is mostly the negative impact towards Pokémon Go craze. This might be due to the consequences that arise among the societies which suddenly behave weirdly when they engaged with this applications. Also, due to this issues, national securities and the breach of private space is among the highest story reported in both news portal. This might be the reason why the editor or the journalist try to help and encouraged the government by publishing such issues in order to enhance control measures upon this phenomenon.

Written by Farahin Mustafa

On 26 August 2008, Manohara and Tengku Fakhry tie the knot. After several months of marriage, Manohara Odelia Pinot, Indonesian 16-years old model were being sexually abused by Kelantan Royalties. Manohara escaped from Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Sultan Ismail Petra with the helps from Singapore police during the Singapore trips to see Sultan Ismail Petra receiving medical treatment. Manohara’s mother, Daisy Fajarina, claimed that she has been barred access to see her daughter after getting married with Tengku Fakhry. After flee from Singapore to Indonesia, Manohara organized a press conference said that she was being abused sexually and was treated like an animal locked in her room (Perianin, 2009).

Tengku Fakhry has succeeded in sueing both Manohara and her mother Daisy for defamation and since Manohara was in Indonesia, she decided to ignore the court order as Malaysian law limited to people in Malaysia only. The issue brings more hatred towards Malaysian. Indonesian domestic worker started to voice out their experience being sexually and physically abused by their Malaysian employer. This is to relate what being experienced by the Indonesian socialite; Manohara, is what the domestic worker has experienced. The love-hate relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia always become one of the important issues in global media.

Based on the news reporting, Kompas.com emphasized on the issue of Manohara experienced sexual and physical abused by Tengku Fakhry while The Star Online focus on the defamation suit made by Tengku Fakhry against Manohara. Both newspapers have their own propaganda and what differs them is the way they publish news reporting. After going through all the news article and headlines, we can conclude that Manohara claimed she was being abused by Tengku Fakhry however, the statement mostly were made by Daisy Fajarina, Manohara’s mother and it was supported by Manohara once she “escaped” from Tengku Fakhry in Singapore (Kompas.com, 2009) . She claimed that she escaped but Tengku Fakhry friends, Soberi, claimed that she fled voluntarily. Both are the statement made outside the court (The Star Online, 2009).

However, according to the court, Tengku Fakhry sued Manohara for defamation. Meaning that all the statement made by Manohara is untrue. People might say that Tengku Fakhry won the cases because he had money but the truth is Manohara is the one who did not gave cooperation along the proceeding. She did not go to the hearing session, her lawyers withdraw, she did not go for health examination to prove that she experienced abused and many more. From here we can say that Manohara is making a story. The best part is when she ignored all the court order and chooses to stay in Jakarta to run from the court sentence (Mageswari, 2009).

Looking back at the timeline, I must say that Daisy Fajarina and Manohara are actually planning on something. As a normal person, if royalty like me, I would do whatever it takes to make sure the royalty marry me. In this cases, Daisy claimed that they are not agreed to marry Manohara and Tengku Fakhry because of excuses like not illegal in Indonesia for girls age 16 to get married, no permission from her father and so on. Daisy had the chance to make a press statement on that issue and they had the chance to lodge a report police regarding the issue of raping but they did not instead they agree on the marriage. Looks like Daisy were happy that they finally could have the royalty as their relatives (Perianin, 2009). After she was escaped for Tengku Fakhry, instead of go for health examination to prove that she experienced such abused, they went to the media making press conference and create drama. Daisy who was known as the sexiest mum suddenly wore hijabs and tries to look decent and gain sympathy. Even OC kaligis, Manohara lawyers withdraw from the case, as Manohara did not want to go for health examination and lodge a police report. Manohara seems not serious about the case (Yusof, 2009). After that her next lawyer also withdraw because of the issue of Manohara kissing another man and the spread news about Manohara and Daisy wearing sexy and having a party. Everyone started to doubt Manohara (UTUSAN, 2012).

Image credit: Rumahmodernsederhana Image source

The truth is Daisy is trying to take advantage on the royalty however, Tengku Fakhry who own other agenda like he was gone too far by having sex with Manohara needs to be responsible, the marriage things was not for him but for the family sake, he did it but later it turns to a fight and Manohara succeed in running away. The fight might be because of Manohara was young and she wants to have fun and go clubbing and get a life but she forgot that royalty freedom is limited, they cannot go anywhere they want without any guard and so on. She forgot that fact before marrying Tengku Fakhry. About the issue not getting in touch with her mom, Manohara create drama by saying that she was being scolded by her husband and was locked in her room (here we can see that how brilliant Manohara is in manipulating things), Daisy became angry with Tengku Fakhry and wanted to take away Manohara however, Tengku Fakhry who sees Daisy as irresponsible mom (with her clubbing life, sexy attire and unhealthy lifestyle) did not want to let Manohara go. After Manohara escaped, Daisy who feels that she cannot get anything from the royalty, try to bad mouth Tengku Fakhry but end up they were sued for defamation and lastly decided to ignore the cases. Here we can see that those newspapers headline, and how Tengku Fakhry can win the case, shows that Manohara is a liar and her mum is the mastermind. This summary can be rationalized through all the news report, the gossips, the background of Tengku Fakhry, Manohara and her mum, Daisy. It is based on what reasonable man would do.

 

Bibliography

Perianin, M. (2009, July 3). Manohara’s mom tells her side of the story. Retrieved November 2, 2016, from Blogckchew-stand up be counted: https://ckcounterpunch.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/manoharas-mom-tells-her-side-of-the-story/

Kompas.com. (2009, April 21). Putra Raja Kelantan culik, sekap dan silet model Indonesia. Retrieved November 14, 2016, from Kompas.com.

The Star Online. (2009, June 3). Manohara’s case with hubby a personal matter, says Kelantan palace. Retrieved November 14, 2016, from Nation: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2009/06/03/manoharas-case-with-hubby-a-personal-matter-says-kelantan-palace/

Mageswari. (2009, 21 December). Damages for Kelantan prince to be decided on Jan 14. Retrieved November 12, 2016, from Nation: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2009/12/21/damages-for-kelantan-prince-to-be-decided-on-jan-14/

Yusof, A. (2009, June 7). Manohara perlu hentikan sandiwara ini. Retrieved November 14, 2016, from Roda Kehidupan: https://areniesah.wordpress.com/2009/06/07/manohara-perlu-hentikan-sandiwara-ini/

UTUSAN. (2012, February 4). Manohara cetus kontroversi lagi. Retrieved November 14, 2016, from Utusan Online: http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2012&dt=0204&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Hiburan&pg=hi_09.htm

Written by Mia Bazilah

In order to get the attention from the readers or viewers as well, the media have to do something that might be dangerous to their career or just keep in safe by doing a secure issues only with care to their career. For sure in Malaysia, there are no escape term by doing a story that might be dangerous of their career. And for sure also the government have their power to control the progress of the media itself rather than just give a fully powers to the media itself to published their issues by themselves. The reason why the government need to be monitored the media and also the progress of the issues that was created from the media practitioners as well is because of the serenity in the country itself  and trying  do not make any confuses about any issues that will manipulate the viewers’ minds. According to this study also were focused on the issues of El-Nino within year 2015 that were affected the whole world as well. This study will focus on the local media and also the international media that relates with the same issues with the different of perspectives.

The way of media portray the issues by viewing for local media and international media regarding the issues of El-Niño

The local media 

2016. The BeritaHarian(BH) Online – “El-Nino 2016 Bukan Sekadar Panas, Kering”; February 04,2016.

According to this article was explained how serious of the El-Nino phenomenon were affected to the whole of life in Malaysia in terms of the surrounding, the ecosystem of corals, the effects with the tourism as well, and also the media was explained the situation in a local area that faced with the El-Nino phenomenon and also the media how to prevent of the El-Nino and educate the readers in Malaysia to always get prepared on this coming El-Nino. (BH, 2016)

1. Free Malaysia Today online – “This isn’t just El-Niño, it’s punishment from Allah ”; April 22,2016

According to this article was explained the attribution of the El-Nino phenomenon was a signal of the wrath of Allah on Muslims. This statement was given by the Kelantan deputy Mufti Nik Abdul Kadir Nik Muhamad and on his statement also mentioned the El-Nino phenomenon was cause of certain people refused to follow the Islamic law that will implementing the Quran. (fmt, 2016)

The international media

1. Oxfam – “Global El-Nino and Extreme Weather – helps save lives” ; January,2016

According to this article was explained how the situation of the living of human that lives at the areas of the dry because of the El-Niño and this media was portrayed the sadness of the human faces as well as the bad situation by facing the El-Niño and need some attention to the world by doing a donation for helping them those are facing with the El-Nino phenomenon. (oxfam, global el-nino and extreme weather, 2016)

1. DW top stories online – “ El-Nino – induced floods ravage East Africa ” , May 24,2016

According to this article was explained the sadness of situation in the country that had an extreme the El-Nino phenomenon and the media also exposed the picture of dry land, flood that effects the El-Nino phenomenon, the heavy rainfall and also exposed the need of donation to the country that had an extreme of this phenomenon. (DW, 2016)

The conclusion

The propaganda that used to the media as well sometime will ruin the nations as well and all parties in terms of the media, the society and the government must be tolerate by giving and receiving the information as well. The local media and international media needs to be matured somehow to deliver the message and have a huge responsibility to bring the readers by having the high level of knowledge and always has a positive minds as well.

 

References

(2016, feb 4). El-Nino 2016 bukan sekadar panas , kering. Malaysia.

cirebontrustcom. (2015, feb 4). Iklan Malaysia Hina Warga Indonesia, Menaker Tersinggung. indonesia.

cnnindonesia. (2015, feb 4). Di Tengah Kontroversi Iklan Hina TKI, Jokowi ke Malaysia Esok. indonesia.

(2016, may 24). El-nino – induced floods ravage east africa.

fmt. (2016, april 22). this isn’t just el-nino, it’s punishment from Allah. Malaysia.

malaymail. (2015, april 6). Print apology or face lawsuit, Indonesia tells Malaysian robot vac firm over “fire maid” ad. malaysia.

online, i. n. (2015, feb 6). Lawatan Jokowi ke Malaysia , Inilah janji Malaysia pada Jokowi. indonesia.

oxfam. (2016, january). global el-nino and extreme weather. america.

thestar. (2015, feb 2015). malaysia comes under fire from indonesia ahead of jokowi visit. malaysia.

Written by Atiqah Ramli

INTRODUCTION

Masjidil Haram is the place that most of the Muslim people to perform the haji pilgrimage. In each year there are several cases that happen during the Haji. Through this situation, the Saudi authorities take some action by renovate several place in Masjidil Haram in order to some comfortable place to all people around the that to Mecca to perform the haji. Mecca have situated in Saudi Arabia. On 11 September 2015, all people around the world have been shocked by one incident in Mecca when the crawler crane collapses to Masjidil Haram. The crawler crane has been estimate 1350 ton have been collapse because of the strong wind during the incident day. This incident were killed 111 and 394 are injured. Most of the victims in this incident are from twelve different nationalities and with huge contingent are died from Bangladesh and Egyptians This incident have been classifies the worst case after the crane that have been collapse in New York City with eleven people are died.

Each year, the number of people become the victims during perform haji have increasing drastically because every year the number of people that come from different country are increased. Due to this problem, Saudi Arabia Government has taken some action by give each country certain quota in order to reduce the issues of stampede during perform their haji pilgrimage. The Saudi Arabia governments also sub some contract to Saudi Bin Laden Group for construction in Masjidil Haram. This construction company have been recognize the largest construction firm in world (Al-Jazeera, 2015).But the situation become worse when one of the crane in Masjidil Haram have collapse and this project have been responsible under Saudi Bin Laden Group. All the constructions under Saudi Bin Laden Group have been stop for investigation.

IDENTITY OF THE MEDIA

The Star Online

The Star Online is the property from Star Media Group Berhad and formerly known as Star Publication. Basically, The Star Online needs 16 years to establish the news portal online and publish to the readers. In 2008, this news portal has been rearrange back in order to give the reader are easier to navigate this news portal. The objective of this news portal is to disseminate the information to the reader by using the technology advancement. The strength of this newspaper company is they will provide the audience with many platforms in order to get the information such as print edition to online edition- paper and mobile devices. Due to the development of the internet connection among people around the world, this news portal online also supported the readers with a lot of interactive tool that give the opportunity to the user to access all the information that have been publish in this news portal freely. The interactive element that has put in this news portal is video, podcast, photo, blogs, and internet broadcasts of radio stations under The Star group. Some of the video have been posted together with the news article. This situation also helps the reader gain the overview of the case through watch the video.

The Guardian

The Guardian is the online news portal that founded by Manchaster in 1821. Before this this news portal are publish as the weekly Manchester Guardian but in 1855, it change to daily when British government lifted the stamps taxon this newspaper. In 1959, Manchester was from the name also has reflected the standing that have positive international reputation. Due to this issue, all the editors and staff also moved to Landon in 1964. Basically, The Guardian have familiar with investigative journalist, its dispassionate discussion of issues, its literary and artistic coverage and criticism, and its foreign correspondence. The paper was once called “Britain’s non-conformist conscience. The paper is owned by the Scott Trust, which also owns the Guardian Media Group. Income from the group supports the newspaper and allows it to remain financially secure. The trust ownership structure has prevented a buyout of the newspaper by larger media owners.

COMPARISON CRITERIA

Headline

Headline is the important element in each news article. Basically, the headline that gains the huge impact is simple and direct to the readers. The readers will easily to understand the overview of the cases by only read the headline of the article. As the journalist or the writer of the news article, they need find the sample headline and catchy in order to grab the attention the readers to buy their newspaper. The headlines that catch attention of the readers also will help the news portal itself to grabbing attention in search engine. The readers only need to write simple words such as crane collapse, the readers will get a lot of news that related to this issue. The simple headline also gives the huge tendency to the readers to click and read the article.

Based on the headline of The Star Online and The Guardian, the journalists have using the number to describe people who are kills in incident of the Mecca crane collapse. This technique has clearly explained the overview of the main content in this article. The headline of The Star is “Crane collapse kills 107 at Mecca’s Grand Mosque ahead of hajj” by reading this headline only the reader also give the clearly information regarding the victims on the crane collapse in Mecca. The huge of the victims also will catch the attention of the journalist to read this article. It also same to the news article that publishes by The Guardian news portal with the title “Mecca crane collapse: 87 dead at Grand Mosque”. The Guardian title actually is simple are more straight forward compare to The Star.

Language and Tone

The good news article must use simple or complex language. If the writer want to use simple language, the journalist need to make sure the audience understand on the message that the journalist want to deliver to the audience. But if complex sentence, the journalist need to make sure the language will does not element of the double meaning because different people have different interpretative. Based on the overview from both news portals online, the languages that have been use are simple and easy to understand. The information regarding the Mecca crane collapse also have portray properly and also clearly to the readers. Even though the journalist used the simple words, the reliability of information also supported all the journalist statement. When it comes to tone of the news article, its good if the journalist will play with emotion of the reader but the journalist also need to be accountable towards the family victims that involved with this incident. Based on the analyses for both comparison for both article, The Stars online have used the sympathetic tone in order to describe the situation of the victim who are involve in this cases.

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. Based on this element, some analyses have make for all article by The Star Online and The Guardian. The journalist from The Star Online does not put any chronology that happen clearly compare to The Guardian that highlighted the time line of the incident with chronology time. The Guardian also provided the reader with the maps and the structure of the place that the crane collapse. Through this chronology also The Guardian also highlighted all the action that has been taken by the Saudi authorities in order to control this situation. Readers who are read this article will get the action that have been taken.

Interview

In news article, the writing skill that will attach the audience is the interviewer statement. The statements from people who are involve with the tragedy and also people who are responsible to the incident. The statement that has been highlighted by the journalist in news article will give the strength on the news article and also give the strong evident towards this incident. Based on the analyses that have made between The Star and The Guardian, both news portals have using this element in the news article. The Guardian has get the statement by the family victims towards the incident crane collapse. The valuable statement that The Guardian gets is from the King OF Saudi Arabia towards the action that has been taken by the Saudi Arabia Government towards this incident.

Message

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 is the information that has been written by the journalist to make the reader aware with the situation. The positive message that have been portray by the The Star news portal online and The Guardian portal is they keep on updated the information that happen in Mecca. Most of the readers who are following this incident are wanted to have the latest information. As example, the articles that have been publish by the The Star news portal online with the title.The positive message also been highlighted by The Guardian in the article with the title “Mecca: Saudi king vows to find cause of hajj”. This situation will give the positive information towards the reader when Saudi king come out with the statement that the incident of crane collapse in Mecca will be investigate. It also give some prove that all the victim will be defend and get compensation.

Propaganda

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).

Based on some analyses on the article that have been publish The Guardian is on the article with the title “Timeline of tragedies during hajj pilgrimage in Mecca”. In this article, the journalist try to exposed all the tragic incident that have been happen towards the people who are come to Mecca in order to perform their haji. Through highlighted on the mount of the people that killed in Mecca will give the uncomfortable situation towards people who are planned to visit Mecca to perform the haji. Mind torture also happen here when the way the journalist deliver the message have shown that Mecca is not a suitable place to visit because it not safety to people. Compare to The Star Online news portal, the propaganda that have been show in this article is to show that Malaysia government have taken a lot of action towards this tragedy like our prime minister have make a deal with a Saudi Arabia government towards this matter. The journalist also portrays the compensation that has been given by the government towards Malaysia people who are become the victims towards this incident. This propaganda will consider as positive agenda in order to promoting the positive image and reputation of the Malaysia government.

EVALUATION AND CONCLUSION

Based on the observation and comparison from this two news portal, The Stars only portray on the issues towards Malaysia victims only and compare to The Guardian that cover the overall cases from all the victims from the different country based on the witness of the incident. The Guardian also manages to get the statement to Saudi King towards this incident. But The Star is more balance in reporting this case compare The Guardin that have element of propaganda which is try to prove all Muslim people by highlighted the incident and people who are killed every year during perform the hajj.

In conclusion, journalist should become the mediator to the society in order to transmit the latest information to the public. Due to this situation, information that has been received by the journalist should be verified in order to transmit the trusted information to the public. When the issues that have wrote are related to the sensitive issues such as incident that involved with a lot of victims, the journalist need to accountable will all element because all the issues that write up will catch the attention the reader.

Written by Diyana Khairron

Child abuse and neglect is an increasing social problem. The effects of child abuse and neglect are not limited to childhood but cascade throughout life, with significant consequences for victims on all aspects of human functioning, their families, and society. Child abuse is defined as “non-accidental physical injury, minimal or fatal, inflicted upon children by persons caring for them”. In a simpler word, child abuse is the mistreatment or maltreatment of a child by an adult. There many types of child abuse such as physical, sexual, neglect, and emotional or psychological abuse.

 

While children are the ones who are very vital for deciding how the world is going to be be after some years. Therefore, it is important to treat and caress them better physically and psychologically. So if one can do some good in the life of a child then there can be change, at least a slightest change, in the world to come. And if most of them think on the same lines then it can be hoped for the better future ahead. Therefore, it is important to discuss and be aware of child abuse issue. Due to this reason, the chosen issue for this comparative news reporting between the local media and international media would be the child abuse issue.

 

The local media to look upon for child abuse issues is ‘The Star Online’, that is the online version of The Star printed newspaper. The Star is an English Language tabloid format of newspaper in Malaysia. When The Star printed version made available online, it has become the most popular news sites in Malaysia. While for the international media chosen is the online version of ‘The Guardian’. The Guardian is a British national daily newspaper. It was first known as The Manchester Guardian until 1959, and now known as ‘The Guardian’. In recent 2009-2010, the Guardian has significantly developed and expanded its digital operations. Guardian News & Media announced plans to become a digital-first organization, placing open journalism on the web at the heart of its strategy.

Throughout the comparison between the local media, The Star Online and the international media, The Guardian. It is discovered that The Star Online has propagate four (4) approaches while The Guardian propagate three (3) approaches but unique in their own ways to persuade and influence the people for together to curb the child abuse issue and to help in preventing child abuse from continually happening.

 

Among the approaches by The Star Online would be its ability to transmit implicit or hidden message and knowledge child abuse issue when The Star Online posted an article of “Mum, boyfriend held after toddler dies of injuries” on 12^th August 2016. This is to show and to deliver the message that when it comes to children, do not put our fully trust on anybody as we will never know exactly how they felt for our children. This also proved that even the mother to the child could do such thing. Another article posted by The Star Online on “Send children to registered children centres to prevent untoward incidents” on 8^th November 2016 and to tell the people out there that there are registered childcare centres by the authorities under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community that provide full trained staff and would be prepared to handle any emergency and top priority to have the children centres to vet the background of all applicants thoroughly before taking them in as permanent staff regardless of what position the individual is employed. According to records, there are 4,240 childcare centres registered with the ministry as of July 2016. This article as well is an effort to invite all parents to send their children to registered children centres to prevent child abuse done by the outsider.

 

The content of The Star Online is as well found to be very informative and effective in reporting update cases on child abuse with matters relating to it. This can be seen through many of its news reporting article. Among of The Star Online’s news reporting article on the child abuse cases are “Mum, boyfriend held after toddler dies in injuries” posted on 12^th August 2016, “Principal denies any abuse of kids at welfare home” posted on 13^th August 2016, “Toddler left by roadside recovering in hospital” posted on 19^th August 2016, “Cops yet to identify boy left to die” posted on 20^th August 2016 and “Cops: Deceased toddler had burn marks and torn scalp” posted on 31^th August 2016. These cases are among the cases of childe abuse that happen in August 2016 and the date posted is not far from each other. Such numbers of news reporting article will absolutely create the awareness among the Malaysian people on child abuse situation in Malaysia and it is very important for them to be aware so that the be concerned.

 

The Star Online has also reported news article on “Send victims of domestic abuse to hospital first” posted on 26 August 2016. This is to inform the public on what should they do to help the victims and that includes child abuse’s victim. Another news reporting article that includes additional information of child abuse by The Star Online would be on “Psychiatric test for woman charged with child abuse”. This article is to alarm the public that even the doers of child abuse pleaded not guilty, he or she will not be tolerated where psychiatric test will then de done tests on him or to show that this is a very important and to ensure that the doer will receive ample punishment with what he or she has done.

Further on that, The Star Online has also use the approach of legal perspective to show that child abuse issues is very important and people should take the issue seriously. The article of “Ministry wants direct access to police criminal registry” posted on 12^th August 2016 showed that The Star Online has reported clearly every on-going process that relates with child abuse. In the article, The Women, family and Community Development Ministry wants direct access to the police registry for criminals so it can conduct background checks on those who want to set up or work for children-related facilities. This collaboration is important to ensure those convicted of committing crimes against children would not be allowed to be in close contact with the young. This should consider as firm warning to those who intentional or unintentionally to commit crimes against children.

Another article of “Child sexual crimes Bill includes obligation to report abuse” posted on 3^rd November 2016 stated that a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Azlina Othman proposed the obligation for third parties to report suspected child abuse cases through the new Child Sexual Crimes Bill. This is indirectly to show that the Malaysian government take this child abuse cases seriously and once the Bill has been approved by the A-G’s Chambers and tabled in the Parliament, the doer of child abuse should be really watch out as the public will have the power to report and the reported cases will be investigated by authorities.

Last but not least, it is great to found that The Star Online news reporting article has gone beyond culture belief. This is proven through the article of “Break the taboo on keeping silent to hide ‘shame’ posted on 22 July 2016. This article urges the people to break the malu-malu (shame) culture when it comes to child sexual abuse. It is known that the topic of child sexual abuse, especially when it happens in the family, is long deemed taboo and sensitive. However, people have to start the conversation on a topic that has been taboo for far too long. In realizing this, the parents are called to communicate more with their children so that they can easily spot differences in their behaviour that may suggest signs of abuse. It is also believed that by reading this article, it will somehow create new perspective of how people in Malaysia are looking at taboo and sensitive topic such this so that prevention and action can be taken.

As for the international media, The Guardian. It is discovered that its information spread on child abuse cases is inadequate as it is hard for to find news reporting articles on child abuse’s cases. Therefore, it is indefinite to tell whether is there any child abuse case going on in the United Kingdom. However, it is then has been clarified through an article of “Up to 85% of child abuse in England remains undetected, study says” posted on 24^th November 2016. This article emphasizes on urgent action needed from the people to identify and prevent child abuse, especially if it happens within the families’ members. According to a major new study under this article, it suggests only one I eight victims in England comes to the attention of authorities. In reflecting the above situation, it is important for the authorities to know the cases of child abuse that happened so that action can be taken and the children right can be protected and they can live as the way they should live.

In term of legal perspective, The Guardian has reported a news article of “UNICEF wants family courts to check child abuse” posted on 4^th November 2016 which stated that the United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) has called on the three tiers of government to establish family courts as enshrined in the Child Rights Act (CRA) to protect the child from abuse. This article is hoped to bring awareness to the people and for the government to take this matter seriously so that the law for children protection can be strengthen.

Lastly, through The Guardian of news reporting article, it is found that The Guardian has been transparent in reporting news on child abuse where through its article of “Edward Heath child abuse allegations: two arrests made” posted on 14^th November 2016. The case arose when Sir Edward Heath who is the former prime minister of United Kingdom which is also a British politician was named as a suspect in an investigation into historical child sex abuse. This shows that no matter of what position individual are in and how important you are, if the individual commit such offence, The Guardian is still reporting the case. To be transparent especially matters that has got to do with power politician is really something bold to do and The Guardian has done it.

Always bare in mind that children need parental care and love. Nothing can replace this as a good childhood and upbringing well ensure the child grows up to be a responsible adult. Child abuse issues are very important issues and should not be overlooked and taken for granted and should involve law in order to control and to curb the issues. Through this comparative studies of news reporting articles between The Star Online and The Guardian, it can be seen that there are so many cases involving child abuse. These children do not deserve to be treated this way, they have the right to live peacefully and to be caress.

In comparing both local and international media, it is noticed that the most significant difference between the local and international media is that the local media, The Star Online has more coverage on news reporting articles on child abuse and using more types of approach in persuading the people’s attitude, beliefs and behaviours to play their roles in curbing child abuse issues. This is also to say that the local media had done better work in reporting child abuse cases that happen around Malaysia which is believe to have affect on the people and the authorities to take this matter seriously so that we can deliver the best outcomes for children and to have the concern of letting every child to be a wanted child.

 

References

The Star Online. (2016, August 21). Cops: Deceased toddler had burn marks and torn scalp. Retrieved November 7, 29016, from The Start Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/08/31/cops-deceased-toddler-had-burn-marks-and-torn-scalp/

The Star Online. (2016, August 12). Ministry wants direct access to police criminal registry. Retrieved November 2016, 2016, from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/08/12/ministry-wants-direct-access-to-police-criminal-registry/

The Star Online. (2016, August 13). Principal denies any abuse of kids at welfare home. Retrieved November 7, 2016, from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/08/13/principal-denies-any-abuse-of-kids-at-welfare-home/

The Start Online. (2016, August 12). Mum, boyfriend held after toddler dies of injuries. Retrieved November 7, 2016, from The Start Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/08/12/two-year-old-sungei-petani-girl-dies-of-physical-abused/

The Star Online. (2016, August 20). Cops yet to identify boy left to die. Retrieved November 7, 2016, from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/08/20/cops-yet-to-identify-boy-left-to-die/

The Star Online. (2016, August 26). Send victims of domestic abuse to hospital first, says Heng. Retrieved November 7, 2016, from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/08/26/send-victims-of-domestic-abuse-to-hospital-first-says-heng/

The Star Online. (2016, August 19). Toddler left by roadside recovering in hospital . Retrieved November 7, 2016, from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/08/19/toddler-left-by-roadside-recovering-in-hospital/

The Star Online. (2016, November 8). Send children to registered childcare centres to prevent untoward incidents, says Chew. Retrieved November 8, 2016, from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2016/11/08/welfare-of-kids-a-priority-send-children-to-registered-childcare-centres-to-prevent-untoward-inciden/

The Star Online. (2016, August 2). Psychiatric test for woman charged with child abuse . Retrieved November 8, 2016, from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/08/02/psychiatric-test-for-woman-charged-with-child-abuse/

The Star Online. (2016, November 3). Child sexual crimes Bill includes obligation to report abuse. Retrieved November 7, 2016, from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/11/03/child-sexual-crimes-bill-includes-obligation-to-report-abuse/

The Star Online. (2016, July 22). Break the taboo on keeping silent to hide ‘shame’ . Retrieved November 8, 2016, from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/07/22/break-the-taboo-on-keeping-silent-to-hide-shame/

The Guardian. (2016, November 4). UNICEF wants family courts to check child abuse. Retrieved November 8, 2016 , from The Guardian: UNICEF wants family courts to check child abuse

The Guardian. (2016, November 14). Edward Heath child abuse allegations: two arrests made. Retrieved November 14, 2016, from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/nov/14/edward-heath-child-abuse-allegations-two-arrests-made-operation-conifer

The Guardian. (2015, November 24). Up to 85% of child abuse in England remains undetected, study says. Retrieved November 14, 2016, from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/nov/24/85-percent-child-abuse-england-remains-undetected-study

 

 

Written by Fikri Ajlan

When we speak about animal violence in Malaysia, even though people don’t perceive this social disease as serious as others, it somehow managed to attract and intrigued people’ curiosity towards this matter. Since almost newspapers in Malaysia have reported animal cruelty cases throughout the years, does it gain a sense of empathy in one to help those animals or are we even aware of it? Only we can answer it for ourselves for sure.

We live in the modern era where the technology has become so advanced and almost every human on earth utilized its functions. The rapid growth of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram provide an unlimited medium and access for all of us to benefits. Back in the old days, they would never be able to feel this kind of advancement and for one to expressing one’s opinion is not as easy like today and the medium is very limited.

 

Through social media, we can express almost anything, from our thoughts, political views, sensitive issues and even our personal rants, and with the power entrusted in the journalists, they could make a change in spreading the awareness and provide information to the public. Animals cannot speak for themselves and it’s very terrible to witness and read all of the violence that had been done the animals.

More than two decades of psychological and sociological research reveals that barbarous acts toward animals often lead to brutality toward humans. Such violence has been observed in serial killers, who often began their sprees of violence by practicing on animals, but is well-documented in cases of domestic violence and child abuse as well. There are also several outer factors that might be triggering the act including the likes of wrong media influences, lack connection to the natural forms or even sometimes, behavioural or psychological disturbances.

Image credit: rspca.org.uk Image source

Back in 2013, The Star has reported a list of shocking animal cruelty cases in Malaysia and from there, you can see a lot of distracting stories and newspapers in Malaysia begin to cover this issue. One of the cases is about a baby elephant embracing its dead mother. This case has caused a lot of commotion when it was discovered that 14 pygmy elephants in which 10 of them are females and four males aged between four and 20 years were found dead at Gunung Rare Forest Reserve in Sabah. The saddest part about this story is the elephants’ deaths were caused by poisoning, allegedly by workers in oil palm plantations bordering the reserve. Thus, the news portrayal makes us think some people can be so mean and evil in order to get what their profits and didn’t bat an eye at all to this poor animal.

Another heart breaking story tells us about 14-year-old female Malayan sun bear and Arabian stallion at Malacca Zoo and Night Safari died due to the food poisoning that was given by an elderly businessman from Johor. Based from the CCTV footage, it shown the man was feeding the animals fruit that had been combined with toxin. Later, we have found out that the man used to owned a zoo that was shut down and the reason he poisoned those poor helpless animal was out resentment and he wanted to take revenge. So it’s really upsetting to see why people can be so selfish and didn’t even think about the consequences of their actions.

In 2014, an article titled “Apathetic authorities to blame for animal cruelty in Malaysia, observers say “ that was published by MalayMail Online on  May 15 suggested that  the reason why animal abuses keep happening was  due to the authorities’ lack of concern .

“It is the enforcement of law, law is there to punish but the authorities are not taking animal abuse in this country seriously. Even in court, nothing is ever done on serious abuse,” Lawyer N. Surendran said.

Fast forward to 2016, New Straits Times Online reported The Animal Welfare Act 2015 is in plan to be implemented next year. According to Veterinary Services Department (DVS) director-general, Datuk Dr Kamarudin Md Isa, the new law would possibly make the animal abusers to think twice before commit animal cruelty as stricter punishments will await them

In Mac 2015, The Guardian reported a couple who kept more than 40 pets in neglected conditions at their home have been arrested and jailed, and the most sickening part is that the presiding magistrate describing it as the worst case of animal cruelty he had seen in 30 years.

June Harding, 46, and her husband, Paul, 45, left their 31 dogs, seven cats and four guinea pigs to sleep in their own feces in tiny rooms with no natural light. Moreover, they were not given with clean water supplies and many of the animals were infected by eyes disease, rotting teeth and ulcers in which two of them had to be put down when they were found by police and animal welfare inspectors.The married couple were each sentenced to 12 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to a total of 28 charges of animal neglect, thus they are banned from life from keeping animals.

Meanwhile in April 2015, RSPCA expressed their concern on the increasing cases of animal cruelty as people continuing to abuse them in disturbing ways. The animal welfare charity received 159,831 complaints in 2014, compared to 153,770 in 2013.

RSPCA chief veterinary officer James Yeates stated that it was extremely concerning that RSPCA is still receiving more than 20,000 complaints about animals being deliberately abused.

“Most of the complaints we receive involve animals being neglected or not receiving the right care and often we can put that right by offering welfare advice. However, it is shocking that in 2014 people are still being deliberately cruel in what can be disturbingly inventive ways”, he added.

 

Based on the article posted by The Guardian titled “MP calls for tougher animal cruelty sentences amid link to domestic abuse” on 8 November 2016, a Member of Parliament (MP), Anna Turley is urging the government to sterning the punishment for animal cruelty offences, as research shows people who harm animals are more likely to commit domestic abuse.

 

After hearing about what RSPCA inspectors describing the most horrifying abuse they had seen and the offenders weren’t punished properly for it, It as a shocker for Turley to learn that the maximum jail term for such offences was six months, having not been changed since 1911.

In a nutshell, both local and international newspapers gave a lot of input in covering any cases that related to animal violence. Of course, the western media will give a bigger coverage since there were a lot of cases have been reported there compared in Malaysia. However, based on what I’ve read from the articles, both Malaysia and British government are trying their best in implementing the new rules and regulation in taking care of the animal welfare.

In Malaysia we can see Animal Welfare Bill 2015 and Animal Welfare Act 2015 are being enforced in the country to prevent any occurrence of the animal abuse cases and giving severe punishments to the abuser. While in the United Kingdom, they are still figuring out in improving their Animal Act but nonetheless, the government still doing their best in protecting the animal right and welfares.

The most disturbing part is that both local and international newspapers reported that people are still deliberately abusing animals and they even do it to fulfill their personal agenda. It’s a really disgusting behavior and for someone to commit any kind of cruelty to those animal needs to seek mental help from professional.  So at least with the help from the Act, animal cruelty cases can be lessen and the abusers would be punished accordingly.

 

References

Azura. A. (2016, July 28). Bye bye animal cruelty: Animal Welfare Act to be enforced next year. Retrieved November 13, 2016 from New Straits Times Online.http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/07/161372/bye-bye-animal-cruelty-animal-welfare-act-be-enforced-next-year

Kugan. J. (2013, December 26). Malaysia’s worst animal cruelty scandals of 2013.Retrieved November 13, 2016 from The Star Online.http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/features/2013/12/26/malaysias-worst-animal-cruelty-scandals-of-2013/

Peter Walker.(2016, November 8).  MP calls for tougher animal cruelty sentences amid link to domestic abuse. Retrieved November 13, 2016 from The Guardian .https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/08/mp-calls-for-tougher-animal-cruelty-sentences-amid-link-to-domestic-abuse

Press Association. (2015, April 22). Cruelty to pets is rising and disturbingly inventive, warns RSPCA. Retrieved November 13, 2016 from The Guardian.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/22/pet-cruelty-rising-rspca-warns-0

Steven Morris and agency. (2015, March 11). British husband and wife jailed over ‘appalling’ animal cruelty. Retrieved November 13, 2016 from The Guardian.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/11/british-animal-cruelty-husband-wife-jailed-40-pets

Yap. T. G. (2014, May 15). Apathetic authorities to blame for animal cruelty in Malaysia, observers say. Retrieved November 13, 2016 from MalayMail Online.http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/apathetic-authorities-to-blame-for-animal-cruelty-in-malaysia-observers-say#sthash.QIudD8BJ.dpuf

Written by Saraa Abas

Drug abuse has been an on-going global attention and recognised by the United Nation as one of battling epidemic affecting our societies. All countries participate and support the effort in regulating the substance and preventive measures overcoming the issue. For so many years, drug abuse effect has been prolonging in social problems, political and economic corruptions.

Malaysia always show its authority’s commitment by constantly reporting new cases involving drug abuse and raids. The Malaysian Police use media as their platform to update the public on the illicit activities and strong opinion in fighting against drug abuse. Drug  dispensary is highly regulated in Malaysia and the punishment related to drug trafficking is severe. In most Asian countries, it is not the media norms to openly discuss current social problems in public.

As for international discussion on drug abuse issue, they openly addressed the social problems arises from the substance abuse. It is treated as social and health issues and the freedom of media allows writers to express and shares their opinion and preventive suggestions. The uses of drugs are less regulated compared to Asia’s due to the development of western’s pharmaceutical industries. However, like any countries, they still faced the same epidemic of abused and addiction among societies.

In recent years, few countries have taken the step to revolutionise and revise government’s policies of drug restrictions, especially marijuana. The public demand of marijuana as recreational drug among westerners has spread its influence on several Asia’s countries that strictly opposed the ideology. Few other drug restrictions are pressured by the public to lessen on the regulations to give options of an alternative medication which are organic based.

The difference of countries methods of prevention and crackdown has been sensational debates over human rights and drastic measures. It is a global dilemma in fighting the drug established syndicates and implementing a standard suitable measure. The epidemic is vastly growing and all countries need to critically adapt to the situation.

Media Propagation

To understand the current status of refugee crisis today, we monitored the local and international mainstream media outlets that disseminate updates and current news relating to this issue. The reflections of world views upon this matter are much likely influenced by how these media portrays the situation (Gerbner, 1999) and agreement of a particular cause. We examined two media outlets, a Malaysia’s news media, The Star and an international news media, The Guardian. One month media monitoring is held in the month of October 2016 via online, collecting the related articles and extracting their perspective reporting upon this matter.

Malaysian Media: The Star

The Star is established by Star Media Group Berhad, formerly as Star Publication (Malaysia) Berhad, over 16 years and revamped in 2008, embracing digital news, The Star Online, integrate themselves along with readers demand, offering better access to news stories, channel and multimedia. Apart from news by local journalist, we’ve noticed that The Star subscribed to Reuters, a Russia’s based international media, for its foreign news.

i.          Drug problems as criminal offence

Malaysia is among countries that prohibited the substance abuse and regulates drugs problems as serious criminal offences. Governed under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, it regulates the import, export, manufacture, sale and use of opium, dangerous drugs and related materials. Over the years, drug abused contributed to high social problems among the society. Therefore, the Malaysian authorities and media, pledge to overcome this epidemic, promoting the negative consequences of drug problems and restriction on substance.

In news reporting, in several The Star news headlines, it emphasises on the criminal doings related drug abuse and trafficking. The headlines use of words describing as ‘menace’, ‘gangland’ and ‘caught’, portrays that the Malaysian authorities commitment in confronting this problem.

ii.        Against drug legalisation revolution

Encountering the drug policies revolutions in few western countries, The Star disseminates news related on policies and laws are that against the normalisation and decriminalisation of drug issues. This showed the agreement by The Star, along with concurrent government mission to educate their readers on the restrictions and regulations on drug abuse supported by international bodies and foreign countries.

iii.      Philippine drug crackdown

The Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte launched a drug war in Philippine to encounter the severe drug epidemic, drastically, instructing the authorities and civilian to execute any drug trafficker in plain sight. This shocking move resulting a staggering increase of offender’s casualties and raises concerns from international human rights movements. The current events lead to media attention to focus on Philippine’s president, on his bold criticism towards United Nation and United States, who disagree with Philippine drug’s war.

International Media: The Guardian

For the international media, The Guardian, is part of the Guardian Media Group, owned by The Scott Trust Limited which was created in 1936. In recent 2010, the Guardian has significantly developed and expanded its digital operations. Their objective is to secure the financial and editorial independence of The Guardian in perpetuity and to safeguard the journalistic freedom and liberal values of The Guardian free from commercial or political interference.

i.          Treat as social and health problems

The Guardian is keen on educating their readers to understand the epidemic as social and health issues instead of criminal perspectives. It addresses health concerns and prevention measures to the society by statistical fact in convincing their readers on the effect of drug abused on health. The articles published mostly featured article to educate the public to be aware of the substance use and their social responsibilities in the society.

 

ii.        Acceptance of drug substance

The drug revolution movement demanding for Marijuana legalisation has become one of global discussion where more and more countries began to legalise few substances. Few European countries, Australia and several states in United States have now normalised and decriminalised several drug policies especially the usage of Marijuana. Numerous articles published by The Guardian shows on the support of marijuana legalisation compared to drug restrictions or demoting drug abused.

iii.      Drug problems versus human rights

Reporting the global efforts in fighting drug abuse and trafficking, The Guardian gives a fair coverage in discussing the contradiction of current drug regulations and human right’s principles. It is important to address both issues in finding suitable agreements on the current policies in fighting drug problems in a suitable manner.  Whilst the media reports on the support of marijuana legalisation, it also highlighted government efforts in battling the epidemic which involves other substance that could harm the public. In series of events on drug abuse crackdown, The Guardian portrays the government affirmation in combatting drug abuse.

Conclusion

From the observation, the Malaysian media, The Star have limited views on the issue and maintain the same perspective of the government policies. Being rigid on the criminal consequences of drug abuse, the advocacy implemented on the public showed the authorities commitment battling the issues. 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 drug abuse. The approach taken by the media is portraying the consequences of offence and punishment to advocates their readers on drug abuse issues. The Star own perspectives yet to be discovered as for now, there are not enough evidence to conclude their agreement on the drug abuse, where they stand in overcoming these issues related to drug abuse.

In contrary, The Guardian implements a different approach in reporting the issue. Not reporting any personal criminal offences, it focuses on the discussions of opinion leaders upon the society’s concerns related to drug abuse and other interest parties’ efforts in encountering the current changes policies and demand of drug substance. The Guardian showed its commitment in educating the public of the harm of substance and general knowledge of this problems status around the world. By advocating and educating, they believe in influencing its public in reducing drug abuse problems. Contradicting to their values, by showing their support on drug legalisation also promote drug substance usage among its public.

 

REFERENCES

2015 World Drug Report finds drug use stable, access to drug & HIV treatment still low. (n.d.). Retrieved Nov 01, 2016, from United Nation Office on Drug and Crime: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2015/June/2015-world-drug-report-finds-drug-use-stable–access-to-drug-and-hiv-treatment-still-low.html

AlJazeera. (2016, November 12). The refugee crisis and the Greeks: One year on. Retrieved from Aljazeera.com: http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/inthefield/2016/11/refugee-crisis-greeks-year-161110113307707.html

Gerbner, G. (1999). Television and its viewers: Cultivation theory and research. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

The Guardian. (n.d.). Retrieved October 01, 2016, from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/

The Star Online. (n.d.). Retrieved October 01, 2016, from The Star: http://www.thestar.com.my/

UNODC Drug Trafficking. (n.d.). Retrieved Nov 01, 2016, from United Nation Office on Drug and Crime: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/drug-trafficking/