In Press Global – Page 25 – Sharing Perspectives With Global Mind

MEDIA AS CULTURE INDUSTRY: MUSIC

Written by Jaihasra Jamaludin

In most countries including Malaysia, governments take an active interest in the media and culture industries. Government have the strongest influence and impact towards media industries in every country. Nowadays, media become as a new technology that developed cultural niches among the society. With the development of media industry from the 20th century, media contribute huge impact toward culture in every society. Culture affects us all no matter where we live or what we do in everyday life.

Media can be described as a method of communication channels through news, entertainment, education, broadcasting, journalism, advertising and promotional messages are disseminated. Whether we like it or not, media plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. Films, music, radio, television, books, magazines and online medium which are uniform the culture industry worldwide.According to Sabnani (2012):

According to Sabnani (2012), culture Industries was proposed by Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer of the Frankfurt school in 1944. It was presented as critical vocabulary in the chapter “The Culture Industry: Enlightenment as Mass Deception”, of the book Dialectic of Enlightenment. Adorno and Horkheimer proposed that films, radio programmes, magazines, etc. — that are used to manipulate mass society into passivity. Adorno and Horkheimer criticise the ‘Culture Industry’ for promoting a society that is drowning in a society of mass culture and industrialisation, instead of encouraging freedom and individuality.

Culture industry refers to the various businesses that include markets, produces, sells or distribute products or services to the customers worldwide. This product and services include foods, clothes, books, television, movies and music programme. Music industry culture is referring to the business involved in producing, sales, distribution and creation of work of creativities in the field.Music is one of the popular entertainment industries that gone through a long history and changes rapidly from the traditional method of producing, recording, manufacturing, distribution, sound, music video, advertising and produce to the newest technologies invented. From the traditional and classical genre of music such as Zapin, Ghazal, Dondang Sayang and Boria to the new genre of music such as Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, Raps, Ballads, Dangdut and also K-Pop music.

Music is one of the popular entertainment industries that gone through a long history and changes rapidly from the traditional method of producing, recording, manufacturing, distribution, sound, music video, advertising and produce to the newest technologies invented. From the traditional and classical genre of music such as Zapin, Ghazal, Dondang Sayang and Boria to the new genre of music such as Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, Raps, Ballads, Dangdut and also K-Pop music.

house music.jpg — Image credit: wikipedia Image source

In 2012, Korean pop culture or K-Pop becomes an increasingly globalised music phenomenon including in Malaysia. The popularity of South Korean singer such as PSY and Super Juniors has become an unexpected worldwide hit and famous across the globe. Some Malaysian have accepted and adopted the K-pop culture into their lives. Korean music had influenced Malaysian with their music, dance, fashion style, food and language. The K-pop fashion and language is a major area that has influenced their fans. The Malaysian fans tend to copy the dress and accessories wear by their favourite singers. Some fans attend Korean language classes to master the language itself. After all, K-pop definitely as the new culture that influences Malaysian lifestyle in regard the music industries.

According to Korean.net (1999-2015), the Korean wave refers to the phenomenon of Korean entertainment and popular culture rolling over the world with pop music, TV dramas, and movies. Also known as “Hallyu” (한류) in Korean, the term was first coined by the Chinese press in the late 1990s to describe the growing popularity of Korean pop culture in China.

Music industries also perceived as a social and cultural implication such as morality and violence. For example, today most of the celebrities or artist shares their activities, opinions, news and information through social media. Famous artist Faizal Tahir used his Instagram application to share his opinion toward GST implementation. Through his posting, many fans give negative comments by using inappropriate word and condemn government action.

Other implication contributed by music industries on our education system where students are spending too much time on listening to the music and not enough time on homework. They spend more time listening to their favourite artist or watching their favourite entertainment programme. These environments become a normal culture to the new generation and it will affect their focus, concentration and performance.

The bad, violence and negative songs produce also bring negative impact to the listener behaviour. The rap music, for example, setting a bad example to young people throughout the lyrics of the songs they produce. Eminem songs Kill You shows how he portrays his feeling over his previous life which is are not suitable and should be avoided. The content of the lyrics can be influence the listeners’ especially young people to involve in the crime or violence activities. Jackson (2015) insists that:

Rap lyrics may discuss violence as a part of an exciting and dangerous lifestyle, but some songs condemn violence and even propose solutions. Research done at Western Connecticut State University found that those who listen to music with violent lyrics are more likely to be violent. Rap was born in poor urban communities where violence may be poorly controlled, but social and economic factors can play a much greater role in the prevalence of violence.

Music can provide both relaxation and entertainment and thus has proven its ability to influence people and culture. It can also affect the attitudes and behaviours of its listeners directly. Concerns regarding the negative effects of the music are not something new in this era.

The communities especially the authority’s organisation, governments, politicians, celebrities, artist and NGOs should play their important roles in order to prevent the negative impact towards social and culture to the Malaysian societies. Therefore, individuals have their own role to play, whether they are a person, a parent and an individual in society or a leader of the state. The music industry people, broadcasting company and the producers, in the other hand, should produce a positive and creative music to prevent our culture from destroys rather than think about the profit itself.

References
Jackson. N (2015). What Influence and Effects Does Rap Music Have on Teens Today? Retrieved 13 November 2015, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/1005065-influence-effects-rap-music-teens-today/
Korean.net (1999-2015). Korean Wave. Retrieved 13 November 2015, from the http://www.korea.net/Government/Current-Affairs/Korean-Wave?affairId=471
Sabnani. P (2012). Culture Industry. Retrieved 9 November 2015 from the http://www.slideshare.net/pankajsabnani/culture-industries

POKEMON GO

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.

GLOBALIZATION

Written by Erda Khursyiah Basir

Besides defined as all processes by which the peoples from over the world are incorporated into a single world society and global society globalization also refers to a process by which different economies and societies become more closely integrated, and concurrent with increasing worldwide globalization. Globalization closely relates with an element of neo-imperialism or new imperialism.

What is neo-imperialism? It refers to the dominance of some nations over others by means of unequal conditions of economic exchange. Neo-imperialism exist when one nation is dependent upon another because the weaker nation is unable to survive economically in the modern world without the aid of the stronger nation. Therefore, somehow globalization somehow also can be refer as massive and active international communication that bring together different nations states throughout the globe for collaboration in terms many aspects especially social, political, economic, capital flow, foreign investment and any other commitments. Through globalization, every country joining and work together in certain aspects and viewing themselves as part of the world as a whole compared to their own national identity.

2.jpg.gif — Image credit: dadalos Image source

Globalization also makes the whole world as one whereby the society may share or contribute or even used the same thing. McDonalds, Starbuck even the usage of social media like Facebook and Twitter are some kind or symbol of globalization as people from all over the world can used the same thing, the same brand and can communicate each other even in a long distance.

Globalization however perceived has bring the bad impacts on the local culture as society easily get influence on what they see and watch especially through media. Through the exposure of the western culture including their lifestyle, many of people nowadays are following that kind of living which considered as modern and up-to-date. The impact of globalization on economy for example like the implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) also rise concerned of some local traders and entrepreneurs due to the ability of the country to compete with the first world country to market their goods and services. The worried is based on the huge and advance technology that the established country has compared to the others.

Many believe that globalization also affect the less powerful country to be controlled by the powerful ones. It also means globalization has increased interdependence of develop and third world country in the economic, social, technology, cultural as well as political towards first world country. If previously globalization was considered as an umbrella to protect people in one roof, however, now, it is more to symbol of hegemony of the powerful country to the less powerful countries.

As some people perceived globalization is a good thing for the whole world, as they can share and get the opportunity to use and ‘feel’ the same thing like other countries do, part of them however concerned on the impact of the globalization itself especially though the culture and hegemony of the first world country to the third world country.

Globalization give more power to the established country as they may lead even makes decision on the matter arise. If previously the stronger culture overpowers the other culture through war and colonialism, however globalization make this much easier as they just influence the way people think and shape their mind towards certain issues especially through media reporting.

HINDRAF RALLY

Written by Siti Murni

HINDRAF or Hindu Rights Action Force (Malay: Barisan Bertindak Hak-Hak Hindu, Tamil: ) with its slogan of People’s Power began as a coalition of 30 Hindu non-governmental organisations committed to the preservation of Hindu community rights and heritage in a multiracial Malaysia. HINDRAF has made a major impact on the political landscape of Malaysia in staging the 2007 HINDRAF rally.

Background of the Media

Local media: Utusan Online

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

International Media: Reuters

Reuters is an international news agency headquartered in Canary Wharf, London, England, United Kingdom and is a division of Thomson Reuters. Until 2008, the Reuters news agency formed part of an independent company, Reuters Group plc, which was also a provider of financial market data.

Propaganda

Between propaganda clear in this issue is the relationship with the political Hindraf demonstration is illegal demonstration involving racial issues in Malaysia. According to the newspaper, this press jug questioned Hindraf demonstration as a struggle or to retard the country’s political system. Statement Utusan Malaysia could lead to anger by the Indians as they be little their efforts. While according to Reuters, Hindraf demonstration occurred because businesses Indians who want to defend their rights while they want to complain there is racial discrimination in the society. In addition, there is a statement in which they declare Hindraf demonstration intended to incite Malaysia because there are allegations of ethnic cleansing practices. There are statements exaggerating because Hindraf demonstration associated with Islam and mosques. There are charges that can make the issue more distant when they began to use religion to maintain their rights. In a BBC interview, Mr Najib promised further measures to tackle the problems of the ethnic Indian minority.

Voters want change His arrival will follow a turbulent period in Malaysia, which has seen an opposition electoral revival, growing political conflict and protests from angry minority groups. Hindraf chairman today present the RM100 million suit against Deputy Chief Minister of Penang, six local media and three others for allegedly publishing the defamatory article and the organization, a few months ago. Six media is also being sued Makkal Osai Sdn. Bhd., Tamil Nesan Sdn. Bhd., The Malaysian Nanban Sdn. Bhd., MalaysiaKini.Com Sdn. Bhd., The Malaysian Insider Sdn. Bhd. and Star Publications Berhad named as defendants fifth to 10th. In his statement of claim, the plaintiffs alleged that the first defendant had to write and publish articles about false defamatory in Makkal Osai newspaper dated August 11, 2009, entitled Where is the money that has been collected RM700,000, its accounts show, Dr Ramasamy challenge the self-exiled leader. The charges were dropped as prosecutors could not provide a translation of their allegedly seditious comments. “It is a victory for the Indian community in Malaysia, but there is still a lot more work to do, he said. P Uthayakumar, one of those charged, told reporters he and his colleagues had been “maliciously prosecuted”. They charged us for sedition when we spoke the truth, he said. Activists say that policies granting jobs and economic advantages to the ethnic Malay Muslim majority leave many Hindus in poverty. Under Malaysian law, gatherings of more than five people require permission from the government.

Malaysia is gearing up for political shifts in 2009. It comes after protests by ethnic minority groups precipitated an electoral drama in 2008. He showed me around palm oil plantations in his home state, Perak, where Indian workers hack at prickly palm oil fruits with machetes. Why temples? He argues that temples were simply used to fire up sentiment for a wider Indian rights Struggle they’ve been called religious extremists but Vasantarao points out that temples are just one of several demands. There is exaggerating statement in this news where they relate religion and politics. Other than that, officials earlier confirmed they had stopped granting visas to Indian workers, in a move said to be linked to rallies by Malaysian Indians last year. If the prohibition is put in place it will affect about 140,000 Indians currently working legally in Malaysia.”There is no such thing as banning workers from India and Bangladesh, he told the BBC”. I have talked to the minister of human resources. We have never made such a decision. ‘Hindraf link’ News of the apparent ban emerged after leaders of Malaysia’s ethnic Indian community complained that Hindu priests and musicians had been denied visas. Lingering ethnic divide Authorities had already stopped issuing work visas for Bangladeshi migrant workers, arguing that labour agents were bringing in more workers than there were jobs.

Chronology of the Event

In AUGUST 31: HINDRAF lawyer, filled a class action suit on behalf 2 million ethnic Indians against the British Government at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Then, in NOVEMBER 25: HINDRAF organized a rally, as planned, to submit a 2 page memorandum to the British High Commission. Then, in DECEMBER 11: All 3 HINDRAF leaders who were charged with sedition were acquitted by the judical courts. Besides, in the year of 2008 OCTOBER 15: HINDRAF was officially banned. Moreover, in the year of 2009 MAY 9: HINDRAF leaders were release from ISA detention, after 514 days. Then, in the year of 2013 JANUARY 25: Putrajaya finally lifted its over 4-year ban on HINDRAF.

Evidence of the Event

Image credit: Hindraf evidence of impact is when the arrival of Dr Zakir Naik to give lectures. Dr Zakir Naik is an Indian Muslim who came to Malaysia to carry out his mission. When his arrival, there was a controversy in which he was not allowed to deliver the message because he was an Indian. As is known, Hindraf is an association of India. Public lecture at UTeM initially canceled following protests from Hindraf and other Indian groups. However, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today the government has allowed the college to continue serving Zakir change the topic. Other than that, speaker religion of India, Dr. Zakir Naik, who is scheduled to deliver a lecture at the University of Technical Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) on April 17, is expected to be forced to drop the matter. This follows the direction of the Chief of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police felt that the council cannot continue for the sake of public order and religious sensitivities in Malaysia.

POVERTY ALL AROUND THE WORLD

Written by Jamilah Zubir

Poverty is a global issue where it is still faced by big parts of the world to date. To be precise, countries like Asia and the Pacific, Sub – Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, near East and North Africa and few developed countries are still in poverty. Even though we are living in the 21st Century where futuristic technologies come in existence, foods are produced millions in productions and so much more but poverty still remains. Why? Are we born in this world based on whether we are unlucky or not? My perception on poverty is that the difference is whether you are living in Malaysia means you are safe from poverty and if you’re born in Africa, your chances living in poverty is high.

Poverty is about not having enough money to meet basic needs including food, clothing and shelter. However, poverty is more, much more than just not having enough money. The World Bank Organization describes poverty in this way, poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor. Poverty is not having access to school and not knowing how to read. Poverty is not having a job, is fear for the future, living one day at a time.

There is no one cause of poverty, and it is different in every case. Poverty varies considerably depending on the situation. Feeling poor in Canada is different from living in poverty in Russia or Zimbabwe. The differences between rich and poor within the borders of a country can also be great.

Despite the many definitions, one thing is certain, poverty is a complex societal issue. No matter how poverty is defined, it can be agreed that it is an issue that requires everyone’s attention. It is important that all members of our society work together to provide the opportunities for all our members to reach their full potential. It helps all of us to help one another.

Facts about poverty

Nearly half of the world’s population — more than 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day. More than 1.3 billion live in extreme poverty (less than $1.25 a day).
1 billion children worldwide are living in poverty. According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty.
More than 1 billion people lack adequate access to clean drinking water and an estimated 400 million of these are children. Because unclean water yields illness, roughly 443 million school days are missed every year.
In 2011, 165 million children under the age 5 were stunted (reduced rate of growth and development) due to chronic malnutrition.
870 million people worldwide do not have enough food to eat.
Preventable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia take the lives of 2 million children a year who are too poor to afford proper treatment.
As of 2011, 19 million children worldwide remain unvaccinated.
A quarter of all humans lived without electricity — approximately 1.6 billion people.
80 percent of the world population lives on less than $10 a day.
It would cost approximately $40 billion to offer basic education, clean water and sanitation, reproductive health for women, and basic health and nutrition to every person in every developing country.
The World Food Programme says, “The poor are hungry and their hunger traps them in poverty.” Hunger is the number one cause of death in the world, killing more than HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.

The world’s population is in poverty, most of them. This should not be the case where we live in a world full of resources. We were taught since in pre – school that sharing means caring and we should share what we have to people around us. Why does well developed countries do not help the poor countries and if they did help them, why are the poor countries still remain in poverty. What values that we instil in our country? Although the realisation on poverty is high among other countries, there are still people living in poverty.

MANOHARA AND 100 EPISODES SINETRON

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY COMMUNICATION IN BUILDING HAPPINESS LIFESTYLE

Written by Aqnees Zulkiflee

As we all know, a good family relations are build on a strong communication. Without a strong communication in a family, there will be a difficulty in building a healthy lifestyle among the family relationship itself. Thus it can for sure affect the family communication in a family. But still, what is family communication? What do you think of a family communication when you hear about it? A happy family laughing together during dinner? A fight with your brother or sister? A visit to your grandparents? Well for your information, all of that is a family communication.

Communication involves the ability to pay attention to what others are thinking and feeling. In other words, an important part of communication is not just talking, but listening to what others have to say. Communication within the family is very important. It enables members to express their needs, wants, and concerns to each other. Besides that, open and honest communication creates understanding and able to resolve the unavoidable problems that arise in all families.

We know that communication is the process of giving and receiving information. Nowadays, many families live far apart and they do not see each other frequently. Even when they are at home, everyone’s schedule may be so full that it is difficult to find enough time even to eat a meal together, let alone sit down to talk. Besides that, the emergences of technologies also have its effect towards family communication.

Cell phones, e-mail, and new technology bombard us, creating many interruptions to family time. People nowadays especially teenagers or even adults might spent too much time on their cell phones rather than having a conversation between them. However, we should also realize that because of the technologies, it can help us connect with those who are living farther away. The challenge is to make time to interact face-to-face with family. Therefore, there are an advantages and disadvantages of the technologies towards the family communication.

Marriage and family therapists often report that poor communication is a common complaint of families who are having difficulties. Poor communication is unclear and indirect. It can lead to numerous family problems, including excessive family conflict, ineffective problem solving, lack of intimacy, and weak emotional bonding. Therefore, having a poor communication between the family can associated with an increased risk of divorce and marital separation and more behavioral problems in children. In my opinion, communication within family can be in effective communication or poor communication. It is depends how the family member do their job as to remain the harmony in house.

Various communication skills can be found on how to improved family communication. As we all know in Malaysia we do have this Ministry Of Health Malaysia in giving very useful information on what can be done to improve family communication in Malaysia. They can also organised a campaign to promote ways on how to have a better understanding on family communication thus it can for sure attract a lot of people to know more about the importance of family communication.

PHENOMENON OF EL-NINO

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

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)

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

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)

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.

KL TOWER INTERNATIONAL JUMP MALAYSIA

Written by Azzila Nordin

The prestigious and internationally-acclaimed extreme sports event, KL Tower International Jump Malaysia (KLTIJM) is an annual four-day event that usually takes place in September, and sees hundreds of base jumpers leap from the open deck of Menara KL’s communication towerat the height of 300 meters above sea level. This sporting event was initially organised in conjunction with Menara Kuala Lumpur 3rd anniversary celebration on 3 October 1999. Since then, it has become an annual event for Menara Kuala Lumpur and has been listed in the Malaysia Book of Records as the first base jump event in Malaysia. Attracting base jumpers from all corners of the world, participants must meet certain criteria which is set for this event.

BASE is the acronym for Building, Antenna, Span and Earth, representing objects, which are mainly used as the jump point area. This annual event is held with the objective of offering BASE jump enthusiasts with the opportunity to jump off Menara Kuala Lumpur and at the same time, the activity will indirectly put Malaysia on the local and international tourism maps. A jump might only take seconds, but it is a sight to be seen, especially when organizers take the action up a notch with night jumps and 30-man canopy train jumping. Thrill-seeking aside, the event is viewable for free from any area surrounding the tower, but for those who would like to be closer to the action, a RM150 (without harness) or RM200 (with harness) ticket gets you straight to the open deck to watch the jumpers up close and personal.

EXPLORING THE COMPARISON OF BETWEEN THE STARS ONLINE AND THE GUARDIAN NEWS ARTICLES ONLINE OF MECCA CRANE COLLAPSE

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.