22 years later, what has changed?

I recently wrote a story about the days leading up to Malaysiakini’s launch on Nov 20, 1999. The story got lots of feedback - congratulations for sticking to it for 22 years, readers laughing about how our website first looked and old friends remembering my kapcai, my chosen “wheels” until I was nearly 40.

It’s indeed fun to take a walk down memory lane. The joy reflects how readers feel - almost comfortable that press freedom is here to stay. Malaysiakini has survived, and the battle is won.

But have we really won? What indeed has changed?

At a press freedom forum recently, I was asked to compare the situation today with press freedom when Malaysiakini first launched, 22 years ago. After all, the laws that constrict the media have not changed. Journalists still get hauled in for questioning, satire can be a crime, media companies face a barrage of defamation suits, and advertisers still consider an honest media a risk.

At Malaysiakini, we have long decided that come what may, we will stick to our job - putting out the news and views that matter. Whenever challenged - police raids, red shirt demonstrations, being splashed with red paint, being hauled up for contempt for our readers’ comments - the message to the Malaysiakini team is the same - let’s keep doing what we do best, independent reporting without fear or favour.

And in sticking to this, we have created the biggest change in media - the audience.

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Today’s audience takes news for granted, just a click away on their digital screens. Readers demand quality news of their choice, forcing every news organisation to produce the best stories in order to gain a following. Media that parrot the government are ignored at best, more often ridiculed and boycotted.

The audience will also back their chosen media with their wallets. This was demonstrated beyond doubt when Malaysiakini raised RM750,000 from the public - not in four months, or four days, but in four hours!

Such fierce support and defence of independent media was never there 22 years ago. The limits set by the powerful were accepted by the mainstream media and the mainstream audience. Grouses among journalists were paid off with hefty bonuses while audiences opted to read newspapers back to front, with the sports section being better than the headlines.

Malaysiakini’s editor in chief and co-founder Steven Gan likes to say “Press freedom is like a tube of toothpaste - when it’s out, it’s really hard to pull it back in again.” Once people feel empowered, it takes a lot to make them kowtow. While we have not won the war, the army of readers demanding independent news is the best defence against an attack on press freedom.

As we celebrate our 22nd anniversary, our greatest victory is our readers. We thank each and every one of you for standing up for independent news, and being with us, on this 22-year journey!

Happy Anniversary!

Written by Premesh Chandran, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Malaysiakini.