IAF

Freedom of The Press

Teoh Kong Seng and Aleza Othman share their experience on attending the seminar that conducted not in our usual way which is “online” due to current situation.

Even though it is online Aleza Othman have learned a lot during the 12 days of the IAF Seminar. As someone who is new in the activism field, it is a great experience and exposure for her and be able to interact with many professionals and build her network.  “The guidance and knowledge gained from the facilitators - Kylie, Pieter and Leo has definitely taught me a lot on media freedom. They are knowledgeable, interactive, open and receptive of the questions given to them and to me, those are the things that make a facilitator great – she said.

“I was not aware of the Article 19 provision” – said Teoh Kong Seng. After attending the seminar and meet with fabulous fellow colleagues from different country and background, journalist to TV presenter and NGO’s as the liberal support and advocate for free press, it is indeed sad to see some journalists succumb to intimidations, slurs, lawsuit and event death – he explained. Threat of censorship from individual, government and organization is negotiated with the responsibility to uphold the truth and to protect privacy.

It was a great experience to know more about journalism and freedom of expression, where diversity and tolerance is put in practice. Learning about the 10 principals and ethics of journalism.  “I manage to get a good insight about doxing, fake news and disinformation. Also, how to engage with people during this pandemic. Topics about safety of news, sources, journalist and journalism were well discussed” – he said.

Furthermore Teoh Kong Seng explained that - “The origin of news started from paper and pen to digital software like Microsoft Words, Publisher etc. and sent out to multiple of platform. From newspaper, radio in old media to the new media such as social media, internet news, YouTube and more. Digitization and technology in journalism should be protected itself by cyber security to prevent any compromise leak or the risk of being hacked. Digital right need to put in the appropriate manner and with responsibilities too. It was much more than the rights and it is vary and was vast”

He also express his delight that he stumble across Data Journalism, it is something that he wants to explore more. “It has the potential to become the platform to have safe, accurate and fast news. Perhaps the element of Sentiment Analysis can be added in. There are still a lot need to do in exercising the liberal for this cause, Freedom of Press where the environment and causes like freedom of expression, speech and others act was incorporated together with it. I am keen to do an Article 19 based campaign in the upcoming time” - he said.