Why BENAR?
BENAR is a civil society initiative established to address the sad state of journalism in our beloved country and restore Truth in Reporting.
Everyone reading this blog is likely to know how the partisan mainstream media (MSM) refused to allow a level playing field for politics and contributed to sustaining several myths - that all was well in Bolehland, that Malaysian citizens lacked the maturity to cope with a 2-party political system, that only the Barisan Nasional would be able to fairly address the needs of all races… we’ve been there!
The developments of recent months have demolished all of those myths. Malaysia is more ready than ever to enjoy the full freedoms of democracy that have long been denied us. But unless and until we have a press corps free to carry out their professional responsibility without fear or favour, the vast majority of the population that is still dependent on the MSM for information will remain uninformed and continue to hold skewed views.
BENAR is an initiative with the objective of triggering change. We want to get our message out to all segments of our population that press freedom is important to us as a nation. We want to stimulate the people to insist that they deserve a fair and free media. We want to inspire the journalist community to stand up and demand their rights and Dare to be Free. We want to apply pressure wherever necessary to make the change happen.
All of this can only happen with People Power. We look forward to creating a second wave of people power that will bring about change - a press that has the courage to report the truth.
Stand tall with us. If you wish to join the action committee, write to us.
3 May, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Just want to say that I’m with you on this.
May all media be free.
4 May, 2008 at 8:53 am
yes, i would like to join the action committee, i sincerely believe in “benar’s” cause and i want to show my support.
Kindly advise me on the necessary steps that need to be taken.
thank you
dani’el kannan
019 218 6981 ( cellular )
dani’el, you have already taken the first step by writing to this blog. This is our workspace. Here is where we will craft our strategies to push for Press Freedom. Stay with us. Bring in your friends. Contribute your ideas or suggestions. Let us make this happen.
Singam.
9 May, 2008 at 8:00 am
[...] people, why are you not signing this petition by BENAR - set up by civil society members to address the sad state of journalism and restore Truth in [...]
9 May, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Done. Thanks for making the effort. Will forward to other friends. Please keep us posted. Best wishes.
Updates will be posted here as and when they become available. Do keep coming back.
9 May, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I’m with you….