On the sidelines of Malaysiakini's
10th anniversary celebration
prominent guests commented on Malaysiakini's 10 year odyssey and the role it plays in pioneering free and independent media in Malaysia's difficult media landscape.
They laud Malaysiakini as an alternative to the mainstream press and hope that the independent news portal will continue to be at the forefront of fair and balanced journalism.
Here are some comments from our guests
Khalid Ibrahim, Selangor MB
I think this is a successful 10 years in creating an independent source of electronic media.
I congratulate the two youth barely in their thirties (at the time), who succeeded in creating an independent alternative to the mainstream media.
Personally, for my family and for the Selangor government, I wish them a very happy 10th anniversary for Malaysia.
Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Seri Andalas assemblyperson
A very colourful event. Good show!
Malaysiakini has come a long way since 10 years ago. Society has gone a long way in creating an open and free media.
I hope that Malaysiakini will continue to go on another 10 years more and continue to be brave and daring in its reporting.
Elizabeth Wong, Bukit Lanjan assemblyperson
It's wonderful that media in Malaysia, working under such difficult conditions can be the leading edge in Internet media, leading the way in independent reporting. I wish them 10 more years.
But its not only about celebration but hopefully, Malaysiakini will continue to be at the forefront of fight for media freedom and independence.
Amir Muhammad, filmmaker and publisher
Good luck Malaysiakini and may the next 10 years be better. The next years will actually be harder for the subscription model because there is so much more available for free.
Malaysiakini needs to make sure that it continues to provide content that is unique to what is available in the mainstream media.
R Sivarasa, Subang MP
Malaysiakini has encouraged the use of the Internet in the democratization process of the country.
But we cannot say that this means that there is greater press freedom in Malaysia because these websites are still operating within the same restrictions. Real press freedom can only happen if there is political change.
Deputy minister at the dinner
Oh Tong Keong, Gerakan Youth deputy chief
It was a wonderful night where various people gathered for Malaysiakini's 10th anniversary celebration.
Malaysiakini has come a long way, I believe you guys will continue to fight for press freedom.
Heng Seai Kie, MCA's information chief and deputy information, communications and culture minister.
Congratulations to Malaysiakini for being the most influential and highest readership news portal in Malaysia. This is reaffirmed by the attendance and support.
I hope Malaysiakini will continue to carry its duty according to media ethics for a better Malaysia.
Apart from these guests, the dinner was also attended by PJ Utara MP Tony Pua, Kapar MP S Manikavasagam, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, Padang Serai MP N Gobalakrishnan, Batu MP Tian Chua and Selangor exco member Ronnie Liu among others.
And here comes the difficult part
'We couldn't have done it without you'
