Malaysiakini 's Chinese edition was launched last night in a simple ceremony at the website company's office in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

The Yellow Ribbon Internet forum, established by the Writers Alliance For Media Independence (Wami), was also launched at the same event.

Officiating at the function, malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan said the Chinese edition was set up to break the control of the mainstream media by the ruling parties.

"This will enable Chinese-speaking readers to have access to an alternative source of news," he added.

Gan also urged readers to continue their support for malaysiakini and independent Chinese media in order to promote press freedom, adding that such support was vital for their survival.

About 80 people, comprising readers, journalists and commentators were present at the ceremony.

Speaking at the function, malaysiakini Chinese edition editor Yong Kai Ping ( photo, far right ) urged all Chinese online media to cooperate with each other in order to widen the Chinese web community.

"The current challenge facing us is to expand the use and interest of the Internet among the Chinese community by providing better and more thought-provoking stories for them.

"Only then can we bring commercial value and social influence to the Internet media." said Yong.

Media monopoly

Yellow Ribbon editor Chan Kim Ming ( photo ) said the forum is a continuation of the effort to promote independent Chinese media.

He said he disagreed with the monopoly of the media by large media corporations with the help of political groups.

"We think that the best way to balance political oppression via the media is to bolster the strength of civil society and towards this, Yellow Ribbon is the website that represents an alliance of commentators, journalists and media academicians," Chan added.

A talk on the future of the Chinese Internet community was held after the ceremony.

Panel members were Yong, Chan, Merdeka Review online news editor Chang Teck Peng, coordinator of The Free Media internet forum Tan Lee Ooi and social commentator Tan Ah Chai.