Not To Dance To The Tune Of Foreign Media

"I hope local journalists will not dance to the tune of their foreign counterparts. There are local journalists who think too highly of the foreign media, and to me, this demonstrates their inferiority complex,"

Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin reminded local media practitioners not to follow the style of the foreign media who are prejudiced towards the country.(Bernama)

He said the borderless world nowadays exposed the people to inaccurate and irresponsible news and information that could hurt feelings and lead to disunity.

"It's not easy to overcome this problem but we can educate our younger generation to make them understand about the country's aspirations so that they value the true meaning of independence and harmony," he added.

Admitting that the authorities would not be able to completely ward off attempts to colonise the minds of the people, he said that continuous efforts must be made to mould a society which loved the country, possessed noble values and exercised tolerance in a multi-racial population.

He was referring to the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) article titled "Malaysia Rejects Christian Appeal" on the Lina Joy's court decision carried on its news portal , he said the piece was inaccurate and sensationalised.

Meanwhile, Shad Faruqui, a professor of constitutional law at Malaysia's Mara University of Technology, says Malaysians should have the right to choose their own religion without religious or state interference.

"Now personally speaking, in a very objective way, in a global way, international way, people should not have to seek anyone's approval for a matter of conscience," said Faruqui.

PAS spiritual advisor Nik Aziz Nik Mat likened those who have renounced Islam to army deserters because religion, like other institutions, is bound by rules...more from Malaysiakini here.