Today, March 8, 2010 is the second year anniversary of Pakatan Rakyat led state government in Penang. Maybe Malaysians would have more reasons to celebrate if Perak is also part of the Pakatan Rakyat domain.
But as we know, it was ’stolen’ right from PR’s nose with the three frogs jumping out of PKR and DAP. And this time of the year, so many things have happened in Penang as well.
Maybe no one knows but I had gone out of my way just before Chinese New Year to do more citizen journalism videos than what I had wanted. I felt it is my duty as a Penangite to put in the extra hours and trips to cover the Pakatan Rakyat’s event, press conference and interviews because rumours were flying around that Penang will go the same way as Perak.
Generally, the lay people in Penang do not really care much if the state government is Pakatan Rakyat or Barisan Nasional. They just want a peaceful day to day life, making a living in the vibrant island like Penang.
Sadly, it is just the few from the higher ups who tried to throw a spanner in the works. They want to see chaos reign so that they have a chance to get their foothold again. They went around instigating the less informed Penangites. Some media are not helping at all. They published lies.
As a citizen journalist, I have seen how facts get twisted in the next day papers. So, I took it upon myself to do my tiny bit to make sure that the words from the state leaders’ mouths are not twisted.
Like other regular folks in Penang, I am sick of the previous government. So, I will allow and help the new one to try their best to make changes and hopefully, a brighter future for us.
The above video was shot three months ago but basically, the people have expressed what some of us feel.
I found this very thought provoking words on citizen journalism. We were taught investigative journalism during our advance course on citizen journalism. I also bought a book written by a senior journalist who was from The Star.
The more I think about it, the investigative citizen journalists of the 21st century are the activists of the 20th. They care enough about a particular topic to dig into it with enough effort and fervor to uncover new truths.
The words “investigative citizen journalists of the 21st century are the activists of the 20th”
I see my role as something big. I see the skills I have as something very powerful. Yet, why didn’t I use them to propel further?
Here are the reasons why:
1) This is Malaysia
In Malaysia, we can get into trouble just because we stepped on the wrong toes. We have seen instances of juvenile pranks ended up in court, sometimes for huge cases like insulting so&so. It is stupid. But that is Malaysia. So, I wouldn’t stick my head out and invite trouble. After reading so many conspiracies (or rather real news that hit the mainstream media), I don’t want to be the tiny pawns. No one is going to build a statue for me like Joan of Arc.
2) There is no backhill
In Chinese, backhill means the hidden, influential, sinister power that will save our arses if we get into trouble. One can flaunt one’s power around even if one is a mere nobody if that person knows that someone up there will settle everything for her/him. I don’t like the idea of currying favours with the power up there. Nah ah, I like playing by my rules and saving my own arse.
3) Reality, bro!
Activists, greenies, tree huggers, NGOs and those hippie looking guys and gals are idealistic folks. One of them was telling us citizen journalists how we can investigate certain things, dig into certain companies, kick up a huge fuss and create big news. Why should we, huh? I don’t want to end up with lawsuits from corporate companies or cause civil servants to lose their jobs. If the tree hugger is so sure of the issue, why don’t he go and pursue it? Why suggest such risky stuffs for newbies like us?
4) My name is not Erin Brockovich
So far, no one come to piss me enough to be one. So, tralalala, why bother?
5) Citizen journalism is not hot, hot, hot in Malaysia yet
Frankly, there is only a handful of us. Each of us have our own agenda. Some are pro certain political parties, some are pro certain NGOs, some like me are basically individuals having too much time and brain juice. We have not create enough impact to make people piss in their pants yet. But we are creating tiny ripples now.
So, if you ask me – Will I put my head out to pursue an issue? I can safely tell you that I have to consider point 1 to 5 before I answer.
I will only do it, IF:
1) I am sure the issue is not sensitive;
2) I have directive;
3) It won’t cause hardship to anyone or anything;
4) It personally affects me enough;
5) I will be treated seriously.
We CJs started small. We merely wait for our sifu Maran to give us indication where to go and what to film.
But like all things, it takes initiative on our side to spread our reach. We cannot rely on people to feed us the things to do. We have to go out and search for causes or newsworthy news to shoot.
I mean, if you have taken a 8 days, 8 hours course on video filming, journalism ethics and etc, surely you want to use those skills to produce something, don’t you? Otherwise, why don’t you spend those time sleeping at home, no?
Malaysiakini has printed name cards for us. They also give us CJs a tag. Some of us who are accepted as fellows have a different tag. But a tag is still a tag. Long before they gave us the tag, I made my own. I managed to enter many places using my homemade tag. Of course, you can get kick out if you do that. But usually, I have already made the appointment with the person so it is just a card to satisfy the guards.
So, how do we find the news?
1) Namecard
I left my namecard with people. Usually, they are the communication manager, PR manager, politicians, their assistants, activists and etc. I urge them to keep me inform if they have something they need to publicise. I explained to them that I am focus on religious tolerance, environment and human rights so that they don’t bother me with business matters or such.
2) Newspapers
From the newspapers, we can find many upcoming events, especially from charitable organisations. If those are issues that I am passionate with, I will call up the organiser to get an invitation or arrange an interview.
3) Ball carrying
Hahaha, this may sound so wrong. But politicians have the most news. Be nice to them. Help them to promote their programmes and give them some publicity for works they have done. They will usually be very happy to feed you with more news.
4) Look around
Citizen journalists who are really keen in helping the community can easily look out for news. They are things that happen around us. Injustices, dirty places or neglected individuals all need our help.
5) Time will bring in the fishes
As we go along, more people will get to know us. We have now created quite a name for ourselves. The other day, one CJ from KL, Vijay told me over a phone conversation that when he mentioned my name to some politicians in KL, they immediately recognise it. We CJs have quite a network now. We can always feed each other with issues that CJs in other states can help to cover.
Having said that, there are so many opportunities that most CJs did not just jump in and grab. It is not about who makes the most videos but how passionate we are in helping the people around us. It could just be one single person. But then, it means the whole world to them already so it is worth doing, no matter what.
I spent four hours following a group of about 300 workers, mostly women, single mothers and elderly employees from the court to the state gov. building. One can see it as a time-wasting effort. I see it as my contribution to the society.
I received a notification from the CM’s office that he is visiting the Thaipusam stalls. So, I went along with all the media members. Seriously, I am not keen to follow a bunch of politicians through the Thaipusam road on a very, bright, sunny, hot and glaring late afternoon.
But, I know I will have better access to the people if I go in an official entourage. One doesn’t get these sort of privileges unless you are on the media members mailing list. On the list are editors of all the top gun mainstream media.
So, what does a CJ do in this instance? I cannot abuse the privilege of being part of the media members entourage without giving some credit to the politicians who invited me. Yet, I am not excited about being their public promotion mouthpiece.
I have to find the right balance. I want to make a video with a message. I want that video to give different group of people something worth watching.
So, I added some elements of religious tolerance and racial intergration to it. The CM gets his few seconds of ’see what a caring leader he is’. The Human Rights Party get their say. There is an element of how Chinese and Indians can be together as one in a religious event. Then, I added some inspiring scenes of Chinese kavadi bearers. Not to forget, a short message from ex-Xaverian (who is also an MIC member) on their refreshment stall. Then, I also take advantage of the storm brewing in PKR by highlighting their poster and CM whispering to one of the Adun.
Of course, I didn’t forget that the whole elements of Thaipusam is Lord Murugan. So, Lord Murugan also get his five seconds of fame being featured with his devotees.
The above seven minutes video actually took me four long hours to shoot. I enjoyed the long walk, immersing myself into the beauty of faith of the Hindus plus the colour, drum beats and human interaction. I only noticed how tired my legs and back were when I got into my car to drive home.
This is another one of the video that I enjoyed editing. There are lots of rough edges but I wanted to get it online fast so quality takes less priority.
As a citizen journalist who is a Catholic and hence, directly involved and interested in the ‘Allah’ issue, it is still not easy for me to feature the Christian side of things.
The below video is only four minutes but I had to take days to ponder over it. The whole prayer service was about one hour. I had to rewind the whole video clips over and over again to find just the right thing.
One can call this self-censorship. But I feel a heavy responsibility whenever I do a video in church. With things being so sensitive lately, a wrong clip can create a lot of problems.
I hope I have gotten the essence of the whole message. It is about unity of the Christian churches. Next, it is about our church leaders reminding us not to be afraid eventhough there are so many tribulations. And all we have to remember is the Risen Christ living amongst us. Peace is the ultimate message.
I found this question on ICFJ related to the Haiti earthquake. It is probably a good time for me to ponder, reflect and write.
I believe there is no one single answer to this. Some news have to be objective, reporting on the damages, number of lives lost, condition of the scene and maybe a bit of the emotions.
But those are news. Humans hunger for that heart matter. The tear jerker. The raw feelings. Otherwise, we will all be dead from being so cold, objective and without emotions.
One of the topic we had during the advanced citizen journalism course is narrative journalism. I am good in that area. I can write things that make me cry, what more others. In fact, I couldn’t even read out loud what I wrote.
I wrote about Kugan’s mother long wait for justice. Janet read it. I told her I can’t because it will make me cry.
Even in video journalism, we can also swing from the objective video angle to the emotional video angle. I had done both.
But the recent dragon boat tragedy is my first time dealing with really raw, painful human emotions. I believe not many people are able to deal with that kind of situation. I bet my CJ partner will sob so hard, I had to console him. Kekekeke, men do cry, you know?
It takes a lot of effort from me to be objective. From the beginning I had already decided that I am not going to go the path of vernacular media whereby they force feed the public with lots and lots of gory photos and emotional scenes. So, I abstained from filming dead bodies, close-up of tear stained faces and audio of people crying. I merely take a few seconds of such scenes to drive the point.
So, my answer is, we need to have both types of news reporting. The emotional angle to bring awareness, create more compassion and hopefully get more people to donate and help. However, one has to be careful of not using others’ misfortunes to sell news.
My video above has touched 4K views on Youtube. I believe the link has been passed around because my normal views are around 300 only. So, I take comfort that 4,000 people have viewed the tragedy from several angles.
What I had tried to convey in the videos are:
1) The condition of the tragedy site
2) The volunteers who were working hard to help
3) The element of faith in the face of tragedy
4) Short glimpse of the parents and grandparents
5) Rescue efforts by the police and other authorities
6) A compassionate state leader
7) The despair situation with fading lights and darkness
Only God knows how my mind was working hard on how to approach the editing at the time of filming. I was like having a director, an editor, videographer and viewer all talking at the same time in my head. *grins*
Read what people commented on the question on ICFJ site.
Oh, I forget to add. My first draft on Kugan’s mom was chuck into the dustbin by Mkini editor Kabi. Hehehehe. I sort of expected that because he wants news, I give him views. It doesn’t kill off my enthusiasm because I merely brushed it off as ‘Janet taught me to write that way, you just don’t know how to appreciate my talent’. I posted it on my blog though.
Someone left a list of questions on Malaysiakini’s site regarding the dragon boat tragedy. I feel those are very pertinent questions and want to note it over here so that if I have a chance, I will direct the questions to the right authority.
As a citizen journalist, I have the opportunity to enter the site and have access to the briefing and press conference by the relevant authorities. When I was there earlier, they haven’t found all the bodies and hence, works were concentrated on find them missing young men.
It was a good time to ask too many questions because, putting it in the wrong sentence, one can be seen as witch-hunting or finger pointing.
by saengch
This is a tremendous tragedy. Could the journalist please investigate some of these questions? (1) How many of the team were wearing life jackets?
(at the moment, we seem to be getting different answers from two parties, the police and the fire and rescue team. We know the first victim was wearing a life jacket but he was trapped and drowned. When the second victim was found, we asked again but no confirmed answer was given)
(2) How many of the deaths and missing members involve not wearing jackets and how many did wear life jacket?
(Although life jackets seems to be the life saver, unfortunately, given the circumstances, it may not help much. With the traumatised survivors, it is probably hard to get the confirmed answer at the moment but I hope they will indeed get some ideas later on.)
(3) Were the life jack just inadequate in number, or not suitable for rowing exercise (too thick), or was it lack of supervision that cause any not to wear them under the heat of exercise in the morning sun?
(my nephew who used to be a dragon boat participant told me that they used to take it off and sat on it because the life jacket makes rowing difficult. Youths being youths, are carefree)
(4) Was there inadequate fund for life jacket from the school or government?
(this is one of my main concern because it is a known fact that our Federal Gov does not give full funding to Chinese, Tamil, Missionary and Agama schools. Thsi sport is more a school based initiative.)
(5) Was the muddy area a factor that trap the swimmers (3rd day of lunar month, lowest tide rising at 9am)?
(the whole area is totally not suitable for anyone to venture in because the sea is muddy but further away, big ships anchored there. Moreover, the ground is a junkyard, full of danger)
(5) Was it true about an informal report of earlier collisions of several dragon boats on 14 of Jan and one rower having fallen into the waters, not raising enough alarm by authority?
(I asked this question on a private basis and was given to understand by several independent parties that the schools have used the location for several years to do their practices. It is free, unlike proper water sports area. And the other reason given was it is conveniently located. However, the state does have to answer why they shifted the dragon boat competition to the surrounding area last year. I was given to understand that they will shift it back this year.)
(6) Was the lack of floats/boays, marking lines, bad planning, lack of safety engineering check of the first-time-use muddy area a factor?
(There is absolutely no bouys, no markers. It is an open, dirty, muddy sea.)
All the above are based on my observation and findings from my short trips to the site, twice.
I still recall the cold sweats I endured when I first went to a press conference alone as a citizen journalist at the Penang State Legislative building. There was lots of protocol and dress codes to follow. My confidence was already shattered early in the morning because I was wearing a 3/4 sleeve blouse. The guard, knowing I am a newbie refused to allow me in. I had to made a mad rush home to change into a long-sleeve blouse just to get into the compound. Going into the hall needs black lounge suits or baju kurung for women.
I was there because of a protest and memorandum handover related to high rise buildings. I made one mistake of asking one of the member a question. The whole gang of ‘real’ journalists mobbed him the moment I asked a question.
Now I am much more experienced and I would do the same too. Whenever we hang around an event or situation, our senses are on alert. Eyes, ears are open to see if there is anything happening. The moment we notice or hear something, we will rush with our cameras.
So, I am now part of the mob. But I don’t have as much knowledge as the veterans. They recognise all the VIP faces, who are the big guns to aim for and where or what they do.
Recently, I was kneeling down on the carpet floor of the Town Hall building with my video camera (to get good shots, the camera has to be shoulder height of the subject,hence the odd kneeling position). The topic is about town council, city status and things that are foreign to me. I don’t even know much how the MPPP works. There are directors and there are councillors. Who is who. How are they related? Who is the big boss of them all? So many things unclear to me.
Suddenly, the Chief Minister who was sitting on the sofa directly facing me said to me, “Lilian, you know right, what is a (I forgot what he said but it is something like making Penang a city status)?”
I bluntly shook my head and told him, “No wor, I don’t.” I seriously do not know because I don’t exactly know how my island is run. He thought I was just trying to be smart by pretending to be stupid.
He said, “Clever lah you people (the reporters), say don’t know so that I have to explain it. That way you all don’t have to write so much.”
Peer pressures would have cause many people to say, “Yes, I do.” That way one cannot be embarrassed in a gang knowledgeable journalists. But not me. I don’t want to act clever when I am really clueless and blur about an issue.
After the CM explained, it dawns on me that if the council takes over the whole island, we probably won’t have so many problems of Fed Gov controlled JKR pushing the buck to MPPP and MPPP doing the same to them. I know how tedious it is for CJs to find the right authority when dealing with public properties like bad roads, bad structures etc. I wanted to ask but this time, peer pressure stopped me.
I can just imagine the whole gang of reporters who were standing behind me staring at me from behind, “You stupid or wert?”
I found this really short clip of 18 seconds long message from Shuf. Shuf is one of our big bosses in the video department in Malaysiakini dot tv. We citizen journalists were trained by Malaysiakini-ICFJ. Actually, he is not even our boss. More like some reliable, knowledgeable, veteran chap whom we can rely on.
So, this is Shuf 18 seconds long praises for us citizen journalists of Malaysia. Thank you, Shuf…
And can I also share my 22 seconds of praise from one of my favourite interview subjects. He is none other than the Chief Minister of Penang. Without him and his earliest approval of my reporting, I probably will not have achieved this much.
I went to the CM’s office to interview him about PICC. As usual, I set up my camera, waited for him and when he was seated, I got right down to my set of questions. But he surprised me with this wish. He even insisted I put that in my video. But of course, my topic is serious and I don’t think those who watch it will be amused with the lighter side of the CM. So, I cut it off and air it alone.
This article jolts me back to the harsh reality of living in a city like Penang. I just discovered that all the years when I passed by the soup kitchen near my office in Jalan Larut, I never even notice they are homeless people looking for a free lunch.
I worked there for almost 7-8 years, walking past this shophouse and always notice the bunch of smelly beggars hanging around. I think my colleagues and I probably held on to our purses tighter because we always connect them to snatch thieves.
Once, Jimmy and I were driving around with his GPS to locate the place. We couldn’t find it. Then, I have asked a few beggars several times for direction. I couldn’t find it too.
But few days ago, I suddenly notice the place. Now, I know why there are so many people hanging around the tiny green patch of grass between Jalan Larut and Argyll Road.
It will be my next destination. I also have to cover someone who is now holding a proper job after being homeless.
