20/08/2025

WEDNESDAY | AUG 20, 2025

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The mirror, megaphone and us I MAGINE standing in front of a mirror that not only reflects your image but also echoes your voice to millions. That is what the media has become; not just a mirror of society but also a megaphone that can amplify, distort or drown out voices. challenge, content spreads faster than we can blink. With that speed comes influence over how we think, what we buy and who we trust. But the power of the media is a double edged sword. On one hand, it gives voice to the voiceless, sheds light on injustice and connects people across borders. On the other hand, it can distort facts, spread misinformation and create echo chambers that trap us in one- sided views. are being influenced. When our feed agrees with us, we assume it is the truth. When we share a meme, we don’t always stop to fact check. The media does not always tell us what to think but it does a brilliant job of telling us what to think about. Yet, in this landscape of noise and narratives, there is hope. A new wave of digital literacy is rising. More people are learning to question sources, cross-check facts and explore alternative viewpoints. COMMENT by Syarfa Akila Matta

True spirit of Malaysian independence EVERY Aug 31, Malaysians across the nation wave flags, join parades and revel in the festive spirit of Merdeka Day. Yet, beyond this splendour, colour and celebrations, lies a more profound purpose, the remembrance of the nation’s liberation from colonial rule and our ascent into sovereignty. We have been colonialised since 1511, when the Portuguese took Malacca, then the Dutch colonialised us in 1641 and later followed by Britain in 1874, when they introduced the residential system in Malaya. The Japanese invaded us in 1941. Britain ruled Malaya until 1957, when we achieved our independence. Merdeka Day marks not just political freedom but the enduring spirit of Malaysians united by hope, struggle and shared ideals. We must honour Malaysia for its founding values: liberty, security and unwavering tolerance of all faiths and cultures. The key principles embodied in our Constitution are freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. The essence of Merdeka is about accommodating a diverse Malaysian family that unites us. Merdeka Day should always serve as a reminder of ourselves, our self belief, values and dignity that shaped our destiny. It is not enough to celebrate; we also have a duty to reflect. What have we contributed to nation building? True patriotism is found in our everyday actions – in the respect we show one another and in our shared commitment to unity that transcends racial and cultural lines. Malaysia’s future demands unity. It calls on our youths to embody the spirit of Merdeka not only in flags and words but also in actions that will build bridges rather than barriers. We must educate and empower our youths to see patriotism as a responsibility to uplift and protect, not to divide and dismiss. Mohamed Mokhtar Ahmad Bajunid Cyberjaya If the media is the mirror and megaphone, then we must become more mindful of what we reflect and what we shout. We must demand more transparency from platforms, support ethical journalism and educate the next generation, not just on how to use media, but how to think in a media-saturated world. The media industry is not just about technology or profit; it is about people telling stories, sharing truths and shaping the future. Whether that future is informed, inclusive and empowering – or divisive, distorted and dangerous – depends on how we choose to listen and how we choose to speak. SyarfaAkila Matta is an undergraduate student at Universiti Malaya. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com So, where do we go from here? Perhaps the answer lies in recognising the role we play. We should not be just passive consumers of media, we should be participants, creators and amplifiers. Every share, like or comment is a vote. Every story we believe without question and every post we spread without reading will shape the larger media narrative.

The rise of digital media has made everyone a potential journalist, yet not everyone follows journalistic ethics. One viral falsehood can destroy reputations or sway entire elections. Behind the glossy screens and fast-scrolling feeds are companies, giant tech firms and media conglomerates pulling the strings. Meta, Google and even lesser-known algorithm-driven news curators have the power to decide what you see and what you don’t. That is not always a conspiracy; it is often just business. Their goal is engagement, and outrage engages. Emotional headlines, shocking visuals and controversial opinions get more clicks than calm, balanced reporting. The real danger? We may not even notice we

Movements like citizen journalism, podcasts by young creators and independent media collectives are reclaiming the media space. These voices may be smaller but they are often more authentic, raw and brave. In Malaysia, where media freedom is still evolving, the line between regulation and censorship remains delicate. While regulation can shield the public from hate speech and misinformation, excessive control risks silencing dissent. The challenge lies in creating a media environment that is free and fair. Laws should empower the truth, not shield those in power from accountability.

Once limited to radio shows and printed headlines, the media industry has now evolved into an ever-expanding universe of tweets, TikToks, podcasts and 24/7 news cycles. However, as this universe grows, we are left with important questions: Who holds the mirror? Who controls the megaphone? Are we seeing the truth or just a reflection of what someone wants us to see? The media industry today is more powerful than ever. Through a mix of traditional formats like television, radio and newspapers and modern platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and online blogs, media reaches billions daily. Whether it is breaking news or a viral dance

LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

Implement inclusive, accountable 13MP G25 Malaysia welcomes the release of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) (2026–2030), which outlines a clear medium-term vision for Malaysia’s transition to a developed, high-income nation by the end of this decade.

With GDP continuing to grow and per capita income rising steadily, Malaysia is well positioned to make this leap. However, to achieve the desired objectives, the plan must include the necessary institutional and human rights reforms to meet the rising expectations among the new generation of Malaysians. Moreover, the strength of any plan lies not just in its vision but in the consistency of its implementation. Without clear political will – particularly to eradicate systemic corruption – and sustained coordination, there is a real risk of a disconnect between policy intent and outcomes on the ground. Malaysia’s ambition to become a high-income, innovation-driven economy must be underpinned by policies that develop and retain talent while preventing the deepening of socioeconomic inequalities. In this context, G25 is concerned by the growing commercialisation of public services in the name of “financial sustainability”, such as increasing direct intakes into public universities and the privatisation of public healthcare through initiatives like Rakan KKM. This risks creating new socioeconomic divides, not based on race or religion, but between those who can afford access and those who cannot. This could mean that deserving Malaysians will miss out on university places while wealthier foreign applicants gain entry or that poorer patients in public hospitals wait longer while fee paying patients are prioritised. In this regard, we are violating the equality provisions as enshrined in Article 8 (equality before the law) and Article 12 (equality in the administration of education) of the Federal Constitution. The government must not lose sight of regional disparities in development, especially in the east coast and East Malaysia. As we move towards high-income status, inclusive growth must mean shared prosperity across all states, not just in the urban and industrial heartlands. The 13MP must be accompanied by meaningful reforms in federal-state relations, as mandated by the spirit of federalism, to ensure

The commercialisation of public services, such as public healthcare, can create new socioeconomic divides between those who can afford access and those who cannot. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Malaysia as a secular democracy with Islam as the religion of the Federation, whilst other religions may be practised in peace and harmony. No state governments should enact laws that contradict these foundational principles. Any such actions must be subject to Parliamentary oversight and judicial review to ensure national unity and legal consistency. In reaffirming the supremacy of the Federal Constitution, Malaysia must ensure that no state unilaterally undermines our democratic fabric or causes confusion over the country’s future direction. By demonstrating maturity, tolerance and a commitment to reform, Malaysia can gain greater international confidence, whether from investors, tourists or global institutions. Aligning our economic trajectory with shared democratic values will elevate our standing on the world stage. G25 remains hopeful that with growing political maturity and principled leadership, the 13MP will not only achieve its growth and sectoral targets but will also bring about a more just, inclusive and democratic Malaysia. G25 Malaysia

that resource allocation, infrastructure investment and fiscal transfers reflect not only population size or political alignment but also developmental needs and long-term equity. Economic advancement must be accompanied by greater freedom of expression, good governance and respect for constitutional rights; otherwise, resentment may grow and be exploited by extremists. G25 believes that civil society has an essential role in shaping national discourse on language, race, religion and human rights. The government should embrace and encourage open dialogues, even when views are critical, so long as they are conducted in a civil manner and do not incite hatred or violence. Public trust in the government is strengthened when dissent is not feared but welcomed and when democratic institutions demonstrate their independence and integrity. We further urge the government to maintain its commitment to constitutional democracy, good governance and the Rule of Law, with Parliament as the supreme law-making body and an independent judiciary. The Federal Constitution clearly defines