It is a must to have courage to question

China Press, May, 18^th 2016.

Finally a reporter dared to ask a question on an issue which was suppressed deep in the hearts of millions of Malaysians. Nevertheless this question was not raised by our local reporters.

Surprisingly the incident happened in our own home ground but the question on that issue embedded deeply in our hearts was raised by a foreign journalist.

This phenomenon was similar to a yellow elephant in a room yet it was not noticed by anyone until someone from outside opened the door to the room uttered without hesitation: How come you are here?

Or why are you still around?

This was the question raised by the English journalist Miller to Prime Minister Najib: You were involved in an international corruption scandal. Why haven’t you resigned?

In April this year, the Prime Minister of Iceland Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson had already resigned immediately after the disclosure of the “Panama Secrets”. How come you are still around?

What a bold and popular question put forward!

It was very well expected the party concerned would not respond to this question. Although facing the risk of being jailed, Miller still insisted in carrying out the basic duty of a journalist –- to ask questions.

This is because that is the truth or answer that thousands or millions of Malaysians hope to hear.

Asking questions on an issue that people are eager to know is the professional duty and responsibility that the public expected from journalists.

About ten months ago, the Wall Street Journal from US disclosed that billions of Malaysian Ringgit was credited into the private account of Prime Minister Najib. It was shocking news. The party concerned had attended many public events, called many press conferences and given many irrational excuses. Yet was there any local journalist who had the guts to question him personally about the lingering doubt buried deep in their hearts?

Remaining silent tantamount to condone

Many reporter friends of mine regarded me as naïve and stupid. Questioning the corruption scandal of the Prime Minister is similar to committing suicide.

They may be right!  What is the point of having a reporter’s identification card if you dare not ask basic or rightful questions? The timid act will cause others to look down on reporters and who is to be blamed? The media should be blamed with all their findings yet dared not step out into the mines.

Maybe my media friends would protest to what I had mentioned. Do you think this was what I really wanted? Alright maybe everyone was angry with themselves for not being courageous enough to practice the freedom of speech. It is not a rational norm bottling all the findings silently.

It means one knows and understands the issue but does not condone the action. To remain silent at the crucial time is tantamount to agree with the evil act that should not be allowed even though one may face problems or difficulties.

If one always rationalizes to be safe as a coward, gradually one will lose the guts to stand up for the truth.