Controversial RFS is back

After a period of silence controversial online radio station Radio Free Sarawak expects to continue its campaign to address land grabs and corruption in Sarawak.

KUCHING: Radio Free Sarawak is back after an almost four months hiatus. It is re-launching this week with an expanded team and greater ambitions.

It kicks off with a two hour daily timeslot from 6 – 8 pm on the shortwave 17560 kHz bandwidth.

Broadcast is also available online via the websitewww.radiofreesarawak.org .

According to its media release, the RFS “will continue to focus on the concerns and interests of the ordinary people of Sarawak, mainly rural folk, who currently have no access to an independent news source. ”

“We will also address urban and Malaysia-wide issues in recognition of its popular following among internet users and listeners from other states,” said the statement.

RFS has been credited for the Chief Minister Taib Mahmud-led Barisan Nasional coalition’s losses in the mixed and rural constituencies in Sarawak in the April state polls where BN won 55 seats while the opposition made inroads with 15 seats, whilst one seat, Pelagus, went to independent George Lagong.

This was an unprecedented victory for the opposition.

Political analyst had also pointed a distinctive swing in votes for the opposition in rural and Malay-mixed areas in Sarawak.

According to RFS statement today, the station aims to address issues such as land-grabs, disenfranchisement and corruption, which the government controlled broadcast network neglect.

“The station will reach out and listen to the voices of the people of Sarawak and work on exposing the problems that have resulted in Malaysia’s richest state becoming home to many of its poorest people.

“Expect to hear voices also from the opposition parties, who achieved nearly half the votes at the state election (despite BN vote rigging), but who never get adequate recognition from the licenced media,” said the statement.