Do you trust official media to give unbiased coverage on May 18?

“Do you trust the official media (RTM/Bernama) to give unbiased coverage on the Parliament sitting on May 18?”

The response to this innocuous question posed on social media yesterday morning was obvious – almost all provided answers in the negative. But at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself if opening the coverage to all would have made any difference.

Would you have got an accurate coverage if the mainstream media had been allowed or would you have wanted news portals like Malaysiakini to provide an independent, accurate and bi-partisan look at the proceedings?

It may be just conjecture, but haven’t you been seeing the return to the bad pre-GE14 era where the incumbent government had always been touted as a shining example of a democratic movement in the entire globe?

Don’t you remember how Dr Mahathir Mohammed was demonised? Did you read that Anwar Ibrahim was power-crazy; Lim Kit Siang was a spent force and the DAP are communist agents?

For a good measure, wasn’t the theft of several billion ringgit from 1MDB described as an opposition ploy to overthrow the democratically elected government of Najib Abdul Razak? Arul (the money is still there) Kanda’s going to the ground on ceramah rounds and his magical words were the next best thing since the invention of sliced bread.

Three months after the historic elections two years ago, the same editors or their representatives who ostracised and detested the Pakatan Harapan leaders were lining up at the United Nations to kiss Mahathir’s hands and perhaps, seek forgiveness for their wayward past. These speak volumes for the media – official or unofficial.

Yes, some issues fade away and in two short years, many remain a distant memory only to be precipitated to the forefront by strange events, stranger happenings and the strangest of capitulation by humans.

When Mahathir told the police not to arrest anyone who criticised him or the government, how many got the message? How many pushed the envelope? Many were still on autopilot – don’t upset anyone even if it is the truth. Some media organisation even gave positive grades for the Harapan government in certain areas of governance when they should have been categorised as “F”?

Some analysts and commentators made more U-turns, went in circles in roundabouts and took more routes than motoring treasure hunters in a bid to stay relevant and in the public eye. Their dismal forecast (read: bluff) – BN will win hands down had been called but yet trudge along and continue analysing and dissecting political issues and make predictions as if they had a crystal ball in front of them.

Many were already hedging their bets to switch seamlessly in the event the tide changes. Even when the Sheraton move was taking place, many were waiting to swing, sway and dance to the tune of the winner. Did anyone expect anything more from the media which has been so used to being a plaint cog in the wheels of government?

One editor, in supporting Najib three years ago, wrote overpoweringly on the need to protect the Rohingya community. Last month, he joined the “go home” chorus. At least, he has been consistent in changing his views with the change in government!

If you watch the daily briefing by Senior Minister (security cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob (photo), then you would know the tete-a-tete sometimes starts with a compliment on his shirt and culminates with a pantun (short poem). Is this the “new” norm for the official media at government briefings?

So, under these circumstances, does anyone care of the manner in which this country is spiralling downwards? Does anyone care if Parliament – the law-making body and the ultimate symbol of democracy – is brought to its knees by self-serving members who tend to forget basic doctrines for political expediency?

Who cares if the speeches and protests of the hardened few are not given space or airtime? The ultimate recompense is to remain a Yang Berhormat and all the perks that come with the title.

Who do you complain to? Would it be worth it knowing that no dissent, disagreement or protest will be entertained? Are you aware that principles, rules and precedent would be bent or broken – even if they have been carved in stone?

Who cares if opposition members are not given the opportunity to speak or their microphones switched off? Will their voices be drowned by loud, uncouth and unparliamentary language?

This is the sad state of affairs in a nation where the wings of almost every arm of a democratic structure are being systematically clipped.

The Bar, the judiciary and other luminaries who ought to have stood up and been the voice of the people have suddenly vanished into their cocoons in the woodwork leaving the rest to watch helplessly.

Not a word of dissent or unhappiness has appeared in the appointment of incompetent personalities to the chairmanship of government-linked companies. Has anyone challenged that infamous “all MPs are qualified” statement by the de facto law minister?

Has anyone read or heard the term “back door government” in the newspapers or the official media? No, former tourism minister Azalina Othman Said’s words are still ringing in their ears: “Back door government is an expired argument.”

If the media is going to be dictated by such bunkum, then all hopes for this country are as good as gone – habis cerita!

But then, there’s some consolation – there are pockets of practitioners who ply their trade without fear or favour putting people first and a better quality of life for all in the forefront.

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R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist and writes on the profession with extra passion. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com - Mkini