Protest letter to Malaysiakini

Dear Editor, 

I wish to bring to your attention a couple of Malaysiakini news pieces that of late have placed Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in underserved bad light due to alleged accounts of in-fighting and dissensions within the party that have depended largely on unnamed so called "insider sources/ accounts."

Two recent reports come to mind "Sabah chief throws 'tantrums' at PKR meet" (15 October 2009) which I have already clarified with a press statement; and now the latest report "PKR sec-gen denies quit rumours" (27 October 2009) which had several hours earlier appeared in a more scandalous form but has since been amended. As far as the party leadership is concerned, it has not received any resignation letter and Salehuddin Hashim remains PKR's secretary-general. But the damage has been done: another report on in-fighting and dissensions in PKR. It would be interesting if Malaysiakini could confront these "sources" and demand for a copy of the "strongly-worded letter of resignation."

While it is not in PKR's place nor is it desirable for a political party to influence editorial policies of an independent news organisation like Malaysiakini, I found these pieces have been far too reliant on unnamed "insider sources/ accounts" that have exaggerated or told half truths or simply lies of particular party affairs.

While I do not doubt that there are "insider sources" for whatever devious plans and motives have been leaking out such information to Malaysiakini, I would request that you take more care and consideration in basing reports on these unnamed "insider sources/ accounts"; press for them to be named if they want to be taken seriously; and to scrupulously verify from other sources who have no qualms to be named.

There now seems to be a concerted campaign to portray PKR as a party mired in deep internal trouble and I hope Malaysiakini which has been the leading new media over the last decade can exercise better journalism and avoid being manipulated towards that end.   

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

LATHEEFA KOTA

Information Chief, Parti Keadilan Rakyat