CIJ Vision

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all people will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Background
In response to the 1998 political crisis in Malaysia, a group of five journalists, writers and activists started a project to fill in the demand for critical analysis of the political issues confronting the public. A website, saksi.com (witness.com) was created and became an important source of analytical and independent information concerning the emerging independent media in Malaysia. Because of the strong and positive response the group received to the website, they registered the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) as an organisation to carry out a project as an independent news/content provider.

CIJ's alternative radio project RadiQRadio was implemented until early 2003, when the group explored different ways of broadening the scope of disseminating news across Malaysia. This included collaboration with an Indonesian radio station in Dumai for cross-border transmission. However, technical difficulties and the limited management experience of CIJ in running such a station, posed insurmountable, and this particular project was discontinued.

Nevertheless, at the same time CIJ was moving into new, much needed activities to help improve journalism and press freedom in Malaysia. The organisation is the leading group involved in media protection and media building in Malaysia.

Areas of Work
As a civil society group, CIJ actively advocates for broader space for expression and views and openness of information in Malaysia. We constantly give a perspective to issues in regards to freedom of expression, media freedom and ethical journalism through press statements, articles, and an annual review on the Malaysian situation. We campaign for the repeal of restrictive laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Official Secrets Act and against additional legislative curbs on media freedom. CIJ attempts to raise public awareness on the values of freedom of expression, press freedom and freedom of information by organizing and giving talks. One of our signature events is the annual celebration of the World Press Freedom Day on May 3. We actively support grassroots media through our citizen radio project and training on podcasts (http://www.radiq.net/) and disseminating those community voices.

We also engage stakeholders including local and international civil society groups, journalists, academics and lawmakers in order to build a strong network and mutual collaboration for free expression. In summary, CIJ strives to fulfill the following objectives;

Office Manager
Phang Lai Yoong

Yip Wai Fong