If you have something good to say then say it

The Chief Minister of Sarawak Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud might not be in everyone's good books but his rebuke of Metro Ahad for its report which alleged that certain Penan group in upper Baram was practising incest is timely and should be applauded. Metro Ahad itself has issued a statement of apology and retraction of the said article.

I find it refreshing that the Chief Minister was quoted as saying that, “If you have something good to say then say it. But if you don’t have anything good to say just keep quiet”. That should be everyone's position as well but we should temper that statement with the fact that we must expose any wrong doing if we have evidence to support our suspicions. A news item should be checked and rechecked for accuracy and any inadvertent mistakes before it is published. This is most important especially when it involves a hot topic such as incest.

As it is, the news which was featured on the front page of the paper has gone round the world countless times since it was first featured on Sunday. An apology and retraction might seem adequate but the damage has been done. A group's reputation has been tarnished.

The Chief Minister may have issued his statement for political expediency and some may doubt his sincerity. Nevertheless, the fact that he rebuked the paper is a milestone of sorts as the Penans have always been highlighted in a bad light during their protests over encroachments to their settlements. This is a new beginning for everyone involved.

We do hope that minority groups will not be treated in the same manner in future. They have the same rights as other Malaysians to be treated fairly and without prejudice. Those who want to make a scoop must think twice or even thrice before putting pen to paper. Research and due diligence must be the order of the day. We would not want others to continue propagating shoddy journalism.

As it is, the mainstream media have lost many readers and this latest episode would certainly make others read the papers with more caution.

Image from krittercards