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No More Secrets!

Today, I would like to teach you (those who don’t know Malay language) a new phrase:

Tiada Lagi Rahsia!

The word “tiada” is actually combined from two words, “tidak” and “ada”. On their own, “tidak” means “no”, and “ada” means “have”. If you put them together, “tidak ada” means “don’t have”. And “tiada” is the short-form of “TI(dak) ADA”.

“Lagi” means “more” and “rahsia” means “secret”.

So “Tiada Lagi Rahsia” means “No More Secrets”.

Center for Independent Journalism Malaysia (CIJ) has been running a freedom of information campaign called “No More Secrets” for a while. In conjunction with the World Press Freedom day, CIJ, working with a couple of organisations, organised a weekend of celebration for freedom of expression and also an exhibition raising the issues of press(ed) freedom in Malaysia at the all happening arty Central Market.

My good friend and also CIJ boss, Sonia Randhawa, launched the Free Voices weekend at Central Market. Sorry Sonia, I think I have to say this… launching at 12pm under the tropical sun is not a “cool” idea. However, I appreciate the effort and salute the volunteers. And also Gayathry! Get well soon! You have done so much to get everything organised and the chicken pox virus chose to strike at the wrong time. But don’t worry, people are working hard to make this weekend a success.

Sonia also wrote a book recently. “Instant Expert: The Malaysian Media. Learning about Malaysian Media Legislation, the Easy Way” is the title. Worth reading if you are interested in legal instrument used for pressed freedom here. I got her autograph on the book! Might worth a million in the near future!

Exhibition on state of press freedom and freedom of information in the country.

Studio space next to exhibition hall used for poetry reading and children art competition.

More write up available here.