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Journalism's For Me Despite ISA

Posted by St Low

Monday, 13 October 2008 20:49

When I was out for assignments or conducting a telephone interview over the past two weeks, my interviewees would ask: "Are you all right? Is eveything ok?"

Three weeks after I was arrested under the Internal Security Act, many are still concerned about me. Some asked me whether I was scared and thus, going to give up journalism. As you can see, I am still running around after assignments. You will know that I do not give up my job because of the incident. As many people showed their support during that time, I must adhere to my ambition. At the same time, I am responsible to work side by side with you all so that the country will move towards democracy, the judicial system will be improved, and the people will rationally overcome racial issues.

Since the moment when I was released, many readers and friends have sent messages to advise and encourage me. They asked me to see the incident as a precious experience. We must move forward instead of backwards. Indeed, all of us should adopt a positive attitude when we are faced with setbacks and injustices in life.

To me, the 18-hour experience was not a trauma or "glory". Instead, it was an opportunity for the people to see the unity spirit of the media, as well as the power of public opinion.

I would like to see a thorough investigation into my arrest and find out the crux of the problem, so that the same incident would not happen again. (By Tan Hoon Cheng/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)

Comments (15) Add Comment

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written by Jit Dharma, October 13, 2008 21:04:58

Keep going Brother/Sister(sorry,not sure!!). Unfortunately, Malaysia is a
Neo-feudal dictatorship and so no investigation will be carried out into your
ordeal.That is, until we can change the Government!!!
Death to All tyrants.Have a nice day.

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Votes: +23

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written by ahmadneil, October 13, 2008 21:05:40

Yes, Theresa Kok, show to the 2 racists,Khir Yoyo and Ahmad Ismail that they cannot stop you from doing your job.These 2 cowards must be taught a lesson which they will never forget.Go 'Iron Lady'.

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Votes: +32

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written by Pangkis Pangazou, October 13, 2008 21:13:25

Ayooo... guys, this article was written by Tan Hoon Cheng, the journalist who was detained under ISA and was released 18 hours later. She was the one who reported the "fire" but got arrested instead while the guy who "started the fire" is roaming free to spread other "fires". Welcome to Malaysia!

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Votes: +51

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written by Margeemar, October 13, 2008 21:20:42

In Malaysia, just like in Indonesia, food is getting very expensive. But the wages and salaries of the people, especially the Malays, is not keeping up with the increase in prices. Instead of developing the competitive ability of the people,the Government has been using the failed NEP to provide subsidies and dish out money on a plate. Everything is subsidised, even cooking oil, flour, rice, sugar, fuel, etc. The Government has been providing these subsidies so that the people will keep voting for the ruling party. So it has never been to the Government’s advantage to make the Malays independent. A Malay who is independent of the Government may not vote for the BN. It is therefore better to keep feeding with subsidies.. So, for the past 50 years, everything has been subsidised....More http://margeemar.blogspot.com

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Votes: +12

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written by JUST, October 13, 2008 21:29:37

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...re=related

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Votes: -1

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written by asiseesit, October 13, 2008 21:39:34

fight on girl. but don't be modest about it because 18 hours of your life have been taken away from you without any real reason other than what syed hamid said. they own it to you to explain your detention.

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Votes: +19

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written by shangrilapeace, October 13, 2008 21:59:22

You didn't fizzled out before ISA-ed. You could if you want too. 1st feather on your cap.
You didn't resign, you could, if you haven't got the guts. 2nd feather.
Thanks, you will go far, maybe politically for you are like Teresa Kok.
You are a heroine, that's why people are concerned about your well being but mainly, it is because they love you very, very much. Cheers.

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Votes: +13

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written by DreamLady, October 13, 2008 22:14:25

Way to go, Teressa, sue Utusan and Toyol hantu as well. Anybody whose reputation has been tarnished in the past by Utusan should come forward now, and sue the Utusan in unison, let the papers have the taste of their own medicine !!

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Votes: +7

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written by diff2view, October 13, 2008 23:16:51

Good times are good but bad times are still better..bravo to you..keep up the good work in journalism..

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Votes: +3

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written by DreamLady, October 13, 2008 23:24:11

Utusan starts to use the blaming game, and places itself as a victim for the on-slaughter of inpending court case. utusan is now in real bad shape considering the fact that it has to fork out millions to pay for the defamation suit if it loses..

And the very fact the people involved are scare shit, cos' they know they are always on the wrong SIDE of the LAW, and the chances of them winning the case is extremely slim..

That's when the tabung azan comes in ....

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Votes: +3

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written by New Malaysian, October 14, 2008 01:03:25

Dear Tan Hoon Cheng,
Kudos to you for putting up your chin against such formidable adversaries. And kudos to your employers and colleagues who stood with you in your dilemma. i truly hope that you will continue to write the truth without fear or favour till the end and not go the way of your compatriots from the Star and the like, some of whom have clearly sold their souls...... To a New Malaysia and true democracy!

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Votes: +6

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written by Tok Din, October 14, 2008 02:17:49

Dear Ms. Tan Hoon Cheng:
Malaysia needs courageous journalists like you. Freedom of the press is the only means by which we can build democracy in this country. Since we are literate and we can analyse and reach our own decision, what is lacking is objective and unbiased information. The press is the only reliable watchdog for a democracy. Your example will inspire a generation of reporters and journalists. March on lady and find your dream in building a fair and just society. Speak up and write about it when you see injustices and madmen fanning up racial emotions. You are the conscience of a free nation.

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Votes: +6

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written by JJFoo, October 14, 2008 08:35:24

This incident happened not by mistake. It a form of terrorism, a blatant case of intimidation, a show of force (technically you can be locked up for 18 hour, 18 days, 18 month or even 18 years). Journalists were intimidated to toe the line. Reporting the truth becomes secondary, superseded by reporting only what deem “acceptable by the government”.

Courage shown by Tan Hoon Cheng is most admirable.

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Votes: +4

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written by JUST, October 14, 2008 08:56:29

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...re=related

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Votes: +0

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written by JUST, October 14, 2008 09:13:14

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...re=related

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Votes: -1

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