The watchdog role in Media

Malaysia ‘bans’ Peter Mayle book “Where did I come from?”

I personally think that Peter Mayle’s book title ‘Where did I come from?’ is a part of an education to the kids. The reason said is because young children usually love to question adults especially parents on how they come to this world. I understand that sex is a private matter and so it is even harder for parents to explain to their children. Hence, this book actually helps to despite the curiosity of the young children. Moreover, sex education today should enforce earlier to the youngsters to enhance their knowledge, thus it could reduce abortion and early pregnancy.

Source: GoogleImages, 2012

 However, due to the rules and regulations implies in Malaysia which regards anything about sensitive topics are ban to be published. According to BBC News (2012) states that Malaysia bans this book because it is proven to contain elements harmful to public morals and corrupt people’s minds. It is also reported that there is cooperation from every bookstores in the country to stop selling the book or else action will be taken either sentence to jail or fine up to 20,000 ringgit.

In the globalization world today, communication occurs through different aspect of cultural groups. The cultural context upholds in Malaysia based on Islamic beliefs differ from other countries throughout the globe. In Malaysia, any issues that connects to the exposure of immorality or sensitive issues are protected from publishing to preserve citizen’s rights. Sani (2005) establishes that the government keeps a watchful eye on the press for any stories that address race relations, religion or problems in foreign countries. This proves the censorship laws considered in Malaysia tightens the media in reporting many issues. Hughes (2006) noted that censorship basically takes two forms, namely preventive interference by the state prior to publication, or subsequent punitive prosecution, dealt with more fully under fines and penalties and lawsuits. Hence, Mayle’s book considered offense to the laws in Malaysia through the content provided.

In brief, numerous people view certain issues differently. Today, you may disagree on the act taken by Malaysia government assuming it is ridiculous but every country have its own laws to obey and to protect.

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References:

BBC News 2012, Malaysia ‘bans’ Peter Mayle book: Where did I come from?, viewed 5 June 2012, < http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17112635>.

Hughes, G 2006, ‘An Encyclopedia of Swearing: The Social History of Oaths, Profanity, Foul Language, and Ethnic Slurs in the English-Speaking World,’ viewed 5 June 2012, < http://site.ebrary.com.ezlibproxy.unisa.edu.au/lib/unisaau/docDetail.action?docID=10178137>.

Sani, MAM 2005, ‘Media Freedom in Malaysia,’ ProQuest, Journal of Contemporary Asia, vol 35, no.3, viewed 5 June 2012, < http://search.proquest.com.ezlibproxy.unisa.edu.au/docview/194230687>.