CIJ’s work is grounded in promoting Freedom of Expression (FOE) as enshrined within the normative human rights framework. One key component of CIJ’s strategic engagement is in co-chairing the FOE Cluster, a group of civil society organisations working to promote, protect and fulfil freedom of expression in Malaysia. CIJ is positioned to play a crucial role to bring together 12 different CSOs working on a broad spectrum of issues and subject matters related to freedom of expression to nurture an environment of collaboration, building consensus, and working on advocacy and law reform by capitalising on group strength. The FOE cluster focuses on strengthening independent media, combating censorship, right to information and institutional building.
Media Freedom focuses on CIJ’s goal to work towards creating an enabling environment for the media to function without interference while playing the role of a media watchdog to hold practitioners accountable in promoting ethical and responsible journalism. This key strategic area of CIJ’s work also focuses on the repealing of major laws or provisions that restrict media freedom, the development of resources and guidelines to uphold media standards and advocating for the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council.
CIJ’s Digital Rights strategic focus recognises the right to express ourselves and access information through a safe, secure, and sustainable digital space. Our work, grounded within the human rights framework of access, privacy, equality, non-violence, justice, autonomy, and sustainability, prioritises strengthening internet governance, policy advocacy on decriminalising expression in digital spaces, research on disinformation, reporting on surveillance, as well as knowledge generation and raising awareness on key digital rights issues in Malaysia.
Going back to its roots, CIJ actively works alongside marginalised and at-risk communities in our efforts to promote freedom of expression and realise fundamental liberties. Our community media projects (CMP) support these communities in reclaiming spaces and being their own voices in advocating for change, through various media outputs and distribution channels.
Right to Information (RTI) enables transparency and accountability, and strengthens the public’s right to be informed and hold the State accountable for their decisions or actions that affect the general public. CIJ plays a key role in advocating for the enactment of legislation on RTI. This includes extensive resource and knowledge generation and exchange, constructive engagement with the State and other stakeholders, as well as in mobilising new cohorts as voices of change in pushing forward the reform agenda on promoting transparency and access to information.
6-word challenge
Inspired by Ernest Hemingway‘s Six Words On, we asked our followers to share with us their comments or catchy phrases about a current issue, or significant event in Malaysia in just six (6) words. The idea is to get our followers engaged in an issue, while having fun and being creatively disciplined.
The entry with the most votes is ‘Let’s choose right: stay and fight’ ‘ by Shobha Janardanan! Congratulations!
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has come a long way!
CIJ started as an ambitious idea. From saksi.com, an independent news site, to bringing unbiased reporting via an online community radio – RadiQradio – to championing media freedom and the right to access information and freedom of expression, CIJ has become one of the leading civil society groups and media watchdogs. The journey, however, is not over yet.
Take a look at CIJ’s journey over the past 20 years and what lies ahead for the organisation.
TIMELINE
