Summary

Blogging has become an influential phenomenon that is gaining recognition and acknowledgement by the media, scholars, and government officials throughout the world. Recent events that have highlighted the importance of blogs and weblogs include the Asian tsunami disaster, the Iraq war, regional elections and health pandemics. In Malaysia, blogs have become increasingly prominent as a means of commenting upon issues of public significance - including the Hindraf demonstrations (Indian community), church arson attacks (Christian community) and the sugar shortage and land development issues. For good or bad, blogs have become an important source of news and commentary to many. With the addition of micro-blogs such as Twitter and Facebook, the world is now able to get up-to-date information on issues – very often “live” and immediate.

However, bloggers are often criticized for not being “professional journalists,” with the assumption being that they have neither the training nor the judgment necessary to present news and opinions that could affect public opinion. Many however, argue that their blogs are only their personal views and comments on various issues. One of the most significant charges against bloggers is that they have lower journalistic standards, and do not keep to the ethical standards of professional news reporting. Even the government of Malaysia has begun to randomly surf popular blogs to stop false or free-wheeling comments on certain issues.

Personal and non-personal bloggers are distinctively different in their demographics, blogging experiences, and habits not only in Malaysia but around the world. There is a significant difference between personal and non-personal bloggers in the ethical beliefs that they value and in the ethical practices they adhere to, especially in Malaysia as it has a diverse multicultural society. Therefore, an important point to note when blogging in Malaysia is to bear in mind the diversity of its population.

Distinction must be also be made regarding the type of bloggers who are being singled out for attention, to prevent any misconceptions from both the public and the government. For example, opinions formed from reading the infamous Malaysian blogger RPK should be carefully weighed and good judgement prevail. A blogging code of ethics should be followed, as part of the blogger’s social responsibility. If any inroads are to be made in terms of bloggers regulating themselves, consensus in the community must be developed and bloggers should exhibit common sense and good moral ethics before posting their opinions.

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