News which never make the headlines Bloggers and the online media continue to be mercilessly attacked by the UMNO-dominated government. Politicians with the reins on power has described this growing form of electronic media as unashamedly dabbling in fiction and sensationalism. We are urged not to read blogs and other local online media web sites, as the government continues its tired tirade against citizens who continue to provide an alternative point of view. Never mind that such bloggers are just a drop in the figurative ocean, compared to what most Malaysians are reading in cyberspace.

Surely the big and powerful government has no need to be worried about bloggers such as Jeff Ooi and Raja Petra Kamaruddin? But apparently, UMNO is. Is it any wonder then that Malaysians rightfully bring up this pertinent point - why does't UMNO confront "these lies and sensationalism" (some with clear documentations) with logic and reason? This sadly, is the crux of the bankruptcy of UMNO, when it is all too willing to "animalise" people who love this nation and are concerned about the direction it is taking in this rapidly globalising world.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini carried a report about thousands of Malaysians who took to the streets to urge the government to implement a minimum monthly wage. The report stated that at least 30,000 people took part in a peaceful demonstrations under the watchful eyes of the police. The report estimated about a thousand people demonstrated in Kuala Lumpur. This is worthy of coverage and of national interest surely. A quick survey of the online versions of the Star and New Straits Times this morning failed to elicit any news on this important event. It is clear that mainstream media suppresses news. As a former journalist, I know that that too clearly. Is it any wonder that thinking Malaysians continue to look at alternative media for news and informed analysis?  ¶ 8:10 AM