Evaluating the state of investigative journalism in Malaysia from practitionners' perspectives

• Main Authors: Ismail, Adibah, Syd Zin, Syd Abdul Rahman
• Other Authors: Mohd Noor , Nor Azlina
• Format: Book Section
• Language: English
• Published: UUM COLGIS Universiti Utara Malaysia 2009
• Subjects: PN Literature (General)
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/1160/1/Adibah_Bt_Ismail.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/1160/

Investigative journalism is not a new area in journalism but its practice around the world vary from one country to another as media practitioners are arguing whether it should be practiced or not. Therefore, this research is trying to find out the state of investigative journalism in Malaysia from media practitioners’ perspective. Using qualitative interview, this research will try to evaluate their understanding on the roles of investigative journalism and barriers in practising it in Malaysia. Eight respondents consist of editors and reporters from four print media organizations were interviewed in this research. This research found that Malaysian media practitioners do understand investigative journalism but they have to adapt their practice into the country’s media environment. Most of them prefer to abide by the rules and regulations set by the government, their organization and even themselves. Consequently, the study showed that they prefer to investigate issues concerning consumer affairs and rarely touch on political issues.