Freedom of the Press attains better society: Ross Dunkley

Photo from Mynamr Times

To enjoy democracy to the fullest there must be freedom of the Press. This is what makes a person or individual express what he think is right, saying his views and opinions without being questioned. It entails responsibility and most of us want to attain peace and harmony to which we all aim for.

Freedom of the press plays a very important role towards the attainment of a strong progress in terms of economy, social and cultural growth, peaceful political procedure and stability. It’s also proven to be an effective tool in fighting poverty, disclosure of corruption, getting rid of diseases and other health related problems, upliftment of illiterates, and fight ignorance. These are all encountered in regardless of whether we are a developed country, or an industrialized nation or perhaps belonging to an underdeveloped country, Ross Dunkley and Timothy Balding wrote in Phnom Penh Post.

But being open to what you see, hear or write, there is an equivalent to all these circumstances, whether gaining positive or negative remarks. Journalists, editors, publishers and reporters all over the world sometimes are the victims of this tough and difficult profession. They too undergo harassments, threatened to be killed, or totally murdered, put under detention or locked up in jails or even to the extent that their publication passes thru censorship, or imposed fines or subject to shutting down.

The issue that Myanmar is confronted with at present is the freeing of political prisoners and journalists which has been part of the reforms implemented by the government. Without doing so, it would be impossible for both the government and its people to achieve the democracy they have been working for.

They have come to a position where they are determined to fight for their rights, express their sentiments and reactions thru peaceful strategies, and with them is the courage and strength knowing that this would enlighten whatever their purpose is even if it means sacrificing their lives and opportunities.

The only permanent thing in this world is change. Give people the chance to improve themself by giving them the encouragement they needed, boost their moral and uplift them spiritually. In every problem there’s always an answer. Just face it with positivity and everything will fall into its right place, as quoted by The Dalai Lama in the World Press Freedom Day in 2003.

Being part of media entities, you must be responsible and accountable in everything you do, not only focus on the political side but overall the considerations for the welfare and interests of the people. Nothing can be compared to a world where people enjoy a blissful life with peaceful, friendly and pleasant surroundings and harmonious environment.

This article is rewritten from the perspective of Ross Dunkley and Timothy Balding on World Press Freedom Day 3 May, 2012. Mr Dunkley is an Australian journalist. He is the founder and owner of Myanmar Times and Phnom Penh Post.