News on July

The just concluded Bersih rally was an exciting time for Malaysiakini. Most of Malaysiakini's reporting team were in KL the night before, and followed development over the next 24 hours. It was quite a news event, with confrontations across teh capital. Despite a DDOS attack on Malaysiakini's website, we're happy to report 726,000 unique computers and mobile devices accessed Malaysiakini on Saturday (as recorded by Google Analytics). Malaysiakini.tv received over two million video downloads, with top videos reaching 250,000 views.

Our recent investments in technology allowed Malaysiakini to manage the DOS attack well. Many thanks to our supporters who donated generously after the Sarawak elections. Nevertheless, defence against cyber-attacks are a matter of tactics and resources, and Malaysiakini will have to be on stand by for new tactics used by attackers to bring Malaysiakini down.

Online Journalist of the Year

Malaysiakini journalist Aidila Razak won the 'Online Journalist of the Year' award at the second National Press Club (NPC)-Naza Awards held recently. She received RM5,000 and a trophy that was presented by Prime Minister Najib Razak. The category was created this year in recognition of the thriving online media in Malaysia. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/168924

Aidila, 27, joined Malaysiakini in October 2009 after graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Journalism.

"I am honoured to be named 'Online Journalist of the Year', especially as this is the first year the award is introduced," she said.

"I hope that the coming years will see more entries and more online journalists being recognized for the hard work they put in, especially in providing a diversity of news and views on the Malaysian news landscape."

In silent protest against the government's clampdown on freedom of expression, Aidila wore a black outfit with yellow floral motif, and a yellow rose in her hair.

Courage in Editorial Cartooning

On the other side of the world, Malaysiakini cartoonist was awarded the 'Courage in Editorial Cartooning' award from US-based Cartoonists Rights Network International (CRNI). CRNI director Robert Russell commended Zunar for his confrontational style as a "roadmap towards defending freedom of speech".

"There is not a corrupt politician or story of malfeasance or an instance of corruption that does not escape the attention of his pen." Russell said.

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/169660

July promises to be an eventful month, and we are sure there will be many interesting news events, coming in the wake of Bersih. The PSM 6 remain detained under the ISA / Emergency Ordinance, the goverment has said they will charge Bersih demonstrators. Malaysiakini will as always keep you updated with the news.

Premesh Chandran
CEO Malaysiakini