By June Ramli
Sydney, Jan 16: In a recent interview, Premesh Chandran, the co-founder of Malaysiakini, shared the compelling journey behind one of Malaysia’s most read online news platforms.
Malaysiakini, known for its unfiltered and politically independent reporting, has amassed over a million followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) and a dedicated daily readership.
Founded in 1999, Malaysiakini was born out of a necessity to challenge the mainstream media’s narrative in Malaysia, which at the time was heavily influenced by the government.
Chandaran recalls the political landscape of 1998, marked by the arrest of Anwar Ibrahim, as a pivotal moment that underscored the need for a platform offering unbiased political news.
A significant catalyst for Malaysiakini’s inception was Malaysia’s Multimedia Super Corridor initiative, which included a bill of guarantees ensuring internet freedom, a privilege not extended to traditional media outlets.
This legal framework allowed Malaysiakini to operate without the need for a publishing license, a strategic advantage over conventional media channels.
Initially, the platform faced challenges in establishing a sustainable business model. While advertising initially seemed promising, political sensitivities soon deterred advertisers.
This led to a strategic pivot in 2002 towards a subscription model, a bold move considering the nascent stage of online payments and internet banking.
Despite technical and financial hurdles, Malaysiakini’s commitment to journalistic integrity resonated with readers.
This connection was evident when the office faced police raids and equipment confiscation; readers and supporters rallied by donating computers to keep the news service running.
In the early days, hiring experienced journalists from mainstream media proved difficult, leading Chandran and his team to recruit fresh graduates and novices.
This decision paid off, as Malaysiakini rapidly grew from a six-person team to a 120-strong workforce, maintaining its independent and critical voice.
The 2008 Malaysian general elections marked a turning point for Malaysiakini.
The platform’s coverage and readership surged, reflecting a societal shift towards digital news consumption and a thirst for unbiased reporting.
This period also saw Malaysiakini become the country’s most visited news website, surpassing traditional media giants.
Today, Malaysiakini continues to evolve, expanding its coverage to include climate reporting and business news, areas that were part of its content spectrum since inception.
While Chandaran and fellow co-founder Steven Gan have stepped back from day-to-day operations, serving on the board of directors, the ethos of Malaysiakini remains unchanged – a commitment to fair, balanced, and independent journalism.
Chandaran’s advice to aspiring news entrepreneurs is clear: find a niche, build a loyal audience, and create content that resonates deeply with your readers.
In a world where digital platforms are numerous and news consumption habits are rapidly evolving, the key to sustainability lies in understanding and serving your audience’s unique needs.
As Malaysiakini continues to navigate the ever-changing media landscape, its journey stands as a testament to the power of resilient, independent journalism in shaping a nation’s narrative.
Without further ado, let’s listen to the interview here:
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