About Malaysiakini

When the rest were silent, we spoke.

Malaysiakini was founded in 1999 by Steven Gan and Premesh Chandran to provide the nation with an independent voice in a repressive media landscape dominated by corporate and political interests as well as government censorship.

By going online, Malaysiakini circumvented government control of the media and therefore had the freedom to report without fear of favour during an era when publications could be banned with just a minister’s pen stroke.

Initially, Malaysiakini purchased a cybercafé to serve as the operations centre for the new website but this proved to be a loss-making venture and a distraction to the crucial work of news reporting. So it was sold off after just five months.

A new lease of life came in the form of a US$100,000 grant from the Bangkok-based Southeast Asia Press Alliance (Seapa) that enabled Malaysiakini to launch a dedicated news operation just in time for the 1999 general election.

For more than two decades, Malaysiakini, despite facing threats, police raids, cyberattacks, lawsuits, vandalism and even “black magic”, was not cowed. It provided Malaysians with the unvarnished truth about significant political developments, corruption and abuse of power.

Much has changed in the media landscape since then. It has become more vibrant with the emergence of new news outlets and social media, but it is also tainted with the proliferation of online misinformation and disinformation.

With the support of its subscribers, Malaysiakini continues to stand firm as the nation’s sole independent media outlet. Its editorial policies and decisions remain in the full control of its editors and journalists who are committed to holding those in power to account and deliver the news and views that matter.

As part of a succession plan, its founders are relinquishing most of their shares to a new foundation created to ensure Malaysiakini’s continued independence.

Our Vision

To continue setting new standards in journalism as well as to support the development of freedom of speech, social justice and democracy in Malaysia.

Our Mission

To inform the Malaysian public of the latest news and critical issues in an independent and fair manner, and to facilitate discussion of current concerns, thereby challenging the views produced by the government-dominated mainstream media.

Our Goal

To be the nation’s leading and most trusted news organisation.