WorldView

Opposition Group in Malaysia Finds Way to Get Word Out and Get Around Press Restrictions

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

BRIAN NELSON, CNN ANCHOR: An opposition group in Malaysia has found a way to get the word out and get around press restrictions imposed by the Malaysian government.

Here with our report, Allison Tom.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALLISON TOM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Malaysia's main opposition Islamic party is setting up a new Web TV service to get its message out to people worldwide. The move comes after the government cut back circulation of its party newspaper, "Harakah," for violating its permit to sell newspapers only to its members.

ZULKIFLI SULONG, "HARAKAH" WEB TV (through translator): Actually, we've been forced to find another alternative after the "Harakah" newspaper circulation was restricted from twice a week to just twice a month. So we had to find other methods to communicate with our readership and explain to them the events in the country. So after "Harakah" was restricted, we had no choice but to go into a medium that the government has guaranteed it won't disturb -- the Internet.

TOM: The Malaysian government says it will not sensor the Internet. Analysts say it be a way to attract international investors and high-tech companies. Malaysian publications are required to apply for an annual government-operating license, but that doesn't apply to online publication.

NUR ABDUL RAHMAN, "HARAKAH" REPORTER (through translator): I feel that with the "Harakah" Web TV, we can broadcast news and information especially about our party and the alternative front wisely and to a broader audience than present.

TOM: "Harakah" will broadcast material by using two video cameras, computer video editing equipment and personal computers.

ZAHARAH RAZALI, "HARAKAH" TV NEWSCASTER (through translator): For me, "Harakah" TV is different from mainstream television, which tends to be more glamorous. Our Web site does more to provide information that we think is the truth and accurate. And I personally think that we are not doing it just to be popular.

TOM: May 3 is the official launch date for "Harakah" TV. It also happens to be the World Press Freedom Day.

Allison Tom, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com