Asian Value Thesis

(McDaniel 2002)

• Argues that Asian cultures differs from Western culture and “countries across the continent share a common set of values”
• support public ‘protection’ against objectionable matters through censorship
• limiting access to information can be seen as a legal role of governments as it is congruent with cultural values distinct to Asia

The term “Asian values” can be used in the political discourse to explain the distinctions between Asia and the West in concepts and practices of human rights, democracy and freedom. Asian values were advocate and promoted to defend their own political systems and practices (Xu, 2005).

With that, Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad employed it to challenge Western ideological dominance, to defend their policies and to back up their authoritarian rule. Mahathir applied communitarian principles and discipline in running Malaysia, the cornerstone of Asian values as safeguards against perceived threats to Asian cultural identities and diversity from the domination of Western cultures and values (Mahathir, 1999, Xu 2005). In his interpretation, Asian values refer to community and family orientation, respect for authority, and emphasis on responsibility over individual privileges. His definition also includes emphasis on community rights over individual rights and emphasis on social responsibility of the press over press freedom (1999, Xu 2005).

A look into the relationship between Asian values and democracy, the dynamic economic growth in Asia has made some Asian countries form their own perspective on democracy. On that note, Merill’s intertwined expressions of ‘free press’ and ‘democracy’ is accompanied with the notion that “the press is essential to creating democracy is the assumption that democracy is good for a country and its citizens” (2000, Xu 2005).

Mahathir (1999, Xu 2005) argued, “in Asia it has been and will continue to be, the good of many rather than the selfishness of the few or individual that is treasured. That is the way democracy has developed in many Asian countries and I believe this is going to be the Asian forms of democracy for the future as well”. Malaysia, like most Asian countries have attributed their dynamic economic growth to their traditional values, as they believe their adherence to their traditional values will lead to greater success in the future (Xu, 2005). Thus, some Asian governments have taken greater efforts to maintain aspects of their traditional values, cultural distinctiveness and national identities.

In Malaysia, where economic growth is uneven and political and social systems are unstable, the required role of the news media, especially those under the control of the government, is aid the government in nation building and economic building. Mahathir (1989, Xu 2005) prescribes the role of the press “in ensuring good democratic practices, and hence sustaining democracy itself”. He also noted “a responsible democratic government must regard a free pass as an asset which facilitate good government. The press is also expected to play the role of an educator “since the growth of human societies is so rapid and complex,” and it needs to educate itself due to vast reach and great power. In addition to providing information, entertainment and surveillance, the press in Malaysia is also expected to play the integrative role in building national integration among the diverse ethnic group.

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However, the underlying question is, are Asian values similar to political beliefs? Approaching the topic of censorship by understanding the political beliefs of Malaysia, does the no censorship policy adopted for the Internet challenges or contributes to Malaysia’s political ideology?

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Reference

McDaniel, D. (2002) Southeast Asia’s electronically charged media revolution, Nieman Reports, 56,2; Research Library pp. 63

Xu, X. (2005) Demystifying Asian Values in Journalism, Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Private Limit