PETALING JAYA, March 7 — DurianAsean, a sister radio station of DurianFM, promises to change how members of the Asean community perceive one another.

Broadcast in English, the new station will focus on political and socio-economic issues affecting Asean, and will also analyse the impact of such issues on the community.

Global Moderates Movement (GMM) CEO Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said most Asean members did not have a genuine sense of belonging. 

“There is a need to showcase the Asean way of thinking about things. Online media and radio will enable greater dialogue on political and foreign policy issues among regular members of the community, as well as areas such as music, arts, culture, fashion and food,” he said.

He said at the radio station's launch yesterday the mainstream media tends to give more publicity to chauvinism and extremism, and that press freedom was instrumental in promoting moderation. 

“GMM is trying to greater promote the idea of moderate thinking. Malaysians are by nature moderate people but we've allowed extremist views to take centre stage,” he said. 

“Moderates need to speak up more. This will be a platform for them to interact freely among one another.”

DurianFM executive director Jamaluddin Ibrahim said the station's broadcast from the third anniversary of DurianFM tomorrow marked a big step forward in Malaysia's democracy.

“In our society, our media and our political parties, we are not used to sharp questions. As a result, sharp analysis and questions are not welcomed. So much so that very often, when faced with criticisms, people will reply 'This is not our culture',” he said.

“We are still fighting among ourselves for power and resources while other Asean countries are moving forward. Where democracy and freedom of speech are concerned, we are lagging behind Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar and even Cambodia.” 

Jamaluddin said that next year would be a challenging one for Asean as member countries would enjoy more freedom and flexibility with the implementation of the free trade zone. 

“The question is: are we ready for this? Do Malaysians understand the implication and impact of the Asean Community on our daily lives? Let’s also not depart from the way of justice, transparency, accountability and integrity. The non-state owned independent media of Asean countries must work diligently to promote and monitor the performance of their governments.”

DurianAsean will broadcast two shows in its initial stage: ABC (Asean Breakfast Call) and 'HELP on the Way', a programme co-produced with HELP University that will focus on lifestyle, education, the humanities, psychology, entertainment and sports for students. 

DurianAsean will also feature news exchange with 10 other Asean countries, which means ABC will also be broadcast through radio in these countries. 

Listeners can tune in to DurianAsean via durianasean.com. You can also listen with your smartphone with the app “TUNEIN” downloaded to your phone. For more information log on to durianasean.com.