Media's Role In Reporting Corruption - Public Opinion Survey 2009

MALAYSIAN PUBLIC PERSPECTIVES ON THE

MEDIA’S ROLE IN REPORTING CORRUPTION

Highlights of Public Opinion

Survey Findings

November 16, 2009

Media Role in Reporting Corruption

Public Opinion Survey Highlights

16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Supported by

Friedrich Naumann Foundation

2

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16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Survey objectives

• To explore the Malaysians’ level of satisfaction with the role of media in reporting

corruption and to provide the missing link in the recent studies on corruption,

which have largely focused on the role public institutions and the opinion of the

business sectors.

Objectives

3

• The study also aims at highlighting public opinion on the role of the media in

fighting corruption and to support the position that the continued restrictions on the

media help entrench practices of corruption already perceived as endemic in

Malaysia.



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

• 1241 randomly selected respondents aged 20+ were interviewed via telephone for

the survey.

• Respondents were selected via random stratified sampling method along the lines

of state of residence, ethnicity, and gender. The survey covers all over Peninsular,

Sabah and Sarawak.

• Survey was carried out between 16th Sept and 12th Oct 2009.

Methodology

Quantitative survey

4

• Survey was carried out between 16th Sept and 12th Oct 2009.

• Survey margin of error estimated at ±2.78%

Qualitative survey

• The qualitative survey is carried out via 2 focus groups in the Klang Valley on the

13th of October, involving 20 people of different gender, ethnicity, occupational

background and preferred choice of newspapers.



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

MALAYSIAN PUBLIC PERSPECTIVES

ON THE MEDIA’S ROLE IN

REPORTING CORRUPTION

RESPONDENT

PROFILE



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Respondent Profile

50%

31%

7% 7% 5%

-20%

0%

20%

40%

60%

Malay Chinese Indian Muslim Bumiputra

Non-Muslim Bumiputra

Ethinicity

23%

14%

25%

19% 18%

0%

10%

20%

30%

20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 60

Age

6

Male50%

Female50%

Gender

Peninsular Malaysia84%

Sarawak8%

Sabah8%

Location

Urban41%

Rural59%

Setting



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Respondent Profile

3%

19%

51%

15%12%

0%

20%

40%

60%

No formal Primary school Secondary Diploma & Degree

Education Level

37%

27%

13% 12%

6% 5%

0%

20%

40%

Monthly household income

7

No formal education

Primary school Secondary school

Diploma & equivalent

Degree < RM1500 per mth

RM1501 -RM3000 per

mth

RM3001 -RM5000 per

mth

> RM5000 per mth

Don't know No response

25%

7%4% 4%

59%

0%

20%

40%

60%

At home Workplace/school At home & workplace/school

Other locations No internet access

Internet accessInternet access

75%

9%15%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Regular voter Irregular voter Unregistered

Voting status




CONTEXT



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Corruption in the context of national issues

• The public remains ambivalent over the direction of the country

• Corruption is a principal factor among those saying country is headed the

wrong direction

• Overall, corruption is seen as a major problem that needs solving

9

• Overall, corruption is seen as a major problem that needs solving

• 74% of the public is not satisfied with government’s handling of the

problem.



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Perception About National Direction

Considering the conditions in the country today, how strongly would you say that things

are heading in the right or wrong direction?

10%15%

1%

Strongly in the right direction Somewhat in the right direction

Somewhat in the wrong direction Strongly in the wrong direction

Don’t know No response

10

37%

29%

8%Less than half,

47%, say the

country is

headed in the

right direction



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Considering the conditions in the country today, how strongly would you say that things

are heading in the right or wrong direction?

52%

47%

56%

47%

57%

66%

59% 58%

43%

70%

55%

60%

80%Right direction Malay Chinese Indian

Perception About National Direction

11

45%

29%35%

42%

47%

45%

42%

47%

33%

8%

14%

16%27% 18% 18%

21%

17%

38%

43%

48%

0%

20%

40%

Oct 08 3 - 9 Mar 09 27 Mar - 2 Apr 09 6 - 15 May 09 Jul 09 4-14 Sept 09 16 Sept- 12 Oct 09

Among Peninsular Malaysians



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

And what would you say is the issue that is the main reason for your answer?

Right direction , n= 590

17%

31%

Peaceful condition in the country

Economic recoveryTop 5

12

7%

8%

17%

Good national administration

Quality of national leadership & civil servants

Don't know



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

And what would you say is the issue that is the main reason for your answer?

Top 5

Wrong direction , n= 491

15%

21%

Corruption & cronyism

Political instability

13

7%

8%

12%

Government affairs- not transparent/ efficient

Quality of national leadership & civil servant

Unfavourable economic condition



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

What in your view, is the most important problem that needs solving in the country today?

Corruption & abuse of power is the most important problem at the top of minds of the public in the survey

12%

13%

Social problems

Corruption and abuse of power

Top 6

14

7%

8%

10%

11%

None


Crime & public safety

Don't know



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with what the federal government is doing to resolve

the problem?

34% 40% 21% 3%2%Corruption and abuse of

power

Very dissatisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Somewhat satisfied Very satisfied Don't know

74% dissatisfied with government

handling of corruption

Satisfaction with Government in Addressing Top Issues

15

14%

21%

20%

34%

45%

45%

47%

40%

23%

27%

25%

21%

9%

3%

6%

3%

7%

4%

1%

2%


Crime & public safety

Social problems

power




PUBLIC PERCEPTION

OF CORRUPTION



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Perception of Corruption in Malaysia

• Corruption level in the country is serious

• However, half the public feels that corruption has minimal impact

on their lives

• Who are those feel not affected : mainly Indian respondents,

17

• Who are those feel not affected : mainly Indian respondents,

those with lower education and incomes, without internet access,

those who feel good about the country’s direction

•Less than 50% feel that major institutions tasked to fight

corruption are effective

•Public is very much aware about petty corruption but less aware

of grand corruption



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

How serious do you think corruption is in this country?

1%

12%6%

Not serious at all Somewhat not serious Somewhat serious

Very serious Don't know

Corruption as a problem in Malaysia

18

41%

40%Overwhelming 81% thinks it is serious.



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

To what extent do you think corruption affects your personal life?

26%21%

4%

1%Not at all A little Some Very much Don't know No response

48% feel that 47% feel that

Perceived Impact of Corruption

19

26%

22%26%

21% 48% feel that

they are not

affected

47% feel that

they are

affected by

corruption in

personal life.



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

How serious would you say is …… in Malaysia?

Public less aware about Grand Corruption

42% 29% 15% 2% 9% 3%Petty Corruption

Very serious Somewhat serious Somewhat not serious

Not serious at all Not able to assess/Don't know No response

42% of respondents view petty corruption as “Very Serious”.

20

30%

24%

34%

37%

41%

28%

41%

37%

35%

31%

17%

18%

12%

12%

12%

6%

2%

2%

3%

3%

16%

12%

13%

10%

10%

3%

3%

3%

3%

3%

Grand Corruption

Administrative Corruption

Corruption among Politicians

Fraud

Nepotism



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

How serious would you say is …… in Malaysia?

21



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Petty Corruption “He asked how do I want to settle it, should it be ‘inside court’ or

‘outside court’…”(female, 24 years old, Kuala Lumpur, on encounter with a police due to traffic offence)

Fraud

Example of Corruption from study:

22

Fraud “My friend receives calls from a bank staff who asked for his personal

information, and later he found out that his savings had been

withdrawn.”(female, 30 years old, Kuala Lumpur)



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Do you think …. is effective or ineffective in fighting corruption?

Net

Most public institutions seen to be tepid in fighting corruption

23



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

MACC“MACC is not an independent body so it is likely to be bias.…”

(Male, 40 years old, Kuala Lumpur)

Federal Government“I don’t think putting up ‘Anti-rasuah’ badge on the uniform is effective.

There is nothing much the government had done besides that.”

24

There is nothing much the government had done besides that.”(Female, 30 years old, Cheras)

State Government“It is good to have SELCAT because people now get to know what has

happened in the past.”(Male, 28 years old, Kuala Lumpur)




MEDIA ROLE IN

REPORTING

CORRUPTION



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Media Role In Reporting Corruption

• Traditional media - newspapers and TV are the main

channels of information about corruption cases/issues

• Public agrees that media is an important player in the

fight against corruption – more needs to be done

26

fight against corruption – more needs to be done

• A majority feels that currents laws actually hinder the

fight against corruption



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241Newspapers and TV are the main channels of information about corruption issues

From where do you receive information about corruption?

5%

5%

10%

19%

22%

22%

Media in general

Own experience

Friends/family/relatives

Newspapers & TV

Newspapers

Television

63% receive news

27

1%

1%

2%

2%

2%

2%

3%

4%

5%

Friends & internet

Others

Don't know

Word of mouth

Internet & newspapers/ TV

Friends & TV

Internet

Friends & newspapers

Media in general 63% receive news about corruption from newspapers and television.



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Can you name one incident of corruption in Malaysia that was widely reported by the

media?

3%

Able to mention an example Don't know No response

58% of respondents could not name an

But more than 50% could not name a corruption case reported in the media

28

42%55%

could not name an incident reported by the media.



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Can you name one incident of corruption in Malaysia that was widely reported by the

media?

Among those who in the know, 42% mentioned PKFZ

12%

42%

Corruption among politicians & leaders

Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal

Top 5

29

6%

7%

8%

Money politics in UMNO, politics & during election

Teoh Beng Hock.murder.MACC

Former Selangor Chief Minister, Khir Toyo

Among those who know about corruption cases in

the media, n= 521



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the media reporting of the said case?

51% are not

Among those in the know, 51% are not satisfied with the level of reporting

12%8%

5%

Very dissatisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Somewhat satisfied

Very satisfied Don't know

30

51% are not satisfied with

media reporting on the cases

they mentioned

Among those who know about corruption cases in

the media, n= 521

12%

31%

44%

8%



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the media reporting of the said case?

52%

44%

59%62%

58%

43%

51%

61%60%

80%Satisfied Dissatisfied Don't know

Malay and Indians are more dissatisfied with

media reporting of the cases they mentioned.

31

44%

35%

43%

35%31%

33%

5% 4% 6% 7%4%

0%

20%

40%

Overall (521) Malay (218) Chinese (219) Indian (31) Muslim Bumiputra (29)Non-Muslim Bumiputra (24)



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Satisfaction with reporting by case/issues

Least satisfied with media reporting money politics in UMNO and during elections

6%

14%

44%

24%

36%

45%

7%

14%

7%

3%

PKFZ scandal (n=218)

Money politics in UMNO, politics & during election (n=29)

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Don't know No response

32

15%

3%

12%

6%

47%

55%

45%

44%

17%

34%

31%

36%

20%

5%

7%

7%

2%

3%

2%

7%

2%

Corruption among politicians & leaders (n=60)

Teoh Beng Hock.murder.MACC (n=38)

Former Selangor Chief Minister, Khir Toyo (n =42)

PKFZ scandal (n=218)



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Can you name incident(s) of corruption that you believe is serious but under-reported by

the media?

21%

5%

Able to mention an example Don't know No response

79% could not name a corruption incident that they believe is serious but under-reported

33

21%

74%

79% of respondents could not name an incident.



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Can you name incident(s) of corruption that you believe is serious but under-reported by

the media?

Among those in the know, all named instances of corruption involving public sector

22%

25%

Corruption in government sector & project

Corrution among politicians and leaders

Top 5

34

7%

9%

15%

22%

Former Selangor Chief Minister, Khir Toyo

Corruption among civil servants

Corruption among police

Corruption in government sector & project



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Do you think the major media should

follow up/ investigate on allegations of

corruption involving those in senior position

that appear in blogs/ internet?

9%

Yes No Don't know

1%

Yes No Don't know No response

Do you think the media is following

up/ investigating these corruption

allegations on blogs/ internet?

Most people feel the media is not doing enough to follow up on corruption stories

35

84%

7%

49%

27%

22%

Answered “Yes”, n = 1043



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

How strongly do you agree or disagree that the media plays an important role in the

present and future improvement of transparency and integrity in the country?

4%

5%

1%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree Don't know No response

83% agree that media

Most people agree that media plays an important role in improving integrity & transparency

36

44%

39%

7%5% 83% agree that media

plays an important role

in improving

transparency and

integrity in the country



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

How strongly do you agree or disagree that a free media is the key to eradicate

corruption?

5%6%

1%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree

Strongly disagree Don't know No response

Most people agree that a free media is key in fighting corruption

37

31%

45%

13% 76% of respondents

agree that free media

is the key to

eradicate corruption



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Do you think the coverage of media on corruption is good or bad for the development of

the country?

8%

1%Good Bad Don't know No response

Most people feel that media coverage of corruption does not tarnish the image of the country

38

72%

19%



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Do you think the current laws help or hinder the media in reporting on corruption?

17%

3%Help Hinder Don't know No response

Public is split on whether current laws in the country help or hinder the media in its role of fighting corruption

39

48%

32%

17%




PUBLIC

PERCEPTIONS ON

THE MEDIA



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Attitude towards the media

• Generally positive towards the media.

• Would like to see more reporting on corruption

41

• Sees bias in favor ruling federal government in

reporting large scale corruption



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Are you satisfied with the coverage of corruption by ……?

Public is split on the coverage by traditional media. Among internet users, more than half are satisfied with new media coverage of corruption

29% 30%

9% 9%

11%

6% 6%

24%

43%

5% 6% 6% 9%

80%

100%

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Don't know No response

High percentage

of “don’t know” -

reflects that

internet

penetration in

42

9% 10% 7%10%

42% 40%

26% 22%

29% 30%

26%

12%

11%

4%

0%

20%

40%

60%

Printed media Television Radio New media

penetration in

the country is

still low.



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241


Satisfaction towards media

43



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241


5%

20%

4%

80%

100%

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied

Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied

Don't know No response

25%

Satisfied Dissatisfied

27%New media

(n=506) 52%

Net

Among the internet users, n = 506

44

17%

35%

20%

5%

0%

20%

40%

60%

New media (n= 506)

(n=506)

52% are satisfied

with the coverage

of corruption online



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Would you like to see more reports on corruption from the media compared to the current

mode of reporting?

4%4%

Yes No Don't know No response

A large majority want to see more reports on corruption in the media

45

75%

17%



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Do you think the media is biased when reporting on large scale corruption?

28%19%

5%

Not bias Bias Don't know No response

A majority say media is biased when reporting corruption

46

28%

48%

19%



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Do you think that the media is biased towards….?

Ruling party and government agencies seen to benefit from media bias

58%

74%

No Yes - bias towards

17%Police force

Barisan Nasional

40%

68%6%

47

28%

32%

45%

58%

32%

17%

41%

Judiciary

Pakatan Rakyat

0%

24%

-13%

21%

Private sectors




PUBLIC PROFILE ON

CORRUPTION

AWARENESS



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Corruption cases that are widely reported by the media vs. under-report by the media.

8%8%(n = 93)

14%14%(n = 172)

Aware of corruption cases widely reported by media

YES NOreporting

YES

49

(n = 93)(n = 172)

28%28%(n = 349)

51%51%(n = 627)

Aware of med

ia under-rep

orting

NO



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241Group 1 – 14% of the overall respondents

Very well informed and well aware of corruption cases covered and omitted by the media

Group 2 – 8% of the overall respondents

Less aware of media coverage on corruption but knew of instances from outside media source.

• Comprised of 42% Malay & 40%

Chinese.

• 72% male

• 62% are 40 years old and above

• 44% have a diploma and above

• 41% with monthly household income

• 57% Malay, 16% Chinese & 14% Indian,

12% Bumiputera

• 53% Male

• Mixture of middle-aged (26%) & younger

group (27%)

• 72% with secondary education and

50


more than RM 3000

• 59% with internet access.

• Feel strongly that corruption is serious in

the country (92%) and corruption affects

their personal lives (59%).

• 48% state heading in the wrong

direction.

• 55% dissatisfied with the way things are

in the country.


below.

• Lower income group – 72% have less

than RM 3000)

• 53% without internet access.

• Feel that corruption is serious in the

country (88%) and affects personal lives

(56%).

• 53% state heading in the right direction.

• 55% satisfied with the way things are in

the country.



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241


Knew about corruption only based on what was reported in the media.


Did not read or take notice of corruption reported in the media nor knew of specific instances not covered by the media.

• 43% Chinese & 42% Malay

• 52% Male

• Middle-aged to older folks (64% above

40 years old)


below

• 56% Malays, 24% Chinese

• 58% female

• 63% are 40 years old and above


51

below


lesser than RM 3000.

• 53% with internet access

• 84% feel corruption is serious but

effects on personal lives are split.

• 40 : 45 between right direction and

wrong direction

• 49 : 50 between satisfaction and

dissatisfaction


below


lesser than RM1500

• 68% without internet access

• 74% feel that corruption is serious but

did not affect personal lives (51%)

• 53% state heading in the right direction

• 66% satisfied with the way things are in

the country.



EXPOSING CORRUPTION

CONCLUSIONS



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Conclusions I

• Corruption is a principal factor among those saying country is headed the

wrong direction and is a major problem that needs solving

• Most are not satisfied with government’s handling of the problem.

• Most feel that corruption levels are serious

• Split views on whether corruption affects their daily lives

53

• Split views on whether corruption affects their daily lives

• Less than 50% feel that institutions that fight corruption are effective



16 Sept – 12 Oct 09; n = 1241

Conclusions II

• The traditional media remains most important source of information

about corruption

• Satisfaction with reporting coverage of corruption is low , especially

among those with greater awareness

• Most report awareness of bias in favor ruling party and government

54

• Most report awareness of bias in favor ruling party and government

agencies

• Most agree that a media, especially a free media is a key element in

fighting corruption

Media's Role In Reporting Corruption - Public Opinion Survey 2009

News & Politics

selangor chief

national leadership

politics amp

personal life

personal lives

national direction

wrong direction

important