MGG.Pillai,an icon on cyber journalism.....

A year ago,a well known journalist,MGG.Pillai passed away. MGG.Pillai was a well known figure in the world of journalism in this region and was one who pioneered cyber journalism via his famous MGG.Pillai.com website.

I enjoyed reading his articles since the 70’s and the 80’s that appeared in FEER,Asiaweek etc,while working as a freelance journalist. His critical thoughts,insightful investigative and analytical report had created uneasiness among our political masters not only in Malaysia,but in Singapore too. As a result of his writing,he was barred from entry into that island republic for years. Even our local mass media were not allowed to publish his critical thoughts,as a result many of our readers hardly ever knew him.

He became an icon to thousands of cyber readers only when cyber journalism started to bloom during the reformasi days;at the time when Anwar Ibrahim was sent to Sungai Buloh on trumped-up charges. His articles touches on every aspect of our Malaysian society,from racial,social,economical issues to political rumour mongering. I enjoyed his journalistic antics and on what he wrote,though a little doubtful,but it did make sense somehow or other.

Though,I havent met MGG.Pillai in person,but we kept corresponding via emails occassionaly.The last email I received from him, MGG.Pillai wrote,"Are you in Kuala Lumpur? If you are, perhaps it is time we met, and exchange views over a cuppa?" Sad,enough,I couldn’t fulfill his request,but promised a rain check,but then it was already too late.

I missed you,my dear friend,rest in peace and allow me to use your signature trademark “cheers” just as to remind me that you are a hero on free and unmolested journalistic freedom and will continue to propagate your message to the rest of the world.

"Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind"
- Willie Nelson

cheers