“Mata Lalat or Mata Rakyat? The Role of Investigative Journalism in Nation-Building”
By Malai Hassan Othman
This is not the first time I have been labelled "mata lalat" (fly eyes) or "mata langau" (blowfly eyes) for my journalism.
Throughout my career as a reporter, I have encountered officials and individuals in power who prefer to dismiss rather than address the issues I highlight.
I was told that I “focus too much on the negative” and that I should “find the good stories instead of exposing weaknesses.”
The latest bee eyes vs. fly eyes video, which appeared soon after my article on Brunei’s tourism issues, is just another example of this age-old tactic - implying that those who highlight flaws are simply looking for filth rather than contributing to the nation’s progress.
But let’s set the record straight:
Fly Eyes Journalism Is Not the Enemy - It Is a? Necessity
The truth is not always pretty. Sometimes, it reveals incompetence, inefficiency, or mismanagement.
But should journalists ignore these realities for the sake of being polite?
A good journalist is not here to please the authorities; a good journalist is here to serve the public.
When I report on:
?o?? Brunei’s tourism struggles, I am not being negative - I am pointing out what needs improvement so the sector can thrive.
o?? Employment challenges and economic issues, I am not attacking the government - I am advocating for a better future for our youth and workforce.
o?? Flaws in public policies, I am not being disruptive - I am encouraging solutions based on facts and public sentiment.
So, if that makes me “mata-lalat” in the eyes of those who want to avoid accountability, be it. But let me ask:
Of course not. Likewise, a journalist who investigates problems, asks tough questions, and exposes the truth is not a nuisance - he is doing his job.
The Real Threat to Brunei: Press Release Journalism and Management by? Deceit
Brunei does not suffer from too much critical journalism - it suffers from too much press release journalism. We have enough articles filled with:
o?? Flowery language about "successes"
o?? Quotes from officials repeating the same talking points
o?? Speeches filled with promises that are never followed up
What we lack are journalists who:
o?? Ask difficult but necessary questions.
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o?? Follow up on past promises and hold leaders accountable.
o?? Write not just for those in power but for the people who are affected by decisions.
This is why fly-eye journalism is important. Because someone has to look into the corners where others refuse to see.
Someone has to uncover what is being hidden. Someone has to push for better governance, not just glorify the status quo.
Management by Deceit (MBD): A Culture of? Concealment
A more dangerous trend than mere press release journalism is Management by Deceit ?- (MBD) - where problems are not solved but are instead covered up with superficial policies, empty statements, and vested interest surveys. Instead of fixing broken systems, those in power manufacture success stories that exist only on paper.
o?? Public funds are misallocated, but reports claim "efficient? spending."
o?? Economic struggles persist, but officials cite "steady? progress."
o?? Policies fail to deliver real impact, but leaders boast about their? "achievements."
MBD allows inefficiencies and corruption to fester unchecked. It enables those in power to suppress reality while maintaining an illusion of progress. And when journalists expose these deceptions, they are labelled as "negative" - as if identifying a problem is worse than allowing it to continue.
Moving Forward: A Stronger Media for a Stronger? Brunei
If Brunei wants to progress, it does not need a media that only praises - it needs a media that educates, informs, and questions.
1.???? More Space for Constructive Criticism
Journalists should not be treated as enemies for reporting inconvenient truths. The government and institutions must recognise that accountability is not an attack - it is a tool for improvement.
2.???? A Culture of Public? Engagement
Rather than dismissing criticism, authorities should engage with journalists and the public in open discussions. If there are misunderstandings, clarify them. If there are mistakes, correct them. If there are valid concerns, act on them.
3.???? Encouraging Ethical? Journalism
Journalists, too, have a duty - to ensure that their reporting is fair, factual, and constructive. Investigative journalism should be about truth, not personal agendas. Brunei’s media does not need to be all "bee eyes" or all "fly-eyes" - it needs both.
We need the optimism of bees but also the scrutiny of flies. Because progress is not built on just seeing the good but on fixing what is broken.
To Those Who Call Journalists? “Flies”
I ask: Are you uncomfortable with the journalist, or are you uncomfortable with the truth they reveal?
The more those in power resist critical journalism, the more they show that they fear accountability. But accountability is not a threat to good governance - it is a pillar of it.
For the past three decades, I have been called mata lalat and mata langau, but it has never demotivated me.
Because in journalism, the ultimate loyalty is not to power but to the truth. You may call me ‘mata-langau,’ but I will always be ‘mata-rakyat’ - because Brunei deserves the truth. (MHO/02/2025)
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Owner, DSPM Logispares Supplies Enterprise
3 周I would not call it mata lalat as negative feedback, rather it highlight issues which people with power can change but chose to be complacent and can't be bothered. So long as fly's eyes tells what's wrong with it and how to rectify it, that should be treated as constructive criticism.
(22,700+) FIRST CONNECTIONS.....
3 周THIS IS AN EXTREMELY WELL DONE ARTICLE BY MALAI HASSAN OTHMAN. IT IS HONEST, TRUTHFUL, CONCISE AND INSIGHTFUL. THE LIFE OF AN INVESTIGATIVE WRITER IS NOT AN EASY ONE. WE MUST BE AT THE TOP OF OUR GAME. SHUNNED BY BOTH THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT OF OUR SOCIETY THAT WE INVESTIGATE AND THE BACKLASH THAT ACCOMPANIES MAKING OUR FINDINGS PUBLIC WHEN IT GOES TO PRESS WHEN IT MUST BE BEYOND ANY DOUBT BECAUSE EVERYONE WHO IS INVOLVED HAS THEIR REPUTATION ON THE LINE IS CRUCIAL. WE MUST PERFORM WITH A STRONG, UNWAVERING, WORK ETHIC AND DEDICATION TO OUR JOURNALISTIC ENDEAVORS, OUR AUDIENCE AND TO LIFE ITSELF. WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE AND WE LOOK AT OUR PLAGUES ON THE WALL WE WILL STILL BE STANDING. TO THE INVESTIGATIVE WRITERS AROUND THE WORLD WHO HAVE GIVEN OF THEMSELVES SELFLESSLY AND LOST THEIR LIVES, THIS IS A WELL DESERVED TRIBUTE TO YOU ALL. ......BEVERY H KOLBER
Financial Accounts Manager I Data analyst
3 周Constructive criticism is a human necessity and an important requirement for the quality and continuity of life. Those who do not understand this are missing an important aspect of the integrity of life and the completion of the construction of society by individuals. The absence of criticism makes life lose its meaning and in the long run it weakens and collapses. Also, exaggerating criticism is frustrating, so criticism should be taken as much as salt in food. If people are safe from criticism, they become corrupt. Fear of criticism or censorship results in discipline. I remember, my friend, that just as you mention the negatives, you mention the positives, like that article in which you talked about one of the communication networks
EP Upstream Petroleum Engineering
4 周Deareast MHO and with full respect; Its ok, mata untuk melihat telinga untuk mendengar dan yang penting tangan..... Wise man will always pick up the good compliment and the "un-good" observation. Changes for better may occur and depends on the situation and the will. Im bruneian and definitely agree ???? could do better especially in managing national sentiment and developing-and-managing ????an. Nonetheless times will tell; and hoping late is never too late ??
Business Development Associate @ Comquest (Brunei) Sdn Bhd / Journalist / TV Show Host & Presenter
4 周A true patriot criticises his/her own country and government because they know it can be better. It is a noble and honourable service to play the Devil's Advocate in the name and pursuit of genuine justice and development for all. I would venture that Brunei has had very few real Bruneians who love their homeland, placed in positions of power and authority over the past half century, and in this day and age, it shows.