Introducing myself and my journal: Salam from Malaysia

About Me:
I am Masjaliza Hamzah, and I work at the Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia www.cijmalaysia.org . I was a print journalist for 10 years but left that comfortable chair to work for Sisters in Islam -- a Malaysia-based Muslim women's group that totally rocks! That first leap of faith brought me to a space where I learned about human rights and progressive Islam -- two things which really resonate with me. I enjoyed working for a woman boss -- Zainah Anwar -- and though I have left SIS, she still inspires me :)
As a journalist, I was active in promoting media freedom in Malaysia, and also did my part for the journalists' union. I studied Industrial Engineering but never practiced because I much prefer the pen to a stopwatch. I am also a keen supporter of Malaysia's human rights group SUARAM. I read in my spare time and tend to read a few books at the same time though I have to admit I sometimes don't finish any of them!

My Passions:
media freedom, access to information, progressive Islam

My Challenges:
restrictive laws, maintaining hope

My Vision for the Future:
a world free of discrimination where we can express opinions openly and disseminate information freely

My Areas of Expertise:
Malaysian media, Muslim women Southeast Asia