BBC's Jonny Dymond: Malaysia is a story of economic success, not just 1MDB [WATCH]

New Straits Times

12-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: BBC correspondent Jonny Dymond says the most rewarding part of his journalism career is not the major global stories he's covered — but the chance to speak directly with people around the world about their lives.
Dymond, who was in Kuala Lumpur for the BBC World Questions debate earlier this week, said that while covering the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the Sept 11 attacks were defining moments, it is the everyday human stories that have left the greatest impact on him.
"It's being able to sit in people's front rooms across the world and talk to them about their thoughts, their losses... that is the privilege of being a correspondent," he said.
The veteran journalist, who has also served as BBC's Europe and Middle East correspondent, is the host and moderator of the BBC's World Questions public debate.
The series brings politicians and the public together in a live Q&A format that often puts leaders on the spot.
Dymond said cost of living issues continue to dominate these events around the world — from Milan to Mongolia — with food, energy, and housing affordability topping the list of public concerns.
"In fancy journals and political talk shows, people often miss the real priorities. But when you're in a room with the public, you hear what truly matters — and it's usually the same everywhere: daily life, survival, the environment, and fairness," he said.
Asked about his role as moderator, Dymond said he aims to help the public get answers — not to take on politicians himself.
"I'm not there to shout at people or score points. I'm there to help the audience get honest answers, even if that means pressing a bit harder sometimes," he said.
On Malaysia, Dymond said the country is often viewed in the West through narrow lenses, such as the 1MDB scandal, but deserves broader recognition.
"For me, Malaysia represents an incredible economic transformation. Of course, there are challenges — corruption, inequality, and so on — but the broader story is one of success," he said.
He added that Western ignorance of Southeast Asia is often the biggest obstacle to better news coverage, with distance and complexity making it harder to tell full stories.
"It's a very complicated part of the world, with enormous geopolitical pressures. And yet countries like Malaysia are often asked to 'pick sides' by those who don't understand what they're asking."
Dymond declined to assess Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's performance directly, saying it wasn't his place.
But he said that the ability to push through difficult policies — such as subsidy reforms — is often a test of leadership.
On foreign policy, he acknowledged Malaysia's firm position on Gaza reflects strong public sentiment, adding that many in the West are also increasingly uncomfortable with the war.
He also addressed criticisms of Western media double standards when covering conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza.
"All reporting is an art, not a science. We try to be as fair as possible and tell both sides. But it's a hard job, and we don't always get access. For example, we're not allowed into Gaza by Israeli authorities," he said.
The BBC World Questions: Malaysia debate, recorded on Tuesday (June 10), will be broadcast on Saturday.
Among the panellists are Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh and former Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.