Another interview with The Mole . KUALA LUMPUR – October 11, 2016 : Media studies academicians think that one of the best ways to counter media spins is for civil society form a team of fact-checkers. However, the government must not be a part or perceived to be a part of the team. They mooted the idea following the recent case of Gerakan politician Baljit Singh who plunged into controversy after a news portal cherry-picked his statement to depict him as being sexist. According to Universiti Tekonologi Mara media warfare expert Shahnon Mohamed Salleh , government involvement would only ruin the team’s credibility. “It would be interesting to see the team being formed by the public instead of the government,” Shahnon told The Mole. “That way, at least people will not perceive the team as the government’s attempt to stifle the press. “But this does not mean that the media is untouchable and should be allowed to continue to spin half-truths,” he said, adding that the team could t