'Information, Misinformation and Disinformation: For God's Sake, What is the Truth?" may sound like the provocative title of a new book, but it is the title of the keynote address by Dr KJ John of Mimos for the launch of Asian Cyberactivism tomorrow.

John will be speaking on new media technologies and the cyberactivists who use them, which is the subject of a new book co-edited by malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan and Friedrich Naumann Foundation communications manager James Gomez.

"Information and communication technologies especially driven by the Internet is bringing about fundamental change in Asia," said John, who is vice-president of Strategic Interventions in Mimos, a government think-tank which has spearheaded the country's development of information technology.

"The book (Asian Cyberactivism) gives some clear evidences of how this had already happened and will continue to happen. Therefore, governments of Asia are better off dealing with the new phenomenon rather than denying it."

John, who has spent the past 10 years to develop Internet strategies in Malaysia, will elaborate more on his views at his keynote speech tomorrow.

Asian Cyberactivism is an anthology of essays by 19 contributors from a variety of countries and disciplines, covering a range of topics with the central focus on cyberactivists in Asia, and their achievements and challenges.

As part of the book launch, a set of 'awards' will be given out to a number of prominent Malaysian cyberactivists in recognition of their work in using the Internet to advocate various causes.

Who are these cyberactivists to be honoured? Come and find out.

Roundtable discussion

There will also be a one-hour roundtable discussion on the challenges of cyberactivism in Malaysia.

The panelists are News Straits Times associate editor Rehman Rashid (photo), Screenshots blogger Jeff Ooi, Sisters in Islam's Masjaliza Hamzah, and malaysiakini columnist Fathi Aris Omar.

The launch will take place at 2pm in Cititel, Matahari Room 1, Level 5 of Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur. It will end with a book signing at MPH in Mid Valley Megamall at 4.30pm.

The highlight of the book signing will be speeches by Monash University (Malaysia)'s Yeoh Seng Guan and human rights group Suaram's Eric Paulsen..

Asian Cyberactivism will be sold at tomorrow's book launch for the special price of RM50, instead of the retail price of RM60.

The book is distributed by Gerakbudaya Enterprise and is now available at MPH, Kinokuniya, Silverfish, The Bookshop Penang, Times and Skoob Books.

For more information, click here.