It's all about a good spin...

I have been following closely the Malaysian media treatment of the Nyonya Kebaya and Batik 'crusade' by YABhg Datin Seri Endon Mahmood.

First and foremost, I must say that I salute what Datin Seri Endon is doing to promote Kebaya, Batik and Songket.

However, the treatment given by the mainstream Malaysian media could be better.

Most of the news on the electronic and print media gave the various events graced by Datin Seri Endon a 'glamour, high fashion, ala-Marie Antoinette' treatment -- Nothing wrong with that.

However, I feel it's good to relate what Datin Seri Endon is doing to how it will help the cottage industry and how people in the rural areas can benefit from it. It will reduce the gap between the have and the have nots, rural and urban. It will also help give a 'penyayang' appeal to Yayasan Budi Penyayang.

The local media can learn from how the Thai media positioned Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

Queen Sirikit, on numerous occasions, has not only been reported and photographed carrying beautiful Thai handbags during state functions, but also visiting small arts and crafts centres throughout Thailand -- most of which are in the rural areas.

As such there is a link -- high fashion and how the 'rakyat biasa' can also benefit.

Just my two-sense worth for today... What do you think?