FACTS OR OPINION?

1. In theory, IKON Malaysia sounded like a good idea.
-OPINION: not everybody thinks IKON Malaysia is a good idea.

2. Unlike other talent shows, this one would see established names in the industry
vying for the title and subsequently compete at Asean level.
-OPINION: it can't be referred to as there is no evidence of it.

3. The idea was, presumably, to boost the music industry by taking our music out of
Malaysia. Sounded like a fine plan.
-FACT: We can refer to the records or evidence of this statement.

4. ..she was said to have pulled out, diplomatically citing her hectic schedule as a
reason
-FACT: We can always refer to the evidence or records of her statement.

5. we were told that judging was to be 100 per cent SMS voting.
-FACT: We can refer to the evidence of the statement.

6. The organisers have since reconsidered their decision on the judging method.
-FACT: We can refer to the records or evidence of this statement.

7. Although an official announcement has yet to be made, it is learned that the new
system would see a panel of professional judges responsible for 70 per cent of the
score, while 30 per cent would be from SMS voting.
-FACT: We can refer to the evidence or records of this statement.

8. "The industry has been waiting a long time to find a way to market our artistes
outside Malaysia. The hard part is always to get something going. When there are
people actually trying to do something, more often than not they get bricks thrown
at them before they even begin," said an industry insider.
-FACTS: The sentences are facts as they can be referred to the person who
said them.
-OPINION: But the statement itself is an opinion of an industry insider.

9. She added: "The intention (of IKON Malaysia) is noble. But the organisers’ original
idea of leaving the fate of the contestants solely in the hands of the public is wrong!
I can’t imagine how they could think that it was a good idea.
-FACT: These sentences are facts as they can be referred to the one who made
them.
-OPINION: But the statement itself, once again, is an opinion of somebody.

10. "The real artistes of the day see reality shows like Akademi Fantasia as monster
makers. Some of the reality artistes can’t sing, can’t dance, can’t anything... yet
they’re out there representing the industry. But it’s not their fault they are there.
If you ask me what was the best thing that happened to the industry, I would say
it was Mawi. But he was also the worst thing that happened to the industry."
-OPINION: This statement is an opinion as it is arguable.

11. Another industry player said having established artistes compete with the reality
stars meant only one thing. That the organisers have blatant disrespect for "older’
artistes who have paid their dues in the industry.
-FACT: These sentences can be referred to the evidence or records.

12. "It’s bad enough that the young stars have no respect for their seniors . This will only
perpetuate the problem."In the West, artistes know their place in the industry. They
recognise their idols. If, say, Bono (of U2), a huge name in the music world, competed for a
Grammy with (Sir) Paul McCartney and won, he would probably be humbled because the
former Beatle is a legend in the industry."In our industry, some young artistes —
particularly those created by reality shows — who win awards actually think they are the
best thing to happen to the industry. I didn’t think the music industry could sink any lower.
Guess I was wrong."
-OPINION: These sentences are an opinion of someone and it is arguable.

13. IKON organisers should perhaps go the whole hog and turn their idea into a mega-reality
TV show.
-OPINION: This is the writer's opinion and some may not agree with her.

14. God knows, after more than five years of reality TV, we have more than enough young
artistes to feature.
-OPINION: This is also the writer's opinion and there is no evidence to support this
statement.

15. Just check out the list of reality talent shows we’ve had since 2001: Girl, Are You Ready,
Audition, Popstars, Who Will Win?, Akademi Fantasia, Mentor, Malaysian Idol, Project
SuperStar, One In a Million, Rock Unite, and yes, even good old Bintang RTM. Heck, they
could even throw in (radio station) THR’s Juara Popular winners.
-FACTS: the list of the reality talent shows are real and can be supported by evidence of it.
-OPINION: To let the reality shows' winners compete is the writer's opinion and isn't
supported by any evidence.

16. It may not do anything to the industry but it would at least be fun to watch... and far less
painful than watching veterans of the music industry being "thrashed" by their juniors.
-OPINION: This is also the writer's opinion as not everybody would agree with her.