Pravda Vostoka published a critical article in August. We had to fight to get these articles published because of the toes that got stepped on, but actions were taken immediately as a result. The press is the only vehicle for alerting the bureaucracy that things are not as they claim. Without us, the risk of instability and social crisis would be much higher. Of course it would be better not to worry about censorship but that's not the only problem.
Officials are very reluctant to be interviewed or give out any information.
It's partly a matter of tradition, both Asian and Soviet. But sometimes it's because they really do have something to hide. I don't see myself as a crusader. No heroes, but then the world is made up of small people who are doing their best under the circumstances.