THE recently launched Code of Ethics by the government has drawn criticism from Lawyer for Liberty, who claimed it’s an attempt to control the media.
LFL director Zaid Malek expressed concerns about the Information Department’s authority to revoke media accreditation, stating it poses a threat to press freedom.
“How can there be a free and independent media when the government gets to decide on what is ‘ethical’ news reporting?” Zaid questioned.
His remarks came in response to the launch of the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
The code, which outlines eight main ethics, will also serve as a reference for managing media accreditation cards. Notably, this is the first revision of the ethics manual launched in 1989 by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).
Fahmi stated that compliance with the code will be overseen by the media council, set to be established in the future. He clarified that the Information Department holds the authority to cancel media accreditation cards, as it issues them.
Moreover, Zaid criticised the Code of Ethics as another layer of control alongside existing laws like the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984 and the Sedition Act 1948. He likened it to a ‘backdoor way’ of reintroducing anti-fake news laws asserting that it undermines the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
Furthermore, Zaid noted the irony of Pakatan Harapan ministers who previously opposed government interference in media freedom while in opposition.
“We cannot ignore the greatest irony and betrayal that Harapan, whose political success can be largely attributed to the extensive media coverage and guerrilla journalism on the 1MDB scandal, now when in power, seeks to solidify government control over the press and be the arbiter of what can be reported in the news or discussed by the public online.”
He urged the government to expedite the establishment of the media council for self-regulation, pointing out the importance of an independent media in upholding democracy.
“Independent media is the marketplace of ideas. Through traditional platforms or otherwise, it is crucial to a healthy and functioning democracy.
“It cannot be achieved if the government makes itself the sole purveyor of truth and information,” he further added. – Feb 21, 2024
All photos credited to Bernama
