WITH the media seemingly being targetted by the authorities, a team of press groups joined hands to denounce intimidation against the fraternity for doing its duty.
“At a time when the public is struggling to deal with COVID-19, it is paramount for the Government to create an enabling environment that would support free media.
“Focus on sustaining the credibility of the State in the eyes of the public, rather than reinforcing measures to silence dissent or opinions that puts the regime in an unfavourable light,” said the groups.
The statement was signed by Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) and the National Union of Journalists of Malaysia (NUJM).
Recently, the police seem to have increased its pressure on the media fraternity by investigating the latter on certain reports critical of the Government and authorities.
An Astro Awani anchor was summoned by the police for his critical reporting of a massive compound issued to a burger seller in Kelantan.
Gombak police chief Arifai Tarawe also filed defamation suit against Free Malaysia Today for its reporting of A Ganapathy, who died under suspicious circumstances at the Gombak police station.
The Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah himself had summoned China Press and other media outlets who reported him allegedly trivialising rape threats received by student, Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam.
On that note, the media groups reminded the authorities that the press and police are two entities that interacts regularly and have a symbiotic relationship.
“The media needs the police to supply them with information that is of interest to their readers, listeners, or viewers. The police, on the other hand, need the media to disseminate and publicise information on crimes and seek witnesses from the community.
“Both media and the police force must be accountable to the public and every citizen deserves the right to access crucial information. It is the media’s role to report on any allegations of Government misconduct and should not be investigated for carrying out this fundamental role,” they stressed.
Instead of investigating journalists, the groups stated the authorities should investigate cases of police misconduct, and that harassing journalists for performing their duties is a tactic to stifle press freedom.
“In a recent Reporter Without Borders annual press freedom index report, Malaysia’s press freedom index is now down 18 places at 119 (out of 180 countries ranked).
“For context, Malaysia’s best ranking was just one year ago in 2020 (101st place),” they noted.
With that, the groups urged the Government to establish the long-overdue Malaysian Media Council, which was in progress during the previous Pakatan Harapan administration.
“The body will serve as a transparent and independent self-regulatory body for the industry, and will deter the Government from becoming the sole arbiter of truth and deciding what information should be published or otherwise,” they remarked. – May 24, 2021.
