Journalists face daily risk posed by the tight media laws. The threats against them are non-renewal of printing license for their publication, lawsuits, jail or fine, and harassment in the form of newsroom interference by the government. Last year, due to pressure from the government, top editors in the China Press and Weekend Mail were dismissed; four publications were suspended permanently or temporarily; journalists were assaulted and the assault carried out with impunity.

This year, we have seen blackouts on features in The Economist, politicians questioned under the Official Secrets Act; threats to bloggers and a journalist detained by the police. In order to save Malaysian journalists, CIJ stresses that laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA), Sedition Act 1948, Official Secrets Act 1972 (OSA) and Defamation Act must be repealed or at least amended.

On the positive side, we are heartened that the need to free Malaysian press was noticeably debated in the parliament, such as MCA MP Wong Nai Chee's suggestion to establish a parliamentary select committee for media freedom and the PAS state government's stated commitment to freedom of information legislation. We urge the government to heed the increasing calls for free press, which is in line with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s commitment to fight corruption and uphold transparency.

Further, we hope Malaysians society would join our call in 'Saving Journalist' and celebrate World Press Freedom Day with greater awareness of their right to free speech and expression.

Background

World Press Freedom Day is a UN-sanctioned celebration aims to commemorate citizens' right to a free press and to remind society of the media's crucial role in reporting and shaping our world.

This year's theme 'Saving Journalists' calls for honoring and acknowledging dedicated journalists who risk highly for their profession, particularly those who report from conflict zones or cover organized crimes. The murdered Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya and Turkish-Armenian editor Hrant Dink were some those exemplary journalists whose sacrifice would always be remembered and revered.