Stop meddling in the media PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 07 March 2007
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned that the Internal Security Ministry is interfering further with editorial independence, despite Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's promises of openness and increased media freedom.

The Ministry, also headed by Abdullah, issued a letter on 15 Feb to reprimand opposition party organ "Harakah". It said its 16-28 February issue goes against conditions specified in the newspaper's publication permit. The Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 requires that all publications have a permit to publish. These are awarded on an annual basis, and decisions to award, amend or suspend publication licenses can not be challenged in court.

Exacerbating this interference in editorial freedom, the warning does not specify how the permit is transgressed nor does it refer to any articles. It also took an issue with the paper's use of Jawi script on one page, stating that Harakah is not allowed to publish in languages
other than in Malay and English. The articles, however, were written in Malay, using the Jawi script.

The letter warned that "strict action" will taken against the paper should it fail to observe the permit conditions. The Ministry has thepower to suspend the paper's license, temporarily or indefinitely, to fine the publication, and or to restrict its circulation.

A spokesperson in the Ministry said that the paper has published a number of "speculative" articles prejudicial to national stability, but declined to name which articles.

Articles published in this issue included a frontpage headline " The Prime Minister is weakening", coverage of protests on a controversial toll price hike and articles linking the deputy Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak with the grisly murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaaribuu.

CIJ is worried that the Ministry is transgressing Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, which protects freedom of speech, to silence opposition and critics. The lack of clarity over how the paper had transgressed its license indicates a desire to intimidate the organ.

CIJ urges the government to repeal the PPPA and set up immediately a Parliamentary Select Committee on communication rights to review all laws restricting freedom of expression, thus living up to its promises on increased openness, accountability and transparency.

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a media organization that aims to improve current Malaysian journalism practice and independence through advocacy, research and analysis, training and practical work. Started in 2001, CIJ has initiated various projects in developing grassroots communications skills through training, infrastructural support and direct action.

Ends

Issued by
Sonia Randhawa
Executive Director

For more information please contact Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772

 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]