The
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) condemns the blocking of Raja
Petra Kamaruddin's popular blog site Malaysia Today by the Malaysian
Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The Commission is going
against the national commitments spelt out under the Bill of Guarantee
of the Multimedia Super Corridor, which promises no censorship of the
Internet. By blocking the site, the first for a social/political
content, the Commission is reflecting the extent to which narrow
political interests are dictating the rules of the game on expression
over cyberspace.
On August 28, Malaysiakini.com reported that the MCMC instructed
major Internet Service Providers (ISP) to immediately block access to
the site. As a result, Malaysia Today is now reportedly inaccessible
from ISP TMnet, Maxis and Time. The MCMC has previously blocked
pornographic sites while the Security Commission also had dubious
investment sites blocked, but this is the first time such measure is
used against a social and political site.
CIJ questions the grounds under which the decision was made by the
Commission. The MCMC Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mohamed Sharil
Tarmizi was quoted as citing vague and general statements such as
"insensitive" and "bordering at incitement", only to reinforce the
perception that the move is politically motivated. CIJ would like to
know if there were official complaints lodged to the commission (if
yes, how many) against Malaysia Today, and the nature of their grouse,
for public scrutiny.
We also question the definition, standards and perception of
ethical blogging that the COO mentioned in warning bloggers of their
responsibility. Ethical standards that are decided arbitrarily and
without consultation is an alternative method of control for the
government. The Commission needs to work harder in order to prove its
worth and credibility as an independent institution. The government, on
the other hand, should take heed that its plunging popularity is fueled
by its attempt to silence alternative voices, and such actions will
only popularise these voices further.
CIJ calls upon the MCMC to exercise restraint in controlling and
filtering online content and expression. The Commission and the
government should acknowledge that the problem at hand is the failure
of the mainstream media to fulfil its duties in reporting information
adequately, truthfully and fairly and not go on a witch hunt of content
providers in cyberspace, which holds the only meaningful free space for
critical and challenging expression in Malaysia.
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) aspires for a society that
is democratic, just and free, where all people enjoy free media and the
freedom to express, seek, and impart information.
Issued by
Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director
For more information please contact Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772.
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