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Retract suspension of China Press editor, stop muzzling the press |
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Local Alerts
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Friday, 19 March 2010 |
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The
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) condemns the suspension of the
editor of China Press at the behest of the Ministry of Home Affairs
after publishing a report that the Inspector General-Police (IGP) has
resigned.
According
to online news site Malaysiakini on 19 March, the Ministry asked for
the China Press to "decide
on the disciplinary action to be taken against its editor-in-chief",
after which China Press decided to suspend the editor-in-chief Teoh
Yong Khoon. China Press was issued a show-cause letter on 13 March for
alleging that the IGP, Musa Hassan, had tendered a resignation letter.
Although initially
both the IGP and the Home Minister denied this, the Minister later
confirmed that he will not renew the contract of the IGP due to expire
in September. Nevertheless, China Press had to published a front page
apology over the report on 19 March.
The intimidation by the Ministry of the press sends the message
that it does not encourage public scrutiny on the police institution
which comes under its purview. While details in the report have been
disputed by the Minister and the IGP, the report in its essence was
accurate and therefore does not warrant any redress more severe than
the publication of a correction. The Ministry's punishment sends yet
another a chilling message to
editors about reporting on high ranking government officials.
The
Star has also recently received a show cause letter for its commentary
on shari'ah law and now the China Press is being intimidated as well.
This demonstrates that the Ministry is using the Printing Presses and
Publications Act (PPPA) to restrict legitimate discourse and accurate
information, contrary to the Minister's claim of defense of journalism
ethics.
We call
for the Ministry to retract its directive on the suspension of the
China Press editor. More importantly, the government should enable an
environment of free press by repealing the licensing provision in PPPA
that has been used to intimidate the media.
Issued by
Yip Wai Fong
Communication and Publications Officer
The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit
organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and
free where all people will enjoy free media and the freedom to express,
seek, and impart information.
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