Govt will lose credibility if threat against media continues, says Human rights group

PETALING JAYA: Human rights organisation, Article 19 has warned that the Malaysian government will lose credibility if the press continues to face threats.

This was in response to comments yesterday by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who said action will be taken against the media if they misreport government statements.

Article 19 says it is the job of governments around the world to provide truthful information about the Covid-19 virus, adding that it’s a human right for people to have access to reliable information.

Further highlighting the importance of media during this pandemic, the organisation said: “A free, safe, and independent media is important during a public health crisis. The media and journalists play a vital role in providing information to the public. This will promote transparency and accountability in delivering the government’s policies and health measures to the public.”

The organisation also emphasised that policies that attack journalists would result in a loss of credibility for governments.

“The government must make efforts to protect the work of journalists. Journalists and media are front-liners that work hard to provide information to the public and their work must be protected instead of undermined,” Article 19 said in a statement.

“The government must stop any measures limiting access to information and freedom of expression. Stop the witch hunt in attempts to limit speech. Actions taken must comply with the requirements of legality, legitimacy, necessity and proportionality. Criminal measures should not be the immediate reaction,” added Article 19.

Article 19 is a British human rights organisation with a specific mandate and focus on the defence and promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of information worldwide.

The organisation derives its name from Article 19 of the of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which says: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.”