THE National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia, on behalf of a coalition of organisations and civil society groups, has called on the Malaysian government to ensure its legal system protects the rights of journalists, respects the role of the media and oppose the imposition of penalties or liabilities which stifle freedom of expression.
The statement, addressed to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and copied to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, questioned the case of Malaysiakini and its editor-in-chief Steven Gan.
It expressed its deep concern on the contempt proceedings against the online news outlet and its editor-in-chief and described the case to have undermined press freedom and run against widely accepted international human rights standards on freedom of expression.
“The charge against Malaysiakini and Steven Gan is contempt of court, a charge brought because the online news outlet briefly hosted user comments which allegedly insulted the judiciary. The comments were removed within minutes of police notifying the news portal. Malaysiakini’s actions surrounding these readers’ comments have been entirely appropriate and in line with media regulations in Malaysia,” it highlighted in the statement.
It pledged to stand in solidarity with Malaysiakini and Steven Gan and raised Malaysiakini’s well-earned reputation of honest, independent journalism and the central role it has played in strengthening and democratising freedom of speech in Malaysia.
The statement also highlighted that should the applicant’s contempt of court case be proven, this will have chilling effects on media organistaions, civil society groups, journalists and the general public, as it will be seen as repressing public debate, a cornerstone of an open and democratic society.
The NUJ and coalition of 12 therefore called on the government and the PM to review the charges and attempts by authorities to undermine the media and freedom of the press and journalists.
“The Government of Malaysia has the unique opportunity to champion the public’s right to information and continue to advance the country as a strong democracy protecting fundamental human rights,” the statement said.
