The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is alarmed by the recent incident where Malaysiakini journalists were barred from covering a police event despite receiving an invitation to the event.
This comes right after three Malaysiakini journalists were called in for investigation regarding their sources on an article about an alleged police reshuffle.
This action taken by the authorities sets an egregious precedent for journalists in Malaysia, their roles in our society, and the way media freedom and freedom of expression as an extension is governed in Malaysia.
It is alarming that the police and their spokespersons can flex their power with impunity.
This arbitrary denial of Malaysiakini’s access to the event raises serious concerns about the transparency in Bukit Aman’s decision-making process.
There is a lack of due process, especially given that the officer in charge could not even provide the justification for the denial of access.
We are no longer in an era of “aku yang menurut perintah” (blindly following orders). All public servants, paid by taxpayers’ money, are accountable to the public and in this case, must provide clear justification in accordance with the rule of law in denying access.
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Transparency in police procedures and any decision-making process by the state is crucial in upholding democratic values and ultimately ensuring the public’s interests are met.
Barring these journalists has set a precedent that journalists cannot carry out their role as fair, unbiased watchdogs of society and the state.
This selective enforcement of media access coming after the investigation regarding the police reshuffle article further exacerbates this sentiment conveyed by the authorities. It increasingly highlights how journalists are unable to report on matters if they do not align with the agenda of the state.
This effectively undermines the principle of a free and fair media landscape that upholds the fundamental role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy.
As such, the CIJ demands that the home affairs minister and the communications minister clarify how these decisions related to the media are made and the due process in enforcing such decisions.
The media and the public deserve full transparency on how decisions affecting the media’s right to exercise its functions are made.
Further, the CIJ calls for the government to expedite the establishment of a Malaysian media council that is multi-stakeholder, independent and free from government interference so it may function and institute a dispute resolution mechanism more conducive to resolving conflicts like this while actively preserving media freedom, democratic values and the public interest.
The CIJ hopes that our allies, Malaysiakini, and the media as a whole can receive justice and fairness as promised by the “Madani” [civil and compassionate] government. – CIJ
Wathshlah G Naidu is the executive director of the Centre for Independent Journalism.
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