Support Encik Hata Wahari, Abolish draconian laws

We, the undersigned, would like to commend Hata Wahari, the newly-elected President of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), for his recent remarks that the chief editor and senior editors of Utusan Malaysia had failed to advocate media freedom while fulfilling the needs of their political masters.

In taking the bold stance and speaking out amidst an increasing climate of fear in the country, Encik Hata has proved himself to be a hallmark of professional journalism. His principled stance reminds us of Encik Said Zahari, under whose dauntless editorial leadership Utusan was once an independent newspaper in its heyday of the 1950s and the early 1960s, fearless in taking the government to task over misconducts and shortcomings.

Encik Hata’s position is in line with WAMI’s long-held conviction that all politicians, be they from Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat or else, should not be allowed to interfere in the editorial operations of the press. In particular, the government is duty-bound to ensure expression of political views, no matter how unpopular these views are.

As the saying goes, the pen is mightier than the sword. Bereft of a transparent press and independent media to check and balance against the powers-that-be, Malaysia will not become a just and equitable society. Encik Hata’s courage embodies the proper role of a journalist as that of a watchdog to safeguard public interest, rather than a government poodle. All fair-minded Malaysians and journalists must therefore fight this battle alongside Encik Hata in order to regain media autonomy for the country.

We also echo Encik Hata’s courageous and honest opinion that Utusan Malaysia as a whole should not be blamed for the political tussle of late between politicians and groups with vested interests, as we indeed believe the majority of journalists, photographers, graphic artists and other members of staff do not necessarily share the agenda of the top management of the major Malay daily. Instead of demonizing Encik Hata or even taking action against him, Utusan’s top management should learn to value and cherish honest journalists that are few and far between in Malaysia.

Finally, WAMI takes this opportunity to reiterate our calls for earnest media law reform on the part of the government, including removing the threat to journalists posed by the draconian Printing Presses and Publications Act, the Internal Security Act, the Sedition and the Official Secrets Acts.

Endorsing Groups:

1.  Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)

2. 1 Muted Malaysia.

This joint statement is initiated by Writer Alliance Media Independence (WAMI) and 1 Muted Malaysia.

Issued by Mr Wong Chin Huat, Chairperson, Writers Alliance Media Independence (WAMI); Mr Josh Hong, Coordinator, 1 Muted Malaysia.

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WAMI is a group of writers for the Chinese media in Malaysia, which aims to defend and promote media independence for freer public discussion and wider democratic space. It was formed by about 90 writers who quitted writing for the mainstream Chinese media inMay 2001, in protest of the coerced takeover of the non-partisan Nanyang Press by the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a ruling coalition member party.

1 Muted Malaysia is a citizens’ initiative in response to the shrinking public space for expression as evidenced by series of book bans, sackings and arrests involving writers, media practitioners and artists.

For further info, please contact:

Mr Josh Hong  ([email protected])

Mr Wong Chin Huat   ([email protected])