‘MCMC must explain probe against The Malaysian Insight’

(The Star) – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) must explain their grounds for probing The Malaysian Insight, said several organisations representing journalists in Malaysia.

In a joint statement Sunday (Dec 10), Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm), Wan-IFRA Media Freedom Committee (Malaysia), and the Institute Journalists Malaysia (IoJM) said they were troubled by the announcement that the MCMC is investigating the online news portal for alleged “insults” against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“The claims of ‘insult’ against Najib, which has been repeated over the past two days during the Umno general assembly, the largest ruling party in the country, has not been backed up by any examples or any proof whatsoever,” they added.

According to them, it is of concern that a government agency would so quickly announce a probe against a news agency based on complaints that have not been backed by any proof of intent to insult the Prime Minister, as alleged.

Faridah Begum, The Malaysian Insight‘s owner, and her husband the AG

“Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak should state the exact provisions under which this probe is taking place, failing which, the action will just be an addition to a long list of criminal investigation against news portals in the country that has only served to curtail press freedom,” they added.

They said there are adequate avenues to pursue civil legal remedy instead of initiating a criminal probe against media organisations, should any parties be offended or insulted by a particular news coverage.

They stressed that criticism of public office holders is a key part of freedom of speech, which is guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.

“MCMC had in the past blocked access to The Malaysian Insider. These actions contributed to the decision of the owners and operators of the portal to eventually shut it down in 2016, leaving the staff at the organisation without a job overnight.

“The government should keep in mind that such high-handed actions go against its commitment to nurture a vibrant democracy,” they added.