Lawyer urges legal action for media outlets under block
A lawyer has called for legal action against the government after several news portals and social media accounts were reportedly blocked without explanation in the lead-up to last weekend’s state elections and beyond.
(MalaysiaNow) – Rafique Rashid said those who felt they had become the subject of restrictions should file a judicial review in court.
Speaking to MalaysiaNow, he said even in the event that regulations, sensitivities or laws had been violated, an investigation should be carried out instead of restrictions.
“What is troubling is the uncaring attitude of the communications and digital minister, Fahmi Fadzil, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC),” he added, referring to the internet regulator under the jurisdiction of Fahmi’s ministry.
“It appears that the action taken so far has been unilateral or punitive, without the right for parties not only to give opinions, but also to defend themselves.”
MalaysiaNow came under a 48-hour block in late June while access to the MalaysiaToday website, run by prominent blogger and government critic Raja Petra Kamarudin, was also restricted around the same time.
