Press freedom just a PH campaign tool, veteran journalist says after media restrictions
A veteran journalist says that Pakatan Harapan (PH) only used the issue of press freedom as a campaign tool for its political interests, following the recent string of blocks on websites.
(MalaysiaNow) – Speaking to MalaysiaNow, A Kadir Jasin said that PH never made an earnest effort or took it upon itself to safeguard freedom of speech and protect media freedom, as it previously proclaimed.
“Media freedom was used as a campaign tool, but it wasn’t a deep or serious ideological commitment for PH.
“When they became the government, they found that media freedom was a double-edged sword,” he added.
Kadir, the former group editor-in-chief of the New Straits Times, said this led to harsh actions against media outlets that were not aligned with the government, effectively restricting them.
These restrictions on the media, Kadir said, were a “desperate attempt” by PH to cover up its weaknesses and failures in governing the country.
“Their tolerance is low because there hasn’t been much good news to offer the media since they took office nine months ago.
