Navigate the rugged terrain of press freedom in Malaysia with intrepid journalists who courageously pen transparency and integrity in their reporting!
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30 May 2024
4 Min Read
Liew Yen Rou (Student Writer)
Navigate the rugged terrain of press freedom in Malaysia with intrepid journalists who courageously pen transparency and integrity in their reporting!
Press freedom is more than just having a voice in the world — it is a fundamental right for everyone. In a democratic society, press freedom serves as a watchdog to hold those in power accountable. A free press allows alternative opinions to be expressed without fear of being targeted by the public or the authorities. Unfortunately, journalists in Malaysia face censorship and receive numerous threats despite taking on the role of informing the world about the truth, as outlined in the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists.
Malaysia is no stranger to censorship, as repressive laws that silence the media have existed since British colonial rule. The British colonial government introduced the Sedition Act 1948 and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. According to Discursive Approaches to Politics in Malaysia, these laws were enacted to combat Malay nationalism and insurrection led by the Communist Party of Malaya.
The central notion of the Sedition Act 1948 is defined as anything which, 'when applied or used in respect of any act, speech, words, publication, or other thing qualifies the act, speech, words, publication, or other thing as having a seditious tendency'. Meanwhile, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 is intended to 'regulate the use of printing presses and the printing, importation, production, reproduction, publishing, and distribution of publications and for matters connected therewith'. These laws are still used today to suppress press freedom despite many people criticising them as archaic and calling for their repeal.
Article 10(a) of the Malaysian Federal Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of speech and expression. However, exercising this freedom of speech does not exempt one from facing consequences. It remains unclear what constitutes free speech when the Sedition Act 1948 and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 contradict Article 10. Similarly, many cases that have violated these laws fall into a grey area, as only those in power can interpret them.
In Malaysia, most major news companies are associated with specific political parties. There is significant concern about partisan reporting in the local media, which undermines transparency, particularly when the government controls it. Despite many independent news companies striving for fair reporting, they often become targets of intimidation. Many local journalists and news companies also face intimidation through defamatory suits filed against them. Although the media is meant to serve as a watchdog for the government, investigations often occur when exposés or reports related to corruption and bribery are released.
Journalists in Malaysia face threats and harassment when they publish reports deemed unfavourable by the government or the public. One notable case occurred when Malaysian authorities investigated British journalist and Sarawak Report founder Clare Rewcastle Brown after she exposed the infamous 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal in 2015. She was subsequently issued an arrest warrant for criminal offences under Sections 124B and 124I of the Penal Code, accused of committing acts detrimental to parliamentary democracy and making false statements in printed or online publications.
Another case involves Malaysiakini, a local independent news website, and its journalists, who have been frequent targets. Former Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan was investigated over comments on the Federal Court's decision that found the news website guilty of contempt and fined it RM500,000. The case was investigated under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998. In a separate case, journalist Kow Gah Chie from Malaysiakini faced harassment and racist attacks on Facebook following her article about former Minister of Environment and Water, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who defended logging in Kelantan. There are countless other occasions where journalists are under threat and do not receive adequate protection due to their news coverage.
In the latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2024 World Press Freedom Index, Malaysia is ranked 107th out of 180 countries, dropping from 73rd last year. Malaysia had been the highest-ranked among ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries the previous year. However, Thailand jumped from 106th to 87th this year, surpassing Malaysia's ranking. Although the current government promised in their manifesto during the 15th General Election to 'review all laws and regulations related to the media', Malaysia still has a long way to go to achieve press freedom.
Liew Yen Rou is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Mass Communication (Honours) at Taylor's University. She is an aspiring journalist who pens her thoughts on current issues to while away the time.