KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has reiterated on the urgency of setting up a media council to protect media freedom following Malaysia’s drop in the World Press Freedom Index ranking this year.
Its chairman Tan Sri Othman Hashim said that the World Press Freedom Index 2021 from Reporter without Borders revealed that Malaysia is now ranked 119th out of 180 countries, a drop of 18 spots from last year’s 108th ranking.
“This is an indication of the deterioration in upholding press freedom during the past year.
“One significant challenge faced by the media is the introduction of the fake news law gazetted under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 earlier this year. Under the ordinance, any person spreading fake news related to Covid-19 and the emergency is committing an offence.
“This may constitute a form of restriction against the media and the public at large that poses a serious threat to freedom of expression, privacy and the right to a fair trial,” Othman said at the World Press Freedom Day virtual forum here today.
The forum was organised by the Dutch embassy, the United Nations in Malaysia, and Suhakam, and supported by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.
Othman said that it is important that more intentional and purposeful actions be made institutive to improve the press freedom ranking.
“Protection of the right to freedom of expression including for both print and online media is important in Malaysia to strengthen our democracy as well as nurture the future growth of knowledge.
“We need to continuously allow open and transparent discussion on how to establish a more conducive working environment for media professionals in Malaysia.
This includes a renewed focus on legal reforms and the creation of a media council to regulate the industry and protect media freedom,” he said.
He also said that journalists and the media should be encouraged to take a strategic role in promoting and advancing a strong, independent, and diverse media through capacity building, and engagement in policy and planning processes.
“Journalists should be able to perform their duties without fear or favour in terms of highlighting news of human rights and abuses, so that they could operate effectively,” he said.
Othman also said that although electronic media has opened doors to faster and wider reach for news, it has also at the same time negatively impacted the livelihoods of traditional journalists and media companies.
“Support should also be provided for media professionals to ensure the industry’s long term survival encompassing media professionals and companies,” he said. – The Vibes, May 3, 2021
