The Council of Churches Malaysia’s (CCM) Youth section thanks the MCA, especially Dr Chua Soi Lek, for upholding his promise to sell the political party’s minor shareholding in Media Chinese International Ltd. MCA has set an example by exhibiting the political and moral will to take a catalytic step towards upholding media independence in Malaysia.

Moving in the same direction, CCM Youth urges MCA to fully relinquish its controlling stake in Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd which owns the leading English daily, the Star . This move will signify the milestone for our mainstream media in achieving true democratic reform and rid it of the decades of political control, partisan reporting and interference.

CCM Youth views that these two moves taken collectively will re-establish the much needed editorial integrity and credibility to our nation’s mainstream media.

CCM Youth also lauds the appointment of Hata Wahari as the new president of the National Union of Journalists Malaysia thus reaffirming NUJ to be a non-partisan and independent organisation, capable of upholding journalism ethics and providing the right platform for Malaysian journalists to perform their duties professionally, to reject any form of partisan reporting, to enable accurate and concise reporting, and to protect the rights of newspaper editors.

This was especially critical after our nation has witnessed a spate of resignation by media professionals over the recent months, due to allegations of intimidation, harassment and even arrest.

And to make matters worse, we had to grapple with the latest crackdown involving the arrest of Malaysiakini cartoonist, Zunar (Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque) and the confiscation of his latest publication, Cartoon-o-phobia .

If the prime minister’s expressed view is that ‘the media is a partner in change to transform Malaysia into a high income nation’, CCM Youth then urges that all charges against Zunar be dropped and all the confiscated copies be returned.

Likewise, CCM Youth also challenges the prime minister to follow in the footsteps of MCA by turning the rhetoric of economic and social reform into reality, beginning with the restoring of full media independence by severing all direct and indirect linkages between Umno and the Media Prima Group and Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Bhd.

CCM Youth opined that the media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the public and the truth. Media professionals ought to be protected, not punished, for exposing lies, falsehood, injustices and corruption.

By silencing the voice of the media, our government will effectively silence the voice of the people who care enough to contribute to their responsibilities of citizenry and nation building, by boldly pointing out things needing correction for the betterment of our nation.

After all, if we make every effort to protect witnesses and whistle-blowers, then journalists must also be accorded similar protection, given that they are carrying out that role of being watchmen for the people in the face of persecution and many times, mortal danger as they expose such misdeeds.

CCM Youth views that Malaysia’s plans to revitalise foreign investment will face a formidable obstacle unless urgent steps are taken to reform our local media space and build a healthy informed public, to encourage thoughtful commentary, to hold politicians, civil servants and corporations accountable, and to punish hate-based opinions.

Until then, foreign investors are likely to shy away unless they see real reforms being taken to protect and uphold media freedom.

The writer is secretary, CCM Youth.