COMMENT | Harapan's gobbledygook on press freedom

COMMENT | When the Reporters Sans Frontiers’ (RSF) 2021 Press Freedom Index saw Malaysia drop 18 steps to rank 119 out of 180 countries, Pakatan Harapan chief Anwar Ibrahim sounded the alarm, saying the media is facing a “grave” situation.

“The service provided by a free and open press is paramount for the functioning of our democracy. Our leaders’ reckless regard for the press not only affirms some of our worst assumptions about the Perikatan Nasional government but also adds insult to the injuries they have committed against the people, disregarding their mandate last year.

“The secondary and tertiary effects of these selfish actions continue to demote Malaysia’s position internationally, which will hinder the economic recovery we desperately need and have future investors and partners looking elsewhere for business and collaboration,” he said in a statement.

The sterling eloquence concluded: “Umno is launching an assault on the media just as its leaders are facing potential convictions in their corruption cases. They are twisting the prime minister’s arm to call for an election in November.

“Umno’s chances of winning an election are hampered by honest and thorough reporting on Umno/Bersatu scandals such as the missing littoral combat ships, the flailing 5G deal under Digital Nasional Bhd, as well as the government’s dismal handling of the economic crisis and rising cost of living. Rather than deal with the scandals and problems, Umno predictably attacks the messenger.”

But now, those words of bravado have slipped by because Umno is needed to prop up the Madani government; hence, media freedom has been put on the back burner.

Promising the sun and moon

A year later in facing the 15th general election (GE15), as if to fix the problem, Harapan’s manifesto gave an important undertaking - protecting media freedom: “One important democratic measure in any country is the ability of the media to report freely about current issues that carry public interest.”

“This vital aspect of democracy becomes nonfunctional when media freedom is restricted and the consequences will lead to leaders and the rakyat being unable to access the truth. Harapan is committed to protecting media freedom and advancing free speech to ensure that justice can be collectively championed.”

Last June, Anwar received a gold category Media Certification Card from the Malaysian Information Department, at the culmination of the National Journalists’ Day in Ipoh.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil presented the media card to the prime minister in appreciation of “his efforts to raise the dignity of continued media freedom in Malaysia.”

In May, when Malaysia’s position in the World Press Freedom Index fell 34 places to 107 compared to 73 the previous year, Anwar said the government’s “tough action” against inflammatory speeches indirectly contributed to the drop.

“I do not mind. It does not matter if we are downgraded because we are tough against the racists and the religious bigots.

“Because in my mind, saving this country, protecting the rights of the majority and the minorities, is more important than getting high marks or international recognition,” he said.

But as I have said before. Journalists are not the problem - keyboard warriors and cybertroopers are the problem.

Journalists are aware of the legal implications and other possible repercussions of dealing with the three Rs - race, religion, and royalty.

I wrote: “We know it is a forbidden area and always tread it cautiously, even if it is a simple news story.

“… let it be said that no journalist worth his or her salt will even attempt to criticise the royal households. And even if he or she did, it would not get past the editors.”

Where do Harapan MPs stand?

Two days ago, Fahmi was asked about amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA). All he could muster to journalists was: “You know where I personally stand.”

Sorry, YB, I do not know. Could you enlighten me and other ignorant citizens who want to know?

Oh yes, it falls outside your ministerial purview, hence you declined to answer directly about whether you opposed the proposed amendments.

But then, what is preventing you from expressing your opinion? If ministers cannot express their views, are we not going back to the days when no minister dared utter the word “1MDB”?

Is this issue not the opposite of what your party, of which you are the communications head, said in your manifesto two years ago? Forgotten? Just go back to the “Kita Boleh” leaflet which was distributed to all Malaysians just before GE15.

Do not have a copy? Just go to this link and be reminded of the dozens of promises which have not been fulfilled. Of course, it also contains those your party has backtracked on.

Long before that, then DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng made a grandstanding announcement just before GE14 in 2018.

“A free media is crucial in providing a level playing field for all political actors and for the public (stakeholders) to hold the power-holders accountable. As such, this GE is an opportunity to reform the legislative environment that has worked against the media and freedom of expression of citizens,” he said.

What is the stand of the four DAP ministers in the cabinet? Are they also adopting the same “you know my stand” nonsense and not willing to commit?

What about Teo Nie Ching, who on being appointed Fahmi’s deputy in 2022 told Bernama TV: “I will ensure the government respects press freedom”?

How will the DAP reps vote when the PPPA amendments are presented in Parliament? What about the PKR MPs? Many have been vocal on the issue and a few have made their views known.

Will they be allowed to speak and vote according to their conscience and beliefs, or will they be governed by the party whip?

If the Harapan communications head honcho can hide in a shell and be muted in expressing his views, it gives Malaysians a glimpse of what little we can expect.

R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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