Umno leaders worried Mkini decision will 'kill' freedom of speech
Several Umno leaders have expressed concern over the Federal Court’s decision to cite news organisation Malaysiakini for contempt and fine it RM500,000 over reader comments.
Umno Supreme Council member Mohd Razlan Rafii was worried about the dangerous precedent this has set for other media organisations...
Several Umno leaders have expressed concern over the Federal Court’s decision to cite news organisation Malaysiakini for contempt and fine it RM500,000 over reader comments.
Umno Supreme Council member Mohd Razlan Rafii (above) was worried about the dangerous precedent this has set for other media organisations.
“This hefty punishment will become a precedent. We are not only worried about Malaysiakini, but we are also worried about those who own Facebook, Instagram accounts and other media.
“Will the courts also fine these cases? It is as if we have no more freedom. As long as freedom is limited to not being a threat against national security, there should be freedom of speech.
“Do not kill freedom of speech,” he said when contacted.
In a 6-1 majority decision this morning, the court decided that Malaysiakini was liable for contempt of court over third-party comments. The bench did not convict the news organisation’s editor-in-chief Steven Gan.
The prosecution had applied for a RM200,000 fine.
The case was initiated by attorney-general Idrus Harun last June over five readers' comments to an article entitled “CJ orders all courts to be fully operational from July 1”.
The prosecution had argued the case based on Section 114A of the Evidence Act 1950 (Presumption of fact in publication), which stipulates anyone who in any manner facilitates to publish a publication is presumed to have published the contents of the publication and can be held liable.
Human rights groups were concerned about how the provision would be used when it was passed in 2012 when Umno’s Pekan MP Najib Abdul Razak was prime minister.
Defend press freedom
Like Razlan, fellow supreme council member Armand Azha Abu Hanifah called for press freedom to be defended.
“I am not disputing the court’s decision, but I just hope that press freedom and freedom of speech is upheld in our beloved country.
“We should not curtail press freedom or the rakyat’s freedom of speech because that is their right. As long as they do not threaten or bring about racial riots or disrupt the country’s stability, to me, I think we don’t have to restrict their rights,” he said.
Umno Youth executive committee member Mustafa Shah Abdul Hamid echoed Armand’s sentiments, saying press freedom was crucial for allowing the people’s grouses to be heard.
“The media plays an important role in nation-building therefore, we should not restrict press freedom,” he said.
READ MORE: Lawyers: Decision in M'kini case may curtail other news sites, social media
Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) Information Chief Ulya Aqamah Husamudin said his party was standing in solidarity with Malaysiakini.
“Even though the court has made its decision, Pejuang will continue to support and be in solidarity with Malaysiakini.
“Therefore, we call upon the public, especially our party members, to help by donating to Malaysiakini to ease their burden,” he said in a statement.
Malaysiakini surpassed its RM500,000 target about four hours after a public fundraiser was created.
Related reports:
Malaysiakini exceeds RM500k fundraising target for hefty court fine
Malaysiakini seeks public's help to raise RM500k after contempt conviction
Malaysiakini fined RM500,000 for contempt of court
Malaysiakini in contempt over readers’ comments, rules Federal Court
LIVE | Huge fine a body blow, says Gan
Support pours in for Malaysiakini, concerns raised over press freedom
Majority and minority judgments in Malaysiakini's contempt case
Foreign missions concerned over press freedom after M'kini contempt ruling
Lawyers: Decision in M'kini case may curtail other news sites, social media
Portals now need to check readers' comments due to court ruling: lawyer
COMMENT | Is today the beginning of the real emergency?
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.