Umno deputy, vice-presidents, Najib back press freedom after Mkini verdict
For years, Umno has seen Malaysiakini as a thorn in its side, banning it and several other media portals from covering the party's general assemblies for years prior to the 2018 general election.
But even leaders from the news portal's staunchest critic have expressed concern over the Federal Court handing down a RM500,000 fine over readers' comments ruled to be contemptuous.
For years, Umno has seen Malaysiakini as a thorn in its side, banning it and several other media portals from covering the party's general assemblies for years prior to the 2018 general election.
But even leaders from the news portal's staunchest critic have expressed concern over the Federal Court handing down a RM500,000 fine over readers' comments ruled to be contemptuous.
In a Facebook post last night, former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak said the Perikatan Nasional government's decision to charge Malaysiakini with contempt had a serious impact on press freedom and freedom of speech.
"It may open up room for the government to take action against the owners of accounts on Facebook, Instagram and other media," he said.
This, he said, was why news of the court verdict against Malaysiakini made international news.
However, he also pointed out that when Pakatan Harapan was in power, then-communications minister Gobind Singh Deo also considered making news websites responsible for their readers' comments.
"I am considering whether there is a need to formulate a law on this aspect. It is still under consideration and has not been brought to the cabinet yet," Gobind had said in 2019.
The Puchong MP had said this in the context of readers making comments that touched on racial, religious and royal institution sensitivities.
Meanwhile, this morning Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan (photo) also spoke up about the importance of a free press, without mentioning Malaysiakini.
"A democratic life in Malaysia means defending the right to free speech and freedom of the press.
"The role of the press is not only to disseminate news and information. Rather, it is quintessential in providing an avenue for discourse, critique and check and balance in all aspects of life and governance," Mohamad said.
He added that Malaysia must aspire to be an advanced society that allowed free speech in a manner that was mature, honest, and progressive.
He also said that a free and responsible press can promote government accountability, expose abuse of power and moral wrongdoings as well as inspire through human interest stories.
Separately, Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin (photo) said he personally but respectfully disagreed with the court's ruling.
Khaled said he was not a fan of Malaysiakini whom he claimed had previously taken his remarks out of context or had given space to his critics.
"But I believe in one thing. Their (Malaysiakini's) right and freedom as a media and news platform must be defended," he said in a statement today.
He added the media must continue to be free, neutral and not fear to carry views whether their own or from the public.
During Malaysiakini's fundraiser drive yesterday to help pay the RM500,000 imposed, at least two Umno leaders contributed under the condition of anonymity.
It is heartening to see the support for freedom of expression this verdict elicited. The majority decision of the court was unfortunate. Worse, the fine was unnecessarily punitive. The overwhelming public fund-raising which immediately followed the verdict spoke volumes: the court of public opinion saw matters very differently from the 6 judges. Most were of one mind with the courageous dissenting judge who was outnumbered 6:1. Her judgment clearly resonated with the Rakyat and, remarkably, with politicians from both sides.
Mr Najib, it is commendable for you and your colleagues in UMNO to voice your discontent against the injustice and harsh punishment imposed against Malaysiakini. If we look at it in a broader sense, what has happened, is actually a blessing in disguise. Looking at the overwhelming support Malaysiakini received, goes to show that many of us are disappointed with the court's hsrsh decision and it appears as a doomsday for press freedom and freedom of expression in the country. Another way of looking at it is, there is victory in defeat. Victory because it has I believe, awoken a lot of people from their slumber to the realities of curtailment to our fundamental rights of expression. The six learned judges who imposed this draconian verdict on Malaysiakini, would not have expected such a massive backlash from within and without. Vast majority of people have spoken that a court decision so drastic is viewed with disgust and utter disappointment. News portals are the lifeline of a democratic process where the participation of readers on topics of national interest and security, are paramount to the wellbeing of the country. Thus, the views that are expressed are made with the intention of getting clarification from the authorities or to show our displeasure to certain inappropriate court decisions. Malaysiakini is a platform allowing its readers to express their views. It also allows readers' discretion to be mindful of what they comment. Let us be thankful to this privelege accorded to us by Malaysiakini by avoiding prejudicial and abusive comments.
In this age of social media, mindless wild accusations are prevalent in the comments section in any online news portal. Legal action should only be taken if the online portal refuses to remove the offensive comments. The action of the AG and the judges concerned to punish Mkni makes Malaysia looks oppresive inside and outside of our country. If even MaluApabossku thinks it is wrong then it is really really wrong.
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