'Don't blame portal, Dewan ruckus aired live', media veterans slam MCMC

A group of veteran media professionals have taken the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to task for “putting the blame” on MalaysiaNow over reports pertaining to a ruckus that broke out in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Sept 19).

In a statement today, they asserted that it was unfair and unacceptable for MCMC to point fingers at the English news portal when the commotion in the August House was aired live and viewed by the public, with snippets of the incidents available on social media.

The articles in question were on the rowdy exchange between government and opposition lawmakers, which led to Putrajaya MP Radzi Jidin being removed from the Dewan Rakyat.

“The excuse given by the MCMC that a few reports on the event had ‘been used as a weapon to manipulate content and to create a feeling of disrespect and a narrative of confusion’ raises more questions than answers.

“Since when do we consider reporting as a misdemeanour in this country?

“In this context, we urge MCMC not to preach to us on what constitutes good and fair reporting,” they said.

The statement was signed by media veterans as well as journalists’ groups.

Among them are former Media Prima Bhd chairperson and National Journalism Laureate Johan Jaafar, former NSTP Bhd group editor-in-chief A Kadir Jasin, former Bernama chairperson Azman Ujang, Karangkraf Group founder and former chairperson Hussamuddin Yaacub, former Malaysian Press Institute CEO Chamil Wariya, the Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ), and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm).

On Sept 22, the MCMC justified its demand for amendments to or the withdrawal of an article published by MalaysiaNow, which has, at the time of writing, still ignored the request.

The MCMC said the article in question had reported Parliamentary proceedings out of context with the intent to “spread hatred or incite provocation”.

The commission expressed concern that some media organisations were “weaponising” news to “fuel disrespectful and divisive narratives” and “spread disinformation”.

In view of this, media organisations are urged to adhere to the MCMC’s content code.

‘Shallow understanding’

In response, the media veterans were of the view that the response from MCMC is a reflection of the shallowness of understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the media, claiming that it proves that the commission is “hiding behind the Communication and Multimedia Act of 1998 to justify its existence and actions”.

“We believe MCMC is deliberately fighting windmills to justify its actions. Media practitioners as a whole understand their responsibilities and are guided by their professionalism and code of ethics.

“The problems faced by the MCMC in managing social media must not be an excuse to curtail the right of media practitioners to carry out their responsibilities.”

They also reminded MCMC that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had on many occasions stressed the need for a free and responsible media and had promised to take constructive criticism and comments openly.

“The move by MCMC is undermining the very spirit espoused by the prime minister to ensure a conducive atmosphere where media practitioners can work without fear and favour,” they added.

Earlier today, watchdog group Lawyers for Liberty also criticised the MCMC’s actions and recent call for the press to practice responsible journalism and not spread “manipulative content”.

In a statement, LFL campaign coordinator Nabila Khairuddin said the Sept 22 statement by the MCMC was a threat to the freedom of expression and in violation of Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

She said those rights can only be restricted as provided by the law to the necessary extent as stated in Article 10(2)(a), such as in the interests of security, public order, or morality.

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