Teo defends govt censoring 'media bad actors' that spread fake news

Malaysia’s ranking for press freedom has plummeted, and Reporters Without Borders attributed this to the government’s blocking of dissenting news websites.

However, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching defended the blocking of “media bad actors”, emphasising that the government cannot allow the spread of fake news.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, Teo acknowledged that the government’s blocking of websites constitutes censorship but argued that it is necessary because some news sites continuously incite racial sentiments.

She cited examples like TV Pertiwi, associated with Isma, and the controversial blog Malaysia Today, run by Raja Petra Kamaruddin, both of which claim to be independent media but spread fake news.

“Should the government just let them do whatever they want because they claim to be the media?” she asked.

Teo further noted that despite Raja Petra repeatedly losing defamation cases, he continues to make controversial statements.

“Everyone knows that Raja Petra is behind Malaysia Today. Teresa Kok sued him for defamation and won, but what happened? Since he is bankrupt, Kok couldn’t enforce the court judgment.

“Raja Petra continues to call Malaysia Today news, so he keeps writing fake news. Do you think this should be tolerated?” she questioned.

Teo spoke on Malaysiakini’s Chinese podcast, available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Lack of self-regulation

Teo also defended the coalition government, stating that the administration is often seen as suppressing press freedom when dealing with misconduct.

She explained that since the media cannot self-regulate, the government must intervene to correct media misconduct.

“We all agree that there are ‘bad actors’ in the media. But when the government acts against them, it doesn’t get praised.

“No one supports the government, saying it’s right to act against them.

“If the government doesn’t act, it’s criticised. If it does, it’s still criticised. So, we must admit that Malaysia still can’t rely on media self-regulation to govern bad actors.”

The podcast host, Malaysiakini editor Lee Way Loon, agreed that media needs regulation and suggested establishing a media council for self-regulation.

However, he noted resistance to its formation.

Teo responded that the need for a media council in itself indicates a lack of self-regulation and self-discipline in the media.

“If the media could effectively self-regulate, why wait for a media council? In other words, do you think the media lacks self-regulation without a media council?

‘Mere propaganda tools’

Teo also addressed criticism faced by the Communications Ministry, including stopping the issuance of press passes to political party mouthpieces and reducing the validity period of some online media press passes.

She explained that the ministry sees party mouthpieces as mere propaganda tools, not adhering to principles of impartial reporting.

“I think publications like Harakah, The Rocket, or Suara Keadilan don’t practise impartial reporting. Harakah won’t publish positive news about (Prime Minister) Anwar (Ibrahim), and The Rocket won’t publish positive news about Perikatan Nasional,” she said.

The Rocket is the mouthpiece of DAP - Teo’s party.

She noted that The Rocket reporters don’t have press passes, which are needed to access government buildings such as Bukit Aman, the Prime Minister’s Office, or Parliament.

6-month observation period

Teo argued that the low barrier to setting up news websites necessitates measures to curb "bad actors."

Hence why the government issues six-month press passes to new online media to observe their credibility, she said.

“If ‘Ice Cream Daily’ were to apply for a media pass today, I’d treat it the same (two-year pass).”

“But if we find issues after two years and revoke the pass, they might not return the card and continue using it fraudulently. Unless the police intervene, it’s hard to handle.

“With so many people abusing the media title online, new media outlets get a six-month observation period. If they prove credible, we’ll extend their pass," she said.

One area where Teo expressed a progressive viewpoint for media freedom was regarding publication permits.

‘Publishing permits outdated’

Quizzed on the Home Ministry’s recent consideration to expand the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA) to include digital media, causing concern over potential media suppression, Teo bluntly said that publishing permits are outdated and should be abolished.

“I think that permit is unnecessary. The Home Ministry should be bold and just abolish it.

“Print newspaper readership is declining, and we get our news online. How effective is that permit as a tool for intimidation now?” she said.

Teo argued that the internet transcends borders, making comprehensive regulation impossible.

Rather than legislating media operations, it’s better to deal with infractions using appropriate laws.

“If you ask my personal opinion, I’d say don’t issue permits. Just take action using the law when they err.”

“Online media don’t have to operate in Malaysia (to publish about Malaysia). How do you handle that? The internet has no borders,” she added.

However, she stressed that thus far the cabinet has not discussed expanding the PPPA’s scope.

MCMC claims FB posts cyber-bullied minister in Asia Mobiliti issue

'Self-censorship' indicates precarious media landscape: Advocates

Media 'blackout' on driver 'assault' case was self-censorship, Teo believes

'Assault' case: No order for media to retract published reports, Fahmi says

MCMC: Lawyer's post not blocked on deputy minister's instruction

Asia Mobiliti issue tarnished Yeoh's 'moral ground' - Khairy