Don't drag media into Najib's SRC case, NUJM reminds Shafee

The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) took lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah to task over his claim that the media did not fairly report former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s RM42 million SRC International corruption case.

In a media statement today, the group viewed the claim seriously as every press organisation in the country reported Najib’s court case in depth, whether mainstream or alternative media.

NUJM emphasised that portals such as Malaysiakini and The Edge gave in-depth coverage while inside the court reporting on Najib’s case for four years.

The group said Shafee’s statement during a forum two days ago gave a negative impression to journalists who strenuously reported Najib’s court case which carried on for years.

“NUJM is of the view that the media should not be dragged in or blamed over the case involving Najib.

“NUJM is of the view that all quarters must respect the media’s job and give needed cooperation to ensure transparent and objective reporting.

“Finally, we urge all quarters to discuss with stakeholders to get an actual explanation before making any statement,” NUJM reminded Najib’s lead defence counsel.

The group was referring to Shafee’s statement about the media during the forum “Media Townhall: Getting the Facts Right – The Untold Stories of 1MDB & Other Cases" two days ago.

During the forum, Shafee claimed the media failed to report fairly Najib’s RM42 million SRC International corruption case.

Najib, who was also finance minister, has been serving a six-year jail term since late 2022 and fined RM50 million.

Initially, a 12-year jail sentence and RM210 million fine, the penalties were discounted following the Federal Territories Pardons Board’s advice to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Myanmar govt may be protecting Jho Low - Najib's lawyer

Agong's prerogative over Najib's partial pardon can't be challenged: Court

1MDB: Full summary of judge's ruling ordering Najib to enter defence

Shafee: I didn't win a shred of cotton, hearsay evidence accepted

Najib did not apologise expecting favourable outcome, says lawyer