Mkini popular reference for MPs debating issues in Dewan Rakyat

Summary

• Several MPs cite Malaysiakini in debating current issues in Parliament.

• Perikatan Nasional representatives debate in defence of media and speech freedom, citing cases involving Malaysiakini as examples of the government's strong action against the press.

• Pakatan Harapan and PN MPs clash after Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong brings up Malaysiakini's special report on Kelantan rivers.

PARLIAMENT | Malaysiakini became a popular reference for MPs from both sides of the political divide seeking to debate current issues in Parliament today.

Perikatan Nasional’s Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari and Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (Kuala Krai) cited the news portal to defend press freedom in the country, criticising the government for launching criminal probes against media agencies.

In debating the Malaysian Media Council Bill, Fadhli, who is PAS information chief, blamed the authorities' actions for Malaysia's slide in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2024’s World Press Freedom rankings.

"Why did Malaysia's (press freedom) ranking shoot up in 2023 but went down in 2024? According to RSF, Malaysia's climb in 2023 was because of the mood and people's high hopes for the then-new government.

"However, the performance dropped the next year because of increasing political pressure on the media.

"There was censorship on online content, use of legal provisions to pressure journalists, and police investigations against Malaysiakini and MalaysiaNow news portals for publishing reports critical of the government," he said.

Fadhli then questioned the government's efforts to improve the country's global rankings.

It was reported in May last year that Malaysia placed 107th in RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom rankings, falling 34 spots from 73rd in 2023.

Laptop seizure

Latiff cited police seizure of a laptop from Malaysiakini executive editor RK Anand in January.

The seizure was part of an investigation against former minister Khairy Jamaluddin over comments in his podcast "Keluar Sekejap", which Malaysiakini quoted in an article.

"Incidents like the seizure of a laptop from a journalist that happened in the case involving Malaysiakini executive editor also have the potential of setting a dangerous precedent against media freedom.

"Has the government conducted any post-mortem on the implications from authorities' actions and continuous investigations that target journalists who merely quoted other parties (who spoke) on public platforms?" he said.

Heated argument

During today's session, a heated argument also erupted between several MPs from Pakatan Harapan and PN after Khoo Poay Tiong (Harapan-Kota Melaka) brought up a Malaysiakini special report on Kelantan “red rivers”.

The reports focused on heavy metals poisoning among Orang Asli in Gua Musang, Kelantan, which is suspected to have been caused by iron ore mining activities.

While praising Malaysiakini for its excellent investigative reporting highlighting the Orang Asli plight, Khoo labelled the Kelantan state government as "kejam" (cruel) for allowing such activities to take place.

This sparked dissatisfaction among PN representatives, particularly from PAS, who demanded the DAP MP to retract his statement.

COMMENT | Harapan's gobbledygook on press freedom

Anwar cites respecting rulers' position for press freedom index slide

Police return laptop seized from Malaysiakini

Probe on KJ: MCMC conducts 'data preservation' on Mkini article

COMMENT | Halt intimidation tactics against media

COMMENT | Cops should not be probing political debates