'Massage chairs and credibility': Kadir tells journalists to keep power at arm's length

Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin has reminded journalists against becoming too comfortable with those in power, saying such closeness could undermine their ability to produce sharp and in-depth analysis.

The call followed Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil’s remarks at the PKR national congress in Malacca last week, where he defended the party’s treatment of the press.

Fahmi said PKR would not resort to punitive measures against media organisations, even when some party members felt the media was helping its rivals’ messaging.

The PKR leader then contrasted this with the treatment of the press under previous governments, saying journalists had previously been told what to write, while the current administration was “so courteous” and even provided massage chairs in the media room during the party’s congress, Malay Mail reported.

“Whether he was serious, joking or simply let it slip, I hope reporters and editors do not get too comfortable with Fahmi’s massage chairs to the point of becoming complacent and forgetting the principles of journalism.

“They must always remember that the government in power today is not an ordinary government. It is a reformasi government that is Madani and comprehensive.

“The challenge for reporters and editors today is not to compete with social media on speed. It is impossible for the mainstream media to compete with ordinary people who use social media and are everywhere,” Kadir said.

Social media vs real journalism

He added that while social media can quickly tell people what is happening, professional journalism should report what is true and help newsreaders understand what it means.

“But if reporters and editors become complacent or feel indebted to the Madani government and Fahmi for giving them massage chairs, it will be difficult for them to write sharp and in-depth analyses,” Kadir stated.

He pointed out that previously, when Pakatan Harapan was in the opposition, reformasi veterans had accused the government of cruelty for suspending newspapers.

“But at the time, reporters and editors dared to disagree with and fight the government, to the point that their newspapers and platforms were banned.

“Now, the opposition that once accused the government of being utterly tyrannical and pharaonic has become the government.

“I am not sure how reporters and editors feel today, or how they are using the Madani government’s massage chairs that Fahmi has given them,” Kadir added.

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