Media must operate without fear, favour under unity govt, says veteran journalist
Veteran journalist Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar
Johan said the press needs an environment free from intimidation from the government.
“The government must ensure a free press that can operate under a conducive atmosphere without fear and favour,” he said in his recent media statement.
"A censorious government has no place in today’s world. The fundamental right to seek and disseminate information through an independent press and the cyberspace should always be respected.
Johan expressed his concern that some individuals are using the internet in an inappropriate manner in order to spread hate speech.
“I am equally concerned there are those who are abusing the cyberspace to promote discord and disunity among the races. However, the state apparatuses must not be used indiscriminately to silence critical media voices," he said.
Press freedom, he further added was vital for a vibrant and functioning economy. "We need a free press more so now than ever before,” he said.
Johan also said he felt assured by the Deputy Communication and Digital Minster, Teo Nie Ching’s statement saying that the government respects freedom of the press and acknowledges the important role played by media practitioners in this country.
Teo was reiterating the position taken by the Communication and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil recently that freedom of the media is critical in ensuring an effective check and balance process of the unity government.
