Do not pressure the media too much

SHAH ALAM - Excessive pressure on the local media will only create fear and make it a 'fire smouldering in padi husk' (api dalam sekam) that can blow up elsewhere.

Head of the Department of Media and Communications Studies at Universiti Malaya, Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad said the situation was not good for the freedom of the media in the country because they have the right to report the truth.

He said the criticism made by a group of senior national journalists against the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) should be given due attention.

"As a democratic country that adheres to the Federal Constitution, Article 10 touches on freedom of expression. Our country also has laws related to the Sedition Act and the like.

"So, the media has clear guidelines in reporting any news. But, when an agency acts as if it puts pressure on the media, it is not good for a democratic country.

"The freedom needs to be there but controlled. I support the group of senior journalists that the media has the right to report all the truth," he told Sinar Harian.

He said this when asked to comment on a joint statement issued by a group of senior national journalists who disagreed with MCMC's action acting like a 'big brother' by blocking online content.

They also expressed concern when lately, media practitioners have been called by MCMC to give explanations about the content they published through their news portals and online sites.

Mohamad Saleeh added that if action was to be taken, it should be based on the law and authorities should not act autocratically.

"The media has a social responsibility. That's where you have to be wise to take care of your power; don't get caught up in autocracy.

"The media also has the right to express their views as long as it involves the interests of the community. However, the published reports should not be slanderous or irresponsible," he said.