Press freedom: from support to suppression

Comment by Fang Nuo

Sin Chew, Oct 16, 2014

We are told that Malaysia follows the path of democracy. However, the strange thing is our Press Freedom Index is falling all the time. Our ranking in the 2014 Freedom of the Press Index compiled by Reporters without Borders dropped two positions to 147， which is the lowest in our history.

The fall is not news as the index was out in February. Quite unexpectedly, it became a bone of contention between the ruling and opposition parties in Parliament. Communications and Multi-Media Minister Ahmad Shabery said Pakatan also contributed to the fall in the index because the Penang state government barred Utusan Malaysia from covering its state assembly proceedings. Pakatan blamed the Barisan government.

In a democratic country, supporting press freedom is politically correct. On the surface, all politicians support press freedom to a certain extent. At least, no politician would openly want to suppress press freedom.
However, the fact is many politicians take a flip-flop stands in their support of press freedom. They are not truly supportive of it. They may not even understand what press freedom is.

As such, their support of press freedom wavers. When press reports are in their favour, they will shout the support and become a warrior in the defence of it. However, when press reports create a negative impact on them they will interfere, even suppress, press freedom. There is only a thin line separating supporting and suppressing press freedom.

Today, a politician can be a heroic defender of press freedom but tomorrow the hidden hand in suppressing press freedom. There are too many such politicians on both sides of the political divide. Both Barisan and Pakatan have records of barring media coverage. Suppressing press freedom is not a monopoly of any party or alliance.

Maybe politicians should realize the fact that true press freedom is not about serving them or being manipulated by them. True press freedom is in allowing the media to cover and publish factual reports in true professionalism without external interference or influence.

If our politicians truly abide by the democratic system and press freedom, they should respect the press in exercising their right to cover and report.

As indicated by the Press Freedom Index, our ranking is not ideal. As the ruling party, Barisan should further relax media restrictions. Let the media flourish and enjoy better freedom to carry out their job.

Politicians on both sides of the divide should also have a better understanding of press freedom. They should realize that press freedom is in serving the truth and the people. The press is not a maid at their beck and call.

Original Source: 新闻自由：从支持到打压