Is there media freedom in Malaysia?

by drrafick

1. Today the media in Malaysia runs on three platforms i.e. printing, airwaves (which is labeled as MSM) and the internet (also known as the Alternative Media). Going by population penetration, I would say that internet has the lowest penetration and the airwaves and printing press basically dominates with a significant advantage. When we say media freedom, it must apply to content and to the right to publish. These are two distinct issues and must be looked at in a fair and objective manner.
   

2. Article 10 of the FC provides the absolute for freedom of speech and expression which means freedom of the media because the media is a platform of expression. However Malaysian laws are generally contradictory to Article 10 of the FC. It limits the freedom of expression. The prevailing laws like the Printing Presses and Publications Actregulates ownership of newspapers and theCommunications and Multimedia Act which regulates the airwaves licensing and content.
   

3. The Sedition Act, Official Secrets Act and the ISA are selectively used by the government on all the media. It was well demonstrated in recently on the extreme biasness in implementing this law in terms of briskness and severity. The selective use of the law creates unnecessary tension among the people.
   

4. In the true sense, reasonable freedom is available on the internet in terms of content and right to publish (as it has less regulatory restrictions). However the same cannot be said about the MSM or the airwaves. If there is true freedom than anyone can start a news paper or a radio station with ease.
   

5. The facts will show that in Malaysia BN via its component party and their associates (friends and companies) own the MSM and controlled the government stations. Not a single license was given to the community or to opposition political parties. In “third world countries” like Thailand
   and Indonesia, private radio stations runs into hundreds of stations. There is no discrimination per se in ownership.
   

6. While freedom of ownership is important, to safeguard a plural society, a strict guidelines or rules that apply to all MSM and the AM must be made available on equal basis. The application must not be selective. The way BN is regulating the media content today reflects poorly on them.
   

7. The MSM and individuals getting away with everything (short of murdering someone) when it comes down to thumping down PR. Truly, the freedom of media in this country is a fallacy and there is a dire need to have one. Reality is controlling the MSM today is a shortsighted move in controlling the peoples mind.