Civil society cautions against Putrajaya's threat to go after online portals

CORONAVIRUS | Civil society organisations have cautioned the government against making perceived threats of punishing the media, particularly online portals, for allegedly erroneous media reports.

Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), in a joint statement, highlighted the government's apparent failure to understand the distinction between "fake news", disinformation and misinformation.

They noted Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's announcement of possible "stern action" against online portals that misreport the news, less than 24 hours after the Information Department tweeted a public service announcement on what it described as six categories of "fake news" and its impacts. 

"Any action taken to undermine the independence of media constitutes a major threat to freedom of speech and expression.

"Since coming into power and increasingly so during the Covid-19 pandemic, the current Perikatan Nasional (PN) government’s attempts at silencing dissenting voices and undermining media freedom is signalling the downwards spiral of Malaysia into an inconceivable authoritarian and undemocratic regime," said the groups.

The joint statement was endorsed by eight civil society organisations including Suaram, Aliran and Justice for Sisters.

"This adds to the risk that the government’s continued overreaching and misconception around 'fake news' would now lead to further surveillance, invasion of privacy and censorship as well as punitive actions," they added.

In times of crisis, the groups acknowledged the media's role to disseminate information, although admitting there could be instances where mistakes were made and later corrected by the respective media organisation.

"A disproportionate response by directing punitive actions against media institutions can be counterproductive as it could shut down the flow of information and related public discourse that is crucial in dealing with public health issues.

"A holistic and balanced response would include having efficient and broad channels of information from the government and media, accessible and reliable means for the public to verify the information and use of reporting facilities within social media applications for misinformation to be removed," said the groups.

As an alternative to punitive action, the groups reiterated calls for the new Perikatan Nasional government to continue the stalled stakeholder discussions on the formation of an Independent Media Council, as approved under the previous Pakatan Harapan administration.

“It is the responsibility of the government to guarantee a safe and enabling environment for the media to function and carry out their critical role to publish freely; keep the public fully informed; and hold the state accountable.

"This is not the time to threaten the media," they stressed.

Among others, the government had defined "fake news" as news that "instils hatred towards the ruling government and leaders" and could cause "distrust in the ruling government". - Mkini