Don’t use Covid-19 as excuse to restrict media scrutiny, groups urge Dewan Rakyat

Journalist groups have called for media access to the upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting to be reinstated to all media organisations.

This comes after Speaker Mohamad Ariff Mohd Yusof (above) ruled that only “government media” would be allowed into the Parliament building due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Opposing the move, Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) executive director Wathshlah Naidu said such restrictions would limit the rakyat’s access to information on legislative proceedings.

“Now there will be only one message or perception, disallowing any dissenting opinions, for public consumption. This is deeply troubling as the public has a right to know what transpired and be able to form their own opinion based on multiple sources of information [...]

“It is imperative that this ruling that restricts access be lifted and all media be granted fair and equal opportunity, and access to the Parliament sitting,” she said in a statement.

While Covid-19 precautions were necessary, Wathshlah cautioned against using the outbreak as an “excuse” to limit media scrutiny on MPs.

“Covid-19 must not be used as an excuse to restrict access and limit media freedom, ultimately denying the public access to timely and balanced information on the parliamentary proceedings,” she said.

Distancing can be done

Meanwhile, National Union of Journalists (NUJ) president Farah Marshita Abdul Patah told Malaysiakini that Covid-19 prevention measures could be put in place without curtailing media access.

“We understand and appreciate the government's effort of ensuring safety during Covid-19 but it can be done in a way where the media is given access (while) adhering to safety standards at the same time [...]

“Why not allow access to (other) media practitioners, perhaps limited to one from each publication?

“And ensure social distancing is followed while providing facemasks and hand sanitiser?” she questioned.

Media rights NGO Geramm similarly said that there was “no clear need” for the restriction, especially since the movement control order is slated to be lifted six days before the May 18 sitting.

“All media personnel on duty can abide by the Health Ministry's standard operating procedures to prevent Covid-19 infections,” it said in a statement.

Telecast inadequate

Ariff said yesterday that the Dewan Rakyat proceedings would be aired live on television.

Geramm opined that this was “inadequate” as it prevented journalists from non-government-owned media from asking questions.

“The duty of a journalist goes beyond being a stenographer who merely reproduces what has been said to also raising further questions that require immediate answers.

“Just as the media respectfully views Parliament as a key pillar of (democracy) in the country, we urge that a similar recognition be given to the media's role as the fourth estate,” it said.

CIJ’s Wathshlah hoped that the transparency of the august House would be upheld.

“At a time when we are facing extreme challenges due to the Covid-19 crisis and when the legitimacy of the current government is under scrutiny, it beholds the state to ensure that the transparency, accountability and credibility of the parliament be protected [...],” she said.

The upcoming sitting is set to be a newsworthy affair as it marks the first since the change in government from Pakatan Harapan to Perikatan Nasional.

PN, which has been dogged by criticism over the short one-day sitting, has announced plans to table four motions and two bills.

However, all eyes will be on whether former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s no-confidence motion against rival and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin makes it to the floor.

It also remains to be seen if Warisan’s Batu Sapi MP Liew Vui Keong emergency motion to declare the one-day sitting unconstitutional and to extend it to eight days, will be debated.

Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders stipulate that government business is prioritised during proceedings. - Mkini