For years, Umno has seen Malaysiakini as a thorn in its side, banning it and several other media portals from covering the party's general assemblies for years prior to the 2018 general election.
But even leaders from the news portal's staunchest critic have expressed concern over the Federal Court handing down a RM500,000 fine over readers' comments ruled to be contemptuous.
In a Facebook post last night, former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak said the Perikatan Nasional government's decision to charge Malaysiakini with contempt had a serious impact on press freedom and freedom of speech.
"It may open up room for the government to take action against the owners of accounts on Facebook, Instagram and other media," he said.
This, he said, was why news of the court verdict against Malaysiakini made international news.
However, he also pointed out that when Pakatan Harapan was in power, then-communications minister Gobind Singh Deo also considered making news websites responsible for their readers' comments.
"I am considering whether there is a need to formulate a law on this aspect. It is still under consideration and has not been brought to the cabinet yet," Gobind had said in 2019.
The Puchong MP had said this in the context of readers making comments that touched on racial, religious and royal institution sensitivities.
Meanwhile, this morning Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan also spoke up about the importance of a free press, without mentioning Malaysiakini.
"A democratic life in Malaysia means defending the right to free speech and freedom of the press.
"The role of the press is not only to disseminate news and information. Rather, it is quintessential in providing an avenue for discourse, critique and check and balance in all aspects of life and governance," Mohamad said.
He added that Malaysia must aspire to be an advanced society that allowed free speech in a manner that was mature, honest, and progressive.
He also said that a free and responsible press can promote government accountability, expose abuse of power and moral wrongdoings as well as inspire through human interest stories.
Separately, Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin said he personally but respectfully disagreed with the court's ruling.
Khaled said he was not a fan of Malaysiakini whom he claimed had previously taken his remarks out of context or had given space to his critics.
"But I believe in one thing. Their (Malaysiakini's) right and freedom as a media and news platform must be defended," he said in a statement today.
He added the media must continue to be free, neutral and not fear to carry views whether their own or from the public.
During Malaysiakini's fundraiser drive yesterday to help pay the RM500,000 imposed, at least two Umno leaders contributed under the condition of anonymity. - Mkini
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