Safeguarding media freedom is paramount

I urge the police to exercise restraint, caution, and understanding in handling the case involving Bloomberg journalist Ram Anand.

I fully understand the sensitivity involving the case and the controversy resulting from the news report on purported plans to build a casino in Forest City, Johor.

All parties mentioned in the report have so far denied the veracity of story. It is their right to do so.

Ram (above) is fully responsible for the story and must be held accountable for his reporting. However, he is governed by professional ethics to ensure fairness and honesty in gathering, reporting, and writing the news. Above all, he must take responsibility for the accuracy of his work.

From what I understand, Ram is one of three journalists who contributed to the story.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said on Friday that Bukit Aman’s classified crime investigation unit would be recording Ram’s statement, and the matter was being investigated for sedition, criminal defamation, and the misuse of network facilities.

I always believe that safeguarding media freedom is paramount in a democracy like ours. After all, a free press is critical to ensure a functioning democracy. The media plays a crucial checks-and-balances role and is the beacon of truth.

It is unfortunate that we plummeted to 107th placing, from 73rd in the previous year, in the latest World Press Freedom Index. It should be a wake-up call for both media practitioners and the government.

I sincerely hope that press freedom is fully understood by all and that media practitioners are allowed to report without fear and favour. The press has the right and moral obligation to call figures in the public eye to account.

There are, however, avenues to hold any media organisation responsible for their reporting but certainly not through intimidation and retaliation. The government should refrain from using state apparatuses and archaic laws to stifle press freedom in the country.

That was the current government’s promise. - Mkini

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The writer is a veteran journalist and national journalism laureate.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.