Media Fines Risk Eroding Madani Govt S Support Veteran Journalist

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National Journalism laureate A Kadir Jasin has warned that the government risks losing public confidence after the MCMC slapped hefty fines on two mainstream media outlets, Sin Chew Daily and Sinar Harian.
He said the RM100,000 penalties imposed on both newspapers contradicted the administration’s reformist and democratic image.
“A stern warning would have sufficed. They had already apologised and made corrections early on. Blaming the media does not show that the Madani government is confident and tolerant,” he said in a Facebook posting today.
Kadir pointed out that enforcement agencies could carry out investigations and prosecutions, but the political cost would ultimately fall on the government.
ADS“The MCMC, the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers may act as investigator, prosecutor, and judge, but the one that will lose support is the Madani government,” he stressed.
The veteran journalist also revealed that he had raised his concerns directly with a minister, but his message was ignored.
“As for my WhatsApp to the minister, there was no response. Not even to return my salam.
“Never mind. At least I gave feedback as a friend. I understand - for a minister, it’s better to lose a friend than lose a position,” he added.
Kadir also contrasted the action with the government’s earlier image.
“Previously, this government showcased itself as reformist, democratic, and tolerant,” he added.
The MCMC on Friday announced that it had obtained consent from the AGC and fined Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd RM100,000 each.
Both outlets were investigated under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and charged under Section 243 of the same law.
Sin Chew was probed for publishing an incomplete version of the Jalur Gemilang on its website, while Sinar Harian was penalised for an infographic that wrongly claimed that Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail was a PKR member. - Mkini

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