Stop Acting Like Big Brother Media Veterans Tell Mcmc

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A group of veteran media professionals have taken issue with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for blocking online news publications and questioning journalists, which they claim is being done arbitrarily.
They urged the commission to stop acting like a “Big Brother” – a term popularised in George Orwell’s novel ‘1984’ as a personification of authoritarian state power and mass surveillance.
“We absolutely cannot accept any attempts to use government agencies like the MCMC to question, censor, or block portals and online news content,” they said in a statement today.
“We have seen how previous administrations, even on basis of minor complaints from the public or ruling elites, have taken swift action even though such action is completely unwarranted.
“The current government is chosen on the basis of its promise to enable the free flow of information and to guarantee freedom of the press. Complaints from media practitioners that their websites are being blocked are on the rise; this is an unhealthy trend that must be stopped immediately.”
The statement is signed by a group of eight media veterans. They are former Media Prima Bhd chairperson and National Journalism Laureate Johan Jaafar, former NSTP Bhd group editor-in-chief A Kadir Jasin, Karangkraf Group founder and former chairperson Hussamuddin Yaacub, former Bernama chairperson Azman Ujang, former Malaysian Press Institute CEO Chamil Wariya, former Berrnama editors-in-chief Yong Soo Heong and Zakaria Wahab, and former journalist G Manimaran.
They said it is concerning that many of the blocked content said to be “upsetting” are merely reports or opinions that are considered critical against the government.
While the statement did not point to any specific incident, it came in the wake of several online news websites being blocked by the MCMC.
Those affected include MalaysiaNow, UtusanTV, and TV Pertiwi.
This is despite a pledge by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil that news websites will not be blocked pending investigations.
The MCMC has declined to comment on its actions, only that it is acting in accordance with the law and cannot comment on specific cases until its investigations have concluded.
Fake news and misinformation
In response to the group of media industry veterans, the MCMC issued a statement reiterating that it has the legal duty to ensure online platforms are not used for any offence under Malaysian law, which includes tackling misinformation, offensive content, and defamation.
“In recent times, there has been an alarming increase in news reporting that lacks responsibility, sensibility, and accuracy. Some of the news outlets have been found irresponsible of spreading misleading information or intentionally publishing inaccurate content.
“The rise of converged media, where user-generated content gains traction and ethical reporting takes a back seat, has accentuated this problem. With the vast amount of information available online, it becomes challenging to distinguish between fact and fiction.
“This poses a significant threat to societal harmony, as misleading information can be easily propagated and false narratives can be created,” it said.
Meanwhile, the group of media industry veterans said they are cognisant that the internet has become a conduit for hatred and misinformation, which has become problematic and has reached crisis levels.
“However, we also believe in the role played by the free media in this country. The government must ensure a proper ecosystem and conducive environment for media practitioners to work without fear or favour,” they said.
They said they believe media practitioners are disciplined individuals who are guided by their professionalism and ethics, and the MCMC has other priorities than blocking websites. - Mkini

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