DAP condemns the scare-mongering and fear tactics employed by Barisan Nasional parties and the Sarawak caretaker government in an attempt to sow fear among journalists in the run-up to the state election on 7th May.
On April 23, Malaysiakini recalled its journalist Kow Gah Chie who was threatened on social media for reporting on a speech made by BN’s incumbent and candidate for Nangka, Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Annuar had reportedly called on Sarawakians to vote for Barisan Nasional in the state election, “so that a Muslim leader can continue to lead the Sarawak government.” Malaysiakini published an audio recording of its interview together with Kow’s report.
Annuar had claimed that the article quoted him out of context, while social media users, instead of discussing his statement, were quick to threaten abuse against the journalist.
New Straits Times even reported that the journalist would be investigated under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code for allegedly causing public mischief.
It is a sad development for media freedom when media professionals are threatened for reporting the news. As the saying goes, “don’t shoot the messenger”.
The threats and abused hurled at the reporter for doing her job continue to underscore the appalling state of media freedom in Malaysia. Kow is not the first media professional to face harassment for reporting on issues which make the BN uncomfortable.
Last year, an arrest warrant was issued against Clare Rewcastle Brown of Sarawak Report, and the site was recently blocked for reporting on the 1MDB issue. Last month, ABC Four Corners reporter Linton Besser was arrested for attempting to question Prime Minister Najib Razak about the 1MDB scandal.
To make matters worse, the mainstream newspapers and media are controlled by or closely-linked to political parties. It is no wonder that media watchdog Reporters Without Borders ranked Malaysia at 147th place in the 2015 World Press Freedom Index.
When reporters, photographers, and editors face harassment and intimidation for reportage on controversial issues, it proves that the powers-that-be are afraid for the people to know the truth. Clearly, they are unaware that with the internet and widespread technology, information can no longer be controlled by the privileged few.
Media intimidation has no place in a democratic society. The media plays an important role as the Fourth Estate and must be given the respect and space to do their job without fear or favour.
I call on the BN caretaker government to ensure the safety of all media professionals and for all parties to remind netizens to give a fair space to journalists to report the news.
To all media professionals, we respect your contribution and we stand by your right to be heard.