(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is protesting the continuing lack of press freedom in Malaysia. According to RSF’s information, on 3 May 1999, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi declared that “press freedom must have limits” and that “unlimited freedom… is difficult as it will give rise to problems which will affect everyone.” He was also quoted […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is protesting the continuing lack of press freedom in
Malaysia.
According to RSF’s information, on 3 May 1999, Deputy Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi declared that “press freedom must have limits” and
that “unlimited freedom… is difficult as it will give rise to problems
which will affect everyone.” He was also quoted by the official Bernama news
agency as saying that “while we need more freedom, an increased sense of
responsibility is also vital.” RSF explains that this kind of declaration
translates as follows: no criticism of government policy and restricted
access to the press for the opposition parties or personalities.
Furthermore, RSF is worried by the 4 May order issued by judge Abdul Wahab
Patail concerning coverage of the sodomy trial of former Deputy Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The judge said lawyers will not be allowed to talk
to reporters about the trial, which starts on 7 June. He added vaguely that
news media can only publish “factual evidence.”
Finally, RSF is supporting the Malysian journalists who signed a memorandum
calling on the government to repeal the Printing Press and Publications Act.
The Act requires newspapers to renew their publication licenses annually.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the deputy prime minister:
that Malaysian and foreign journalists can report on the Anwar trial, and on
political and social life in general, freely
Appeals To
His Excellency Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Deputy Prime Minister
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
