(RSF/IFEX) – According to RSF, on 27 July 1998, in a news report published in the “Sun” newspaper, Deputy Information Minister Suleiman Mohamad threatened to jail members of the local media without trial and to black out foreign media which he believed were undermining the country’s leadership. “If the media indulges in activities that threaten […]
(RSF/IFEX) – According to RSF, on 27 July 1998, in a news report published
in the
“Sun” newspaper, Deputy Information Minister Suleiman Mohamad threatened to
jail members of the local media without trial and to black out foreign media
which he believed were undermining the country’s leadership. “If the media
indulges in activities that threaten political stability or national unity,
we will come down hard, regardless of whether they are local or foreign”, he
said. He added that “the local media is kept in check with the Internal
Security Act (ISA).”
The ISA makes it possible to jail suspects without trial for inciting public
unrest. Recently, several members of Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad’s
government – including the Prime Minister himself – made statements
criticising local and foreign media for not reporting fairly on the economic
situation. Furthermore, two Malaysian editors were moved earlier in the
month, reportedly under political pressure (see IFEX alert of 16 July 1998).
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Prime Minister:
economic
crisis and on
Malaysian political life without fear and pressure
abolished and that press
freedom is guaranteed in the country
Civil
and Political Rights, Article 19 of which states that “everyone shall have
the right… to seek, receive and
impart information”
Appeals To
His Excellency Mahatir Mohamad
Prime Minister
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Fax: +603 238 3691/3784 or 298 4172
e-mail: marsineh@smpke.jpm.my
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
