(RSF/IFEX) – In a 24 September 1998 letter to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad, RSF expressed concern about the government’s recent criticism and censorship of foreign journalists, and its continued pressure on local journalists. According to RSF, several members of the government – including the Prime Minister – have made statements criticising local and foreign […]
(RSF/IFEX) – In a 24 September 1998 letter to Malaysian Prime Minister
Mahatir Mohamad, RSF expressed concern about the government’s recent
criticism and censorship of foreign journalists, and its continued pressure
on local journalists. According to RSF, several members of the government –
including the Prime Minister – have made statements criticising local and
foreign media for not reporting fairly on the economic situation.
**For background on other restrictions on the media in Malaysia, see IFEX
alerts dated 17 August, and 27 July 1998.**
According to information obtained by RSF, on 23 September 1998, Mohamed
Rahmat, Minister of Information, declared that foreign journalists will not
be allowed to use government facilities to transmit news and visual images
judged to be detrimental to the country. On 21 September 1998, broadcasts of
Malaysian riots made by several TV broadcasters including the BBC (Great
Britain), ABC (Australia) and TVNZ (New Zealand) were jammed for several
hours. Malaysian authorities say they will allow the free flow of
information if it is done in a “proper manner.”
Last July, the Deputy Minister of Information Suleiman Mohamad threatened to
jail members of the local media without trial and to censor 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 allows authorities to jail suspects without
trial for inciting public unrest.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
economic crisis and on Malaysian political life without fear and pressure
abolished and that press freedom is guaranteed in the country
Political Rights, Article 19 of which states that “everyone shall have the
right… to seek, receive and impart information”
Appeals To
His Excellency Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahatir Mohamad
Prime Minister
Jabatan Perdana Menteri
Jalan Dato’ Onn
Kuala Lumpur 50502
Malaysia
Fax: +60 3 238 3784
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
