PETALING JAYA, 11 Sept 2009: The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)’s investigation of Malaysiakini this week is not the first time the online news site has been harassed or threatened by the state. In fact, Malaysiakini has experienced harassment and received threats from state agencies and government leaders under the previous administration of Tun […]
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CIJ condemns MCMC censorship
By Jacqueline Ann SurinKUALA LUMPUR, 4 Sept 2009: The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has criticised the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over its directive to Malaysiakini to take down video reports related to the protest against the relocation of a temple in Shah Alam. CIJ executive director Gayathry Venkiteswaran said the government directive was unwarranted as […]
Problematic licensing laws hamper freedom of expression
By CIJ and WamiTHE Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Writers Alliance for Media Independence (Wami) are concerned about the confiscation of a cartoon magazine on current issues edited by prominent cartoonist Zunar. The confiscation smacks of harassment and censorship of discussion of current issues. On 25 Aug, officials from the Control of Publication Department of the Ministry […]
The homophobic media
By Zedeck SiewFOR the past week or so, a Bernama news article entitled Unconventional Methods To Prevent Influenza has been making its rounds on the internet. The reason? It quotes one Dr V M Palaniappan as claiming that masturbation and “homosexual activities” increase the likelihood of swine flu infection. Apparently, such acts cause the body to develop […]
Hiding behind “secrets”
By Gan Pei LingShhhhh… (© Paul Brunskill / sxc.hu) “YOU cannot quote me…I’ve discussed with my superior, we’ve decided that the progress is slow, so we don’t think it’s a good time to publicise it now, why don’t you write on other issues?” That was the response from an officer from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community […]
CIJ opposes calls for Utusan’s suspension
By Zedeck SiewPETALING JAYA, 4 June 2009: The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has opposed calls to suspend Utusan Malaysia or charge its writers with the Sedition Act. “Freedom of expression thrives in an environment where members of the public are free to agree and disagree among themselves, instead of censuring each other with restrictive laws,” said […]
Barring the media
By Zedeck Siew“If we are truly to build a democracy that is responsive to the needs of all the people, we need a media – both old and new – that is empowered to responsibly report what they see, without fear of consequence, and to hold governments and public officials accountable for the results they achieve or […]
Fearless reporting needs free environment
By Gayathry VenkiteswaranIN response to Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Najib Razak‘s 6 April 2009 speech on encouraging a national dialogue through the media, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) asks for a more concrete set of commitments in realising the PM’s vision. Najib Razak (Pic courtesy of theSun)To foster a transparent “national discourse” that leads to […]
Obligations of media and govt
By Yip Wai FongWHILE the 12th general election had opened up some democratic space in the realms of media and freedom of expression, we are now watching it quickly disappear. The government’s censorship of the name of a certain murdered Mongolian looks absurd, as does the seizure of DVDs produced by the opposition. The fact that politicians choose […]
CIJ, Wami condemn suspension of newspapers
By Gayathry VenkiteswaranTHE Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) Malaysia and the Writers Alliance for Media Independence (Wami) strongly condemn the government’s latest assault on constitutionally enshrined freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. The Home Ministry has just suspended two opposition newspapers — Harakah and Suara Keadilan — for three months, effective 23 March 2009, with no […]
