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PETALING JAYA: Two media NGOs have spoken out against Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof’s decision to allow only official government media to cover the lower house one day on May 18.
Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) and the Center for Independent Journalism (ICJ) urged Ariff to allow non-governmental media to also cover the session of Parliament.
ICJ Executive Director Wathshlah G Naidu said that all media should have equal opportunity and access.
“This is deeply troubling since the public has the right to know what is happening and to form their own opinion, based on multiple sources of information. Any control of media platforms by Parliament will create an information gap, ”he said in a statement today.
While acknowledging that the decision was made in view of Covid-19, it argued that such measures must be proportionate.
“In this case, Covid-19 should not be used as an excuse to restrict access and limit media freedom, ultimately denying public access to timely and balanced information on parliamentary procedures.”
Geramm said there was no apparent need for restrictions against unofficial media, adding that members of the press can follow standard operating procedures established by the health ministry.
He added that following Dewan Rakyat’s procedures through live streaming was inappropriate, as the role of journalists was also to ask additional questions that require quick responses.
“Just as the media respectfully view Parliament as a key pillar of the country, we urge that similar recognition be given to the role of the media as the fourth state in a democracy,” it said in a statement.
Ariff had confirmed that only government media will be able to cover the proceedings.
The Prime Minister’s department minister Takiyuddin Hassan reportedly said that other media outlets may ask the speaker for permission to cover the session.
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