MALAYSIAN INFO MINISTER ISSUES THREAT AGAINST MEDIA

Details: Created: 05 September 2006

PRESS STATEMENT
29th July 2006

The Centre for Independent Journalism is deeply concerned about the threats being made against the Malaysian mass media by the Government. In a press statement on 28 July 2006, the Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin warned editors that the Prime Minister would not tolerate discussion of race and religion, and that those who did not stop discussing these matters would invite action.

These threats come two days after the Prime Minister ordered newspapers not to discuss race, religion or forums being held to uphold the Constitutional right to freedom of religion. The forums are being held because of fears that this right is being eroded by actions and decisions by both the Government and the judiciary.

The strongly worded statement warned newspapers of a recurrence of the 1987 'Operasi Lallang', during which three newspapers were closed and over 100 activists were arrested. It particularly warned them not to be used by 'Press Freedom Advocates'.

According to a reliable source, following the press conference, the Minister singled out journalists from English language dailies The Sun and the New Straits Times, telling them to pass the message on to their editors.

These threats are the latest in a series of moves against media freedom in Malaysia. CIJ urges the Government to stop interfering in the media, and to uphold the Constitutional right to freedom of speech. Rather than refusing to discuss issues related to freedom of religion, an easing of tension can only be achieved by upholding law and order, including Constitutional freedoms, rather than giving in to intimidation and violence.

Issued by Sonia Randhawa
Executive Director
Centre for Independent Journalism
For more information call Sonia Randhawa on ++6012 326 0424.
email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

URGENT ACTION

Please write to the Malaysian Prime Minister and the Information
Minister, expressing your concern at these developments.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Prime Minister's Office
Blok Utama, Bangunan Perdana Putra
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62502 PUTRAJAYA.
Fax: ++603-88884333

Datuk Zainuddin Maidin
Minster of Information
Tingkat 8, Angkasapuri
50610 KUALA LUMPUR.
Fax: ++603-22823323

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