Review of media freedom & modern media in Malaysia

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw proposes that the Central Government review the actual situation of the media to determine whether there is media freedom and the need of the society. Then, it should introduce a fairer media policy, consistent with the modern information technology.

Although the Central Government insists that there is media freedom, the Opposition does not agree.

On 17.6.2010, Dr Tan asked a supplementary question on media freedom. The Information, Communications and Culture Minister YB Datuk Dr Rais Yatim was answering the original question by Tebrau MP YB Teng Boon Soon on the Freedom House, U.S., for putting Malaysia at 141 in the Press Freedom Ranking (Malaysia Press Still Not Free).

Rais believes that the American organization does not understand Asian values in Malaysia. It gives an armchair reporting.

He points out that Malaysia has 76 daily newspapers, 151 TV channels, 53 radio channels and 2 million bloggers. The broadband is expanding.

In our multiracial and multi-religious society, we should avoid fanning racial and religious feeling. But, we must be able to reflect the truth with responsible media reports. in the modern technology, news and reportage are full of truth and falsehood. How do we distinguish them?

The information technology is changing the world. As soon as the Government issues a news item, the Internet such as bloggers can present differing views. Whose opinions are correct?

For example, the media carry various versions of the Port Klang Free Zone scandal and the financial problem of the conglomerate Sime Darby. What is the truth?

We require a comprehensive review of the media, the Government's media policy and the need of the society. Then we formulate a fairer policy, consistent with the reality of the modern information technology.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw