PM Anwar says complaints against journalists must first be reviewed by the Malaysian Media Council before any investigation or prosecution can begin.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said complaints against journalists from recognised media organisations will no longer result in automatic investigations or enforcement action, but must first be referred to the Malaysian Media Council (MMM).
He said the mechanism was introduced to ensure any action against media practitioners is conducted fairly, transparently and independently, while preventing journalists from being subjected to investigations or prosecution without proper scrutiny.
Anwar said journalists should not be penalised simply because a complaint has been lodged, adding that the MMM would serve as the first level of review before any action is taken.
“There is no law anywhere in the world that grants absolute freedom to members of the press. The Prime Minister and journalists alike are bound by the law. However, I agree that journalists should not be easily dragged into cases merely because a government department feels criticised.
“We established the MMM to facilitate this process. If there is misconduct by a media organisation, the matter will first be referred to the MMM. It will no longer automatically lead to an investigation or prosecution, as the process now requires referral to the MMM before any action is taken,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The Prime Minister said this in reply to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) on the government’s position regarding Malaysia’s legal framework, which allows journalists to be prosecuted under the Sedit
