Solidarity gathering at The Edge

PETALING JAYA: Some 150 people showed up outside The Edge Media Group's Office in Mutiara Damansara here this afternoon to show solidarity with the publisher over the suspension of two of its publications by the Home Ministry last week.
The group comprised of reporters and NGO activists peacefully gathered at about 3pm, holding placards which read "#AtTheEdge", "Free the Press" and "Abolish PPPA (Printing Presses and Publishing Act)".
Today's gathering at The Edge's office is the second gathering to be held, the first one took place at the same venue last Saturday following the Home Ministry's suspension of the publishing permit of The Edge Weekly and The Edge Financial Daily for three months over reports on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
The ministry was reported as saying that the reports published were "prejudicial or likely to be prejudicial to public order, security or likely to alarm public opinion or is likely to be prejudicial to public and national interest".
At the gathering, Foreign Correspondents Club of Malaysia (FCCM) spokesperson Shannon Teoh, read out a statement by the Coalition for Press Freedom, reiterating the coalition's solidarity for The Edge and urged the Home Ministry to immediately rescind the three month suspension.
"We have gathered here today to condemn the blatant attempt at suppressing freedom of the press, freedom of information and to raise awareness of the urgent need to uphold the people's right to freedom of information," he said, adding the group called on the government to cease all attempts at blocking access to whistleblower website Sarawak Report as well.
Teoh noted that the press must be allowed to seek information and report on matters of public interest without fear or favour.

"In this case, the latest government crackdown is linked to a string of reports alleging financial mismanagement involving state investment arm 1MDB - the press have also carried rebuttals by the firm and government officials," he added.
Teoh added that CPF, which comprised of Gerakan Media Marah (Geramm), Institute of Journalists (IOJ), FCCM, Reporter Sans Frontieres (RSF), and Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ), will be holding a public rally in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 8, which will begin at 11am from Pasar Seni and proceed to the Bar Council headquarters.

"We urge the media fraternity to march together with us and send a clear message to the powers that be 'Free the Press!'," he said, adding that it is time for the media to stand united with the people they serve.
He added that CPF rejects all forms of violence and civil disturbance.
"We urge participants to refrain from any such activities as our purpose is to peacefully exercise our democratic right of free expression and voicing legitimate dissent," said Teoh.