Gov't likely to tighten media grip, says CIJ
It is very unlikely that the BN-led federal government will ever relinquish its all encompassing control over mainstream media in the near future.
It is very unlikely that the BN-led federal government will ever relinquish its all encompassing control over mainstream media, according to press freedom watchdog, Centre for Independent Journalists (CIJ).
“A loosening of government control over the media and freedom of expression in general is unlikely,” said CIJ in its report titled 'Freedom of Expression in Malaysia 2010' released tonight at the Central Market Annexe in Kuala Lumpur.
The BN, said the NGO's report, will continue to make the most of its ownership and control over the print and broadcast media to bolster its image at the expense of the Pakatan Rakyat parties.
This will happen unless overwhelming public pressure can force the BN to abandon its long-held strategy of controlling the flow of information.
But until such pressure is brought to bear, the BN government will continue to perform a balancing act.
“On the one hand, it will probably continue to take action to manage and suppress critical voices to maintain control over what information is released to the public.
“On the other, it will be cautious of appearing heavy-handed, so it will minimise the extent to which it alienates an increasingly vocal public,” the CIJ report stated.
Admitting that absolute control of information may not be within BN's grasp, the report has noted that the government has demonstrated a reluctance to relinquish whatever control it does has.
BN likely to tighten grip
The CIJ review indicated increased government effort to control freedom of expression and monopolise the dissemination of information.
This, it said, can be seen in how the BN federal government has adopted a multi-pronged approach, using the myriad of laws already at its disposal to curb expression, like the Sedition Act and the Internal Security Act.
Indeed, the report contends, BN seems to be trying to increase its control with the announcement in late 2010 on the introduction of new guidelines on sedition in cyberspace.
The report also noticed indications that the government is looking to extend their reach online, with talk of extending the reach of the PPPA to Internet publications.
“It is equally clear that the government will try to extend its control as far as it can in the coming year,” said the CIJ report.
An awakened civil society
However, it also noted that civil society has matured and has found more ways to get their views heard, which may accelerate federal government attempts to increase its control.
“With the many creative ways in which Malaysians are expressing themselves – whether online, through flash mobs, “cake parties” or open letters, it is clear that it will be impossible for the BN to control everything that is being said about it.”
“Although there are encouraging signs of more critical voices emerging, the government has continued its efforts to suppress genuine discussion and debate.”
However the report saw no likelihood of the BN government dismantling the extensive laws and avenues available to suppress freedom of expression.
“No significant or genuine steps were taken in 2010 by the BN government to improve the state of freedom of expression in Malaysia,” concluded the report.
It is very unlikely that the BN-led federal government will ever relinquish its all encompassing control over mainstream media in the near future.
It is very unlikely that the BN-led federal government will ever relinquish its all encompassing control over mainstream media, according to press freedom watchdog, Centre for Independent Journalists (CIJ).
“A loosening of government control over the media and freedom of expression in general is unlikely,” said CIJ in its report titled 'Freedom of Expression in Malaysia 2010' released tonight at the Central Market Annexe in Kuala Lumpur.
The BN, said the NGO's report, will continue to make the most of its ownership and control over the print and broadcast media to bolster its image at the expense of the Pakatan Rakyat parties.
This will happen unless overwhelming public pressure can force the BN to abandon its long-held strategy of controlling the flow of information.
But until such pressure is brought to bear, the BN government will continue to perform a balancing act.
“On the one hand, it will probably continue to take action to manage and suppress critical voices to maintain control over what information is released to the public.
“On the other, it will be cautious of appearing heavy-handed, so it will minimise the extent to which it alienates an increasingly vocal public,” the CIJ report stated.
Admitting that absolute control of information may not be within BN's grasp, the report has noted that the government has demonstrated a reluctance to relinquish whatever control it does has.
BN likely to tighten grip
The CIJ review indicated increased government effort to control freedom of expression and monopolise the dissemination of information.
This, it said, can be seen in how the BN federal government has adopted a multi-pronged approach, using the myriad of laws already at its disposal to curb expression, like the Sedition Act and the Internal Security Act.
Indeed, the report contends, BN seems to be trying to increase its control with the announcement in late 2010 on the introduction of new guidelines on sedition in cyberspace.
The report also noticed indications that the government is looking to extend their reach online, with talk of extending the reach of the PPPA to Internet publications.
“It is equally clear that the government will try to extend its control as far as it can in the coming year,” said the CIJ report.
An awakened civil society
However, it also noted that civil society has matured and has found more ways to get their views heard, which may accelerate federal government attempts to increase its control.
“With the many creative ways in which Malaysians are expressing themselves – whether online, through flash mobs, “cake parties” or open letters, it is clear that it will be impossible for the BN to control everything that is being said about it.”
“Although there are encouraging signs of more critical voices emerging, the government has continued its efforts to suppress genuine discussion and debate.”
However the report saw no likelihood of the BN government dismantling the extensive laws and avenues available to suppress freedom of expression.
“No significant or genuine steps were taken in 2010 by the BN government to improve the state of freedom of expression in Malaysia,” concluded the report.
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