The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) has released a Media Law Reform Blueprint outlining key issues regarding freedom of expression and journalism in Malaysia. The blueprint urges the government to amend Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, transfer regulatory powers to independent bodies, and establish a dedicated complaint system for media-related concerns.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) has unveiled a Media Law Reform Blueprint, highlighting key concerns regarding freedom of expression and journalism in Malaysia. The blueprint asserts that insufficient progress has been made to protect press freedom since the Pakatan Harapan government pledged reforms over two years ago.
CLD executive director Toby Mendel emphasized the need for the government to amend Article 10 of the Federal Constitution to better align with international standards protecting freedom of expression. He proposed expanding the right to encompass the ability to seek and receive information and ideas, potentially extending it to encompass cross-border access and all forms of communication. Mendel stressed that any limitations on freedom of expression should be subject to a rigorous necessity test, ensuring they are justified for protecting national interests recognized under international law. He also called for the transfer of regulatory powers currently held by ministerial control to independent regulatory bodies, as part of the planned Malaysian Media Council (MMC) bill. This, he argued, would include the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998, both of which should be overseen by independent bodies or commissions. Mendel further proposed the transformation of Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) into an independent public service broadcaster, operating under distinct legislation and governed by an independent board of governors. He also suggested establishing a specialized complaint system dedicated to handling concerns regarding media outlets directly, bypassing the courts. This system, he believes, would expedite the resolution of complaints against media outlets or journalists, eliminating the need for legal action in most cases. Complaints, he emphasized, should target the media outlet itself rather than the individual journalist, as it is the outlet's published report that ultimately causes harm
MALAYSIA MEDI LAW REFORM FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION CLD BLUEPRINT JOURNALISM
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