Joint Media Statement:- "Utusan" must respect NUJ leader; call off domestic inquiry

Centre for Independent Journalism
Charter 2000-Aliran
Writers' Alliance for Media Independence
1 Muted Malaysia

Joint Media Statement (5 January 2011): "Utusan" must respect NUJ leader; call off domestic inquiry
We are four civil society groups speaking up in support of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) president Hata Wahari, who is facing a domestic inquiry by his employer, “Utusan Malaysia,” for being critical of political interference in the newspaper.

We echo the words of NUJ general secretary V Anbalagan that Hata was speaking in his capacity as a union official and thus merely exercising his rightful duty and fulfilling his national obligation. The management of “Utusan Malaysia” is as free to make a public rebuttal if it disagreed with Hata. It should not penalise Hata by subjecting him to a domestic inquiry that may result in him being fired.

According to Hata, the domestic inquiry notice followed two show-cause letters from the management – on 14 October 2010 and 14 November – in response to his first statement as NUJ president on 21 September. The domestic inquiry letter was dated 23 December, and received on 27 December.

Hata has been speaking out since he was elected to the top union position in September, and appears to be implementing his election manifesto, which includes engaging in efforts to abolish the draconian Printing Presses and Publications Act as well as promoting ethical reporting on religious and race issues. He also aimed to monitor newspapers that contravene journalism ethics in this regard (http://nujstar.org/?p=92). His first statement took to task senior editors of the much-criticised “Utusan Malaysia” for failing to advocate media freedom in their quest to serve the agenda of their political masters UMNO. His new year statement cited racist rhetoric in the same paper as the reason for the daily’s declining sale, and urged the authorities to act against the editors for inciting racial hatred.

We note that this is the first time in a long while since an NUJ leader has spoken up against unethical media practices, which he correctly blamed on the lack of media independence due to political interference and restrictive laws.

We believe that Hata was not only speaking up for the integrity of the profession, but for the right of all Malaysians to have a media that will put the people as their first loyalty, and truth as their first obligation, which means allowing as many different perspectives as possible so that the people can judge and decide for themselves what is truth.

We view any attempt to sack the union president for expressing his opinion in defence of journalistic integrity as a serious attack on the freedom of expression and media freedom.

We call on all journalists, unionised or not, to stand behind Hata and urge for the domestic inquiry, rescheduled to 17 January, to be called off.

Similarly, all Malaysians who want a free media must now speak up and stand in line together with the journalists.

Jointly issued by:
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Charter 2000-Aliran
Writers' Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
1 Muted Malaysia

For more information, contact: Masjaliza Hamzah, CIJ Executive Officer, 03-40230772; Anil Netto and Mustafa K Anuar, Charter 2000-Aliran coordinators, aliran@streamyx.com; Wong Chin Huat, WAMI chairperson, chinhuatw@gmail.com; or Josh Hong, 1 Muted Malaysia coordinator, ubikampong@gmail.com.

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CIJ is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free, where all peoples will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek and impart information. cijmalaysia.org

Charter 2000-Aliran is a group of Malaysian individuals and organisations committed to striving for media freedom in Malaysia through the promotion of a media charter to raise public awareness.

WAMI is a group of writers for the Chinese media in Malaysia, which aims to defend and promote media independence for freer public discussion and wider democratic space. It was formed by about 90 writers who quit writing for the mainstream Chinese media in May 2001 in protest over the coerced takeover of the non-partisan Nanyang Press by the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a ruling coalition member party.

1 Muted Malaysia is a citizens’ initiative in response to the shrinking public space for expression as evidenced by series of book bans, sackings and arrests involving writers, media practitioners and artists.

Open letter from Malaysian NGOs on genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

17 December 2010

To:
Y.B. Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Health
Y.B. Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Natural Resources & Environment
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Hj Mohd. Ismail bin Merican, Director General of Health
Dato’ Zoal Azha bin Yusof, Secretary General, Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment and Chairperson, National Biosafety Board (NBB)
Mr Letchumanan Ramatha, Director General of Biosafety
Dr Shahnaz Murad, Director, Institute of Medical Research (IMR)
Dr Ahmad Parveez Hj. Ghulam Kadir, Chairperson, Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC)

Re: Open letter from Malaysian NGOs on genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

We, the undersigned organizations of Malaysia, representing the public health, environmental, consumer and other movements, are very concerned by the recent approval to release genetically modified (GM) male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes OX513A(My1), for the purpose of a field experiment. We are even more worried that the field releases may have already happened, without adequate notification or information provision to the public. We urge the government to be transparent on the issue and to immediately disclose the details and specific sites of the releases.

1. Risky approach to dengue control
While dengue is a very serious problem in Malaysia and needs to be urgently addressed, going down the GM path takes us into risky territory. Genetic engineering often results in unintended effects. We do not know enough about the GM mosquitoes and how their interactions with non-GM mosquitoes in the wild, other species in the ecosystem, the dengue virus and human populations, will be affected.

There are several health and environmental risks associated with the field releases. For example, a small proportion of the GM larvae will survive – some of which would be female – despite claims that the technology is safe because the larvae will die. As female mosquitoes bite humans and transmit disease, has the risk of an increased disease burden been assessed? The surviving GM larvae would also lead to the persistence of the GM genes in the environment, with unknown consequences.

2. Field trials a first step to large-scale release
Although the field releases are characterized as small-scale and limited, we are extremely concerned that they are but one step in a technological approach to dengue control that is based on dependency and ‘locking-in’. At the commercial release stage, the continuous release of millions of GM mosquitoes at several places in Malaysia would be needed in order to successfully suppress mosquito populations. The risks would be greatly amplified at such large numbers.

One serious concern is the likely possibility that other closely related and disease-transmitting species would take over the ecological niche of Aedes aegypti once its populations are successfully reduced. This would continue to cause, or even worsen, the dengue problem and may even cause a rise in other mosquito-borne diseases.

While we realize that large-scale and eventual commercial releases would have to undergo a separate approvals and risk assessment process, the government cannot afford to ignore the implications of going down the GM path and must consider these concerns, even at this early stage.

3. In the public or private interest?
We understand that Oxitec Limited, a UK-based company, holds the patents on the technology used in these GM mosquitoes. While Oxitec will presumably collect rewards for their invention, will they bear the liability should anything go wrong?

A review of Oxitec’s accounts (available from Companies House, which is the UK government agency responsible for registering limited companies) shows that it made losses in 2008 and 2009 of £1.7 million a year. While Oxitec has received grants for its research, it is clear that the company expects to gain income from continual releases of GM mosquitoes in large numbers in several countries.

4. Our demands

a. As citizens of Malaysia, we demand a wider and broader public debate on the issue than there has been to date. This field experiment will have tremendous implications for Malaysia’s health and environment. There must be a national discussion as to whether GM mosquitoes are indeed the right approach to address dengue. The general public are integral to effective dengue control and there must be consensus on this issue.

b. The prior informed consent of the communities living in and around the proposed field release sites must be obtained. This means that they must also have the potential risks of the study adequately explained to them, and information about the sources of funding and any possible conflicts of interest provided.

c. We ask the government to call off the experiment and field releases of the GM mosquitoes, and to instead invest in safer approaches to addressing dengue.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

1. Centre for Environment, Technology & Development, Malaysia (CETDEM)
2. Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP)
3. Institute for Development of Alternative Living (IDEAL)
4. Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (DEMA)
5. Parti Sosialis Malaysia - Cameron Highlands Branch
6. Penang Suya Meiyarivagam
7. Persatuan Kakitangan Akademik Universiti Malaya (PKAUM)
8. Persatuan Karst Malaysia
9. Persatuan Kebajikan Nelayan-Nelayan Pantai Pulau Pinang (Penang Inshore Fishermens' Welfare Association)
10. Persatuan Pengguna-Pengguna Pahang (PAC)
11. Persatuan Pengusaha Pertanian Kecil Felda Chini, Pekan, Pahang (Chini Smallholders Network)
12. Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (PAN-AP)
13. Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)
14. Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA)
15. Secretariat Ulama Assembly of Asia (SHURA)
16. SOS-Selangor
17. Southeast Asian Council for Food Security & Fair Trade (SEACON)
18. Malaysian Physicians for Social Responsibility
19. Sustainable Development Network (SUSDEN)
20. TERAS Pengupayaan Melayu
21. Third World Network (TWN)
22. Treat Every Environment Special S/B (TrEES)
23. Environmental Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM)

CIJ : Pelan untuk undang-undang hasutan siber mengancam kebebasan ekspresi dalam talian

Pusat Kewartawanan Bebas Malaysia (CIJ)
27C Jalan Sarikei, off Jalan Pahang
53000 Kuala Lumpur
Laman sesawang: cijmalaysia.org
Emel: cijmalaysia@gmail.com
Tel: 03 4023 0772
Faks: 03 4023 0769

2 Disember 2010

Kenyataan media: Pelan untuk undang-undang hasutan siber mengancam kebebasan ekspresi dalam talian

Pusat Kewartawanan Bebas (CIJ) amat membimbangi rujukan Menteri Dalam Negeri Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Hussein mengenai undang-undang baru yang akan diperkenalkan untuk mengawal hasutan dalam talian.

Menteri berkenaan dilaporkan berkata bahawa ia berdasarkan Akta Hasutan (1948) dan akan membantu menentukan mana-mana perbuatan dalam talian yang boleh didakwa di mahkamah.

Berita ini merisaukan kerana undang-undang hasutan yang sedia ada dan kerap disalahguna sudahpun digunakan dalam alam maya, seperti yang dilihat dalam tuduhan yang dikenakan kepada blawger Raja Petra Kamaruddin dan yang selainnya. Tambahan lagi, penggubalan undang-undang hasutan yang baru ini, khusus untuk ekspresi dalam talian, nampaknya satu tindakan sengaja oleh pihak kerajaan untuk menapis Internet, walaupun janji “tiada tapisan Internet” diberi oleh Bil Geranti Koridor Raya Multimedia.

Hasutan ialah konsep kejam dan kuno yang merupakan penghalang besar terhadap kebebasan ekspresi, walhal kebebasan ini dijamin dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Demi demokrasi dan kebebasan ekspresi, kerajaan persekutuan patut berusaha untuk memansuhkan undang-undang yang sedia ada dan bukannya membuat undang-undang baru untuk mendakwa hasutan dalam talian. Sebarang langkah untuk menghalang kebebasan ekspresi di Malaysia, yang sudah begitu terhad, hanya menunjukkan ketidakrelaan kerajaan untuk menyertai perbincangan awam yang iklhas dan dipertanggungjawabkan oleh rakyat.

CIJ turut membantah cara undang-undang baru ini diperkenalkan. Ia telah dirujuk sebagai “garis panduan”, “peraturan” dan kini, “rang undang-undang hasutan siber”, yang akan dikemukakan kepada Kabinet pada 3 Disember 2010. Dalam negara demokratik, sebarang perkara yang memberi kesan terhadap kebebasan asas dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan, termasuk penggubalan akta, mesti terbuka kepada komen dan cadangan. Namun hampir tiada maklumat dan tiada rundingan awam mengenai perkara ini.

Maka CIJ menyeru kerajaan supaya terbuka dan telus dalam pembentukan sebarang undang-undang, serta menghindari daripada menggubal “rang undang-undang hasutan siber” atau sebarang undang-undang yang akan mengekang kebebasan ekspresi di Malaysia.

Dikeluarkan oleh:
Chuah Siew Eng
Pegawai Program CIJ

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Pusat Kewartawanan Bebas Malaysia (CIJ) berhasrat untuk mewujudkan masyarakat yang demokratik, adil dan bebas, di mana semua manusia menikmati media bebas dan kebebasan mengutarakan, mencari dan menyampaikan maklumat.

Malaysian Bar : Respect public expression of dissent

Press Release

Respect public expression of dissent

 

Regrettably, the police persists in favouring a repressive and heavy-handed approach when, as was the case yesterday, numerous members of the public gathered to express their viewpoint on an issue of concern to them.

The Malaysian Bar deplores the police’s harsh treatment of ordinary citizens who showed up to support the handover of a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, especially as access to water at an affordable cost is clearly a matter of great public interest. 

 

Intimidatory tactics were employed, including the dispersal and arrest of individuals even prior to the gathering. The police also displayed excessive and disproportionate force in their indiscriminate use of tear gas and water cannons on the crowd.

Repeated calls for the police to embrace the public’s increased articulation of viewpoints as a positive development in our society, and to accord it the necessary democratic space to flourish, continue to fall on deaf ears. The Government has indicated its intention to review section 27 of the Police Act to allow more latitude, but the actions of the police stand in stark contradiction to this avowed goal.

The police could have permitted the gathering to take place peacefully and with minimal disruption, while preserving public order and ensuring the safety of all participants. This approach would have dispelled any perception that the police behaves in a biased manner, and acts selectively to stifle only gatherings that voice dissenting views.

It is time for the police to take active measures to protect the Constitutionally-guaranteed freedoms of speech and assembly. It is time for the police to exercise restraint, and to cease muzzling public opinion and persecuting those who speak their minds. It is time for the police to move away from a “police state” mindset and to accept, and work within, the current environment.

It is time, indeed it is long past the time, for the police to recognise and uphold the clear wish of the people to assemble peaceably and to express their opinions.

 

Ragunath Kesavan
President
Malaysian Bar

 

6 Dec 2010

CIJ :- Plans for Cyber Sedition law bode ill for freedom of expression online

Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) Malaysia
27C Jalan Sarikei, off Jalan Pahang
53000 Kuala Lumpur
Website: cijmalaysia.org
Email: cijmalaysia@gmail.com
Tel: 03 4023 0772
Fax: 03 4023 0769

2 December 2010

Media statement: Plans for Cyber Sedition law bode ill for freedom of expression online

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is greatly concerned at Home Minister Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s references to a new law that will be introduced to govern sedition in cyberspace.

The Home Minister reportedly said that it would be based on existing Sedition Act (1948) and would assist in determining what can be prosecuted on the Internet.

CIJ finds this highly disturbing since the much-abused existing law is already applicable online, as seen in the charging of top blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and his peers. Further, the government’s formulation of this new sedition law, targeted at online expression, seems to be a deliberate act to censor the Internet. This is despite the “no Internet censorship” promise laid out in the Bill of Guarantees of the Multimedia Super Corridor.

Sedition is a draconian, antiquated concept that poses a serious curb on the freedom of expression guaranteed in the Federal Constitution. In the interest of democracy and the attendant freedom of expression, the federal government should be working to abolish the existing law instead of drafting new ones to assist in the prosecution of 'seditious' online content. Any measures taken to curb the already limited freedom of expression in Malaysia only demonstrates the government’s unwillingness to engage in genuine public discourse and to be held publicly accountable.

CIJ is also extremely concerned at the manner in which this new law is being introduced. It has been referred to as “guidelines”, “regulations” and now, a “cyber sedition bill”, which will be tabled to Cabinet on 3 December 2010. In a democracy, anything that affects the fundamental freedoms in the Federal Constitution, including the drafting of laws, should be open to comment and input from all interested parties. Yet there was little information and no public consultation on this matter.

CIJ therefore calls on the government to be open and transparent in the formulation of new laws and to refrain from enacting this “cyber sedition bill” or any legislation that will further curb the freedom of expression in Malaysia.

Issued by:
Chuah Siew Eng
CIJ Programme Officer

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The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free, where all people enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

CIJ : Barring reporters is undemocratic, not a solution to prevent skewed reporting

16 November 2010

Media statement: Barring reporters is undemocratic, not a solution to prevent skewed reporting

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned to learn that certain media organisations were barred from entering the Kedah State Assembly building to cover the third term meeting which began on 14 November 2010 and will go on for three days.

According to reports, the state government was unhappy with recent skewed coverage by the media outlets. Among those affected were State broadcaster RTM, and Media Prima's publications Berita Harian and New Straits Times. Muhamad Helmi Mohamad Khalid, the Kedah menteri besar's press secretary, has clarified that Malaysiakini was unknowingly left out from the vetted list.

The Government -- whether at state or Federal level -- should not prevent any media from covering what is essentially a public meeting by a public body. In this instance, the fact that the 2011 budget was being considered makes it all the more important for wide dissemination of the information through all media. By contrast, the recent Selangor State Assembly's budget presentation was tweeted using the Menteri Besar's account.

The Kedah state government could have instituted counter-measures against skewed reports through its own communication channels if their right of reply or correction was ignored or not carried out adequately by the media concerned. Malicious reporting can also be challenged in court.

Barring reporters -- a tactic that has been employed by both sides of the political divide -- threatens freedom of the press. This ultimately affects the people's right to information on matters of public interest.

Given the constraints on Malaysian media set by the legal framework and political ownership and control, we understand that media bias may masquerade as critical coverage. However, steps taken to address these constraints should not inhibit media freedom as this is counter-productive.

We therefore urge the Kedah state government to lift any such ban on media coverage of public meetings.

Issued by:

Chuah Siew Eng
CIJ Programme Officer
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CIJ is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free, where all peoples will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek and impart information.

Lagi kes anak muda ditembak mati polis: Sikap Polis tidak berubah dan pencabulan hak asasi manusia diteruskan (SUARAM)

Kenyataan Media: 16 November 2010

Lagi kes anak muda ditembak mati polis:

Sikap Polis  tidak berubah dan pencabulan hak asasi manusia diteruskan

SUARAM mengutuk keras tindakan Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) yang telah menembak mati tiga suspek anak muda yang telah disyaki terlibat dalam satu kes rompakan sebuah stesen minyak di Glenmarie ,Shah Alam pada 13hb November 2010 pada pukul 4.15 pagi. Salah seorang yang ditembak mati oleh Polis  adalah remaja di bawah umur iaitu Mohd Shamil Hafiz Shafie yang hanya berumur 16 tahun. . Mohd Shamil merupakan  antara remaja bawah umur  yang ditembak mati oleh polis selepas kes kematian Aminulrasyid pada 26hb April tahun ini .

Kami amat kecewa atas alasan polis terhadap insiden tersebut yang menuduh bahawa polis terpaksa menembak mati ketiga-tiga suspek kerana ketiga-tiga  menyerang polis dengan menggunakan parangKalau supsek hanya menggunakan parang, mengapa kesemua mereka di tembak mati? Adakah sebarang amaran diberikan oleh polis kepada suspek? Versi polis dalam setiap kes penembakan mati adalah sama dan mereka selalu menggunakan faktor keselamatan diri untuk justifikasi penngunaan senjata api dimana sehingga hari ini  pasukan polis tidak pernah mendedahkan konteks penggunaan senjata api oleh pihak polis di Malaysia.

 Kami memahami risiko keselamatan bertugas sebagai polis namun kami tidak boleh menerima cara polis yang selalu menggunakan senjata api dan menembak mati seseorang suspek. Perlembagaan Persekutuan Artikel 5(1) jelas   menyatakan setiap individu perlu  menghormati hak bernyawa  setiap manusia.

SUARAM menyeru Ketua Polis Negara, Ismail Omar segera untuk mengemukakkan Perintah Tetap Ketua Polis Negara (IGSO) yang dituntut oleh rakyat  dan membuktikan bahawa  KPN baru serius dalam melaksanakan pendekatan 4P yang dilaung-laungkannya.  Kami menyeru agar satu Suruhanjaya yang bebas dan berdikari ditubuhkan untuk menyiasat segala kes penembakan mati oleh Polis dengan serta- merta.

Kami tidak boleh menerima bahawa IGSO sebagai bahan sulit kerana ia melibatkan kepentingan keselamatan dan nyawa setiap rakyat dan ia sepatutnya diumunkan. Ini dengan jelas membuktikan bahawa penggunaan senjata api oleh polis tidak diimbangi oleh pemeriksaan awam dan sekaligus menyebabkan tahap akauntabiliti yang amat rendah di dalam institusi polis.

Oleh kerana ketiadaan prosedur yang kukuh untuk memastikan setiap kes tembakan polis seperti ini dilaporkan dan disiasat secara bebas dan menyeluruh, timbul keraguan sama ada pihak polis sememangnya menggunakan senjata api untuk mempertahankan diri ataupun sengaja menggunakan terhadap suspek untuk memudahkan penyelesaian kes mereka.

SUARAM sebuah organisasi Hak Asasi Manusia berpendapat penggunaan senjata dan tidak memberikan hak untuk suspek membela diri adalah salah dari segi undang-undang  Hak Asasi .

Penembakan mati anak muda bawah umur Mhd Shamil merupakan satu pelanggaran terhadap  Konvensyen Antarabangsa Perlindungan Kanak-Kanak (CRC) terutamanya  Artikel 16 (1)&(11) dan Artikel 37 yang memberi perlindiungan terhadap kanak-kanak bawah undang undang dan terlindung dari sebarang hukuman yang tidak berperikemanusiaan ataupun penangkapan tanpa bicara.

Penyalahgunaan kuasa di kalangan PDRM dan penindasan terhadap hak asasi manusia adalah masalah serius yang jelas wujud dalam PDRM, seperti yang dinyatakan dalam Laporan Suruhanjaya Diraja Penambahbaikan Perjalanan dan Pengurusan Polis Diraja Malaysia.

Kami menyeru pihak polis berhenti mengunakan alasan kononnya menyelesaikan kes jenayah dan untuk keselamatan polis dengan terpaksa menembak mati sesiapa suspek . kami percaya pihak polis adalah terlatih dan berprofesional serta sanggup mengikuti prosedur penggunaan senjata api yang ditetapkan oleh Persatuan Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu (PBB).

SUARAM menuntut agar pihak Kerajaan melaksanakan cadangan-cadangan yang dikemukakan oleh Suruhanjaya Diraja Penambahbaikan Perjalanan dan Pengurusan Polis Diraja Malaysia terutama menubuhkan Suruhanjaya Bebas Pengaduan dan Salah Laku Polis (IPCMC) dengan segera.

  

Yap Heng Lung

Penyelaras  SUARAM