WE find it totally unacceptable that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is playing “Big Brother” by injudiciously blocking media online content.
We are concerned that of late, media practitioners have been called by MCMC to explain the content in their news portals and online sites. What is more worrying is the fact that many of the so-labelled “offending” contents are mere reports and opinion pieces deemed critical of the government.
We strongly disapprove of any attempt to use a state apparatus like MCMC to question, censor or block portals and online news content. It is an unhealthy trend that must be stopped immediately.
While we understand that the Internet has become a harbinger of hate and misinformation, we believe media practitioners are disciplined individuals guided by professionalism and ethics.
The uncontrollable social media realm is understandably a problem. We acknowledge that misinformation and fake news have reached crisis level worldwide. But we also believe the role that should be played by a free press in the country.
The government must ensure a right ecosystem and a conducive environment for media practitioners to work without fear or favour.
TAN SRI JOHAN JAAFAR
DATUK A. KADIR JASIN
DATUK HUSSAMUDDIN
YAACOB
DATUK SERI AZMAN UJANG
DATUK CHAMIL WARIYA
DATUK YONG SOO HEONG
DATUK ZAKARIA WAHAB
and DR G. MANIMARAN
