[ Laman Ehwal Semasa ReformIS ]
Date: 12 Sep 1999
Time: 21:23:22
Remote User: -
Aliran Media Statement http://www.malaysia.net/aliran
Honest Journalism in Jeopardy
It is tragic that the doors are being slammed shut on freedom of expression by the judiciary which is unable to appreciate that criticisms can be made without malice and that strong opinions expressed need not be contemptuous. There has to be greater tolerance and wider leeway for honest journalists who dare to do a decent job in their reporting.
It is a terrible setback for society when journalists are forever in fear of mega suits and consequently are forced to resort to superficial reporting.
Today's verdict dismissing Murray Hiebert's appeal against his custodial sentencing of three months' jail has, without any doubt, severely restricted the space and scope for freedom of expression in this country. It adds another nail to the coffin.
P. Ramakrishnan President 11 September 1999
Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN) (National Consciousness Movement) 103 Medan Penaga 11600 Penang Malaysia Tel: +60-4-658 5251 Fax: +60-4-658 5197 Website: http://www.malaysia.net/aliran