I read this news article with great interest, but ultimately, detest.
The article focuses on the recommendations of the 'Lingam' inquiry and that the PM does not want a trial by the media against the six people to be probed. The list of six is a spectacular one including former judges, as well as, a former Prime Minister of Malaysia.
While the rationale by Badawi that he did not want any public prosecution or persecution by the media, as it would be unfair to make assumptions or hurl accusations at them, it seems to be yet another attempt at stifling the press freedom in Malaysia. The PM's concern is comprehensible in that the media may 'count the eggs before they hatch' and create defamatory statements. However, this may not be the issue if such reports are the result of a fair and impartial analysis. Besides, given the tight restrictions of the Printing Press and Publications Act, it is highly unlikely that any media editor would allow overtly biased, insulting and offensive reports to surface.
Also, the PM quoted that, “that sort of thing should not happen”, but I beg to strongly differ. Why should the six accused be immune from the scrutiny of the media? If they have not done wrong, there is absolutely no basis for them to be apprehensive of the media. Furthermore, all the unwanted attention from the media will only serve as a reminder to other prospective and potential 'Lingam & Company' in the legal industry, irrespective of their affluent, elite and powerful standing in society, not to follow in their illegitimate footsteps.
The article focuses on the recommendations of the 'Lingam' inquiry and that the PM does not want a trial by the media against the six people to be probed. The list of six is a spectacular one including former judges, as well as, a former Prime Minister of Malaysia.
While the rationale by Badawi that he did not want any public prosecution or persecution by the media, as it would be unfair to make assumptions or hurl accusations at them, it seems to be yet another attempt at stifling the press freedom in Malaysia. The PM's concern is comprehensible in that the media may 'count the eggs before they hatch' and create defamatory statements. However, this may not be the issue if such reports are the result of a fair and impartial analysis. Besides, given the tight restrictions of the Printing Press and Publications Act, it is highly unlikely that any media editor would allow overtly biased, insulting and offensive reports to surface.
Also, the PM quoted that, “that sort of thing should not happen”, but I beg to strongly differ. Why should the six accused be immune from the scrutiny of the media? If they have not done wrong, there is absolutely no basis for them to be apprehensive of the media. Furthermore, all the unwanted attention from the media will only serve as a reminder to other prospective and potential 'Lingam & Company' in the legal industry, irrespective of their affluent, elite and powerful standing in society, not to follow in their illegitimate footsteps.
On a separate note, it is frustrating that the PM is instructing the the people and the media not to carry out their own investigations. The bone of contention lies in the question of why is the PM telling us what to do? If Badawi asserts that Malaysia is a democratic nation, contrary to the claim that we are under a totalitarian regime e.g. 'police state', then allow the people the freedom to choose what they want to do, provided that such activities are within the bounds of the legal system.
