Fines imposed on the publishers of Sin Chew Daily and Sinar Harian were acts of “media bullying” that risks fostering self-censorship, PAS said today.
The party’s secretary-general, Takiyuddin Hassan, said the heavy fines of RM100,000 each appeared to be aimed at pressuring media outlets to align with political or government expectations.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had levied the fine on Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd over an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang in Sin Chew’s digital newspaper, while Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd was penalised for a post on Sinar Harian’s Instagram account that incorrectly linked Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail to a political party.
Takiyuddin said the two newspapers had already corrected their mistakes and apologised, which he said should suffice.
“In the publishing world, these steps already constitute a ‘punishment’ due to their impact on the media’s integrity and credibility in the eyes of readers,” he said, adding that only repeated violations would justify harsher measures like the MCMC fines.
“As long-established media organisations that have reported on national developments for decades across governments, parties, and leaders, both Sin Chew and Sinar Harian are certainly qualified to take appropriate action according to their positions, without being treated in such an unreasonable manner,” he said in a statement late tonight.
Takiyuddin said PAS believes that internal actions by the Malaysian Media Council on this matter should be sufficient and respected. “Any other action would only undermine the status, role, and purpose of the council, rendering it meaningless,” he said.
The media council had voiced concern over the fines, calling them excessive and disproportionate. The council said such heavy fines risk fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists and editors, weakening the media’s core responsibility to inform the public and hold power to account.
