Malaysia's Media Neutrality; A Hopeful Hope

The need for reliable and neutral information through the main sources has become more tangible and pressing in recent times. Mainstream mass media in Malaysia, may it be the electronic or print press has relayed significant news coverage on many affairs and happenings throughout time. Mainstream media has stamped its presence in Malaysian atmosphere even before the moment of independence from the British colony. Historically, several newspapers have been one of the major factors in fighting for the community’s causes and in intensifying the urge for independence.

            Ever since, mainstream mass media has evolved to an extent which can cater the need of civilians in this era of “information-craving”. With the advent of Internet, free flow of information has sent the publications and news providers competing to attract more readerships.

            But, a bigger question arises; is Malaysian mainstream mass media really serving its purpose?

            Having an array of choices in dailies to choose from, one can inevitably proclaim that it is difficult to even state whether a newspaper or a news provider is truly neutral and non-partisan. It is evident that major political parties in Malaysia own huge stakes in the news publications. For example, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) owns around 49.77% ownership in Utusan Malaysia and one of its key ally, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) owns 42.4% equity holding in The Star Publications. Certainly, in a country which propagates human rights, anyone or even any parties should be allowed to participate in any news publication firms. But, definitely this should NOT be done at the expense of the public.

            For a better experience, one can flip through the pages of a well-known mainstream newspaper for personally. Most domestic news coverage would be revolving around the ruling government and its “successes”. Or in another scenario, the good news pertaining to the owner of the publication will be emphasised, in effort to create a good reputation all for them. Any unpleasant news or controversies regarding the owner, the political parties or the individuals-related to the owner goes under little scrutiny or hardly, not at all.

 

            This would be in direct contrast if a negative controversy relating to any leaders in the opposition front leaks out. Those issues are brought under extreme scrutiny and sometimes, are blown out of proportion. It is not my aim to tarnish the profession of a journalist or the works of a news publication, but these scenarios do happen.

            As a result, in the aftermath of Malaysia’s 13^th General Election, a recent Consumer and Media View report by Nielsen, showed that, newspapers saw a drop of between 10 percent to 40 percent in readership during the second quarter of this year. This was reported by The Edge Weekly and the major reason quoted for the sales plunge was no other than…yes you guessed it right; media biasness and inclination towards to the ruling party. This actually provides clear indication to the Government that serious and prompt actions need to be taken, as soon as possible!

            Not only is that, newspapers owned by the opposition parties are much marginalised with non-necessary requisites. These include the rule of selling the newspapers i.e Harakah and Suara Keadilan, only to the party members and having a different newsstand for these newspapers. Whilst some might be supporting the move, this clearly indicates the denial of freedom of expression.

            The readers should be served with reliable and neutral news from the non-partisan view. You may own the publication but it is the people who subscribe your newspapers and updates. Never deny them the rights to obtain untainted news as they pay for it.

            So far, the Government has played significant roles in liberalising the mass media including the introduction of the Printing Presses and Publications (Amendment) Act 2012 which liberates the publication as annual permit renewal is no longer required and the Home Minister’s “absolute discretion” in granting or refusing a printing press licence. Apart from these, many other ways were introduced to regain public confidence and trust in the civil governance. Yet, there is still room for improvements.

            Malaysia has fared bad in the World Press Freedom Index 2013. Malaysia has been ranked at 145^th position; a drop of 23 positions from a year earlier. Even worse, Malaysia has been ranked way below low-development countries (LDCs) like Haiti and Uganda, to name a few. Even Tunisia, which has just gone through revolution to topple its dictator, is ranked above Malaysia. Thus, this delivers alarming indication to the Malaysians that prompt and effective actions need to be deployed.

This article suggests the formation of a National Media Neutrality Commission. With the inception of this commission, mainstream media can be well-regulated to pre-empt any manipulation of media for political and personal benefits by any parties. However, this establishment should materialise only with clear commitment from the Government to push forward for media neutrality. Regulations under this proposed commission should not be misused for political expediency. The chief of the commission should be appointed through the American-type “congressional hearing” where nominated candidates should be interviewed and scrutinised by a particular committee under the Parliament comprising of members of Parliament from both sides of the political divide.

If aspirations for media neutrality materialises, no longer libellous statement from politicians and columnists will be seen. News coverage will encompass unbiased information and opinions, which posthumously create a pathway for broad-minded citizens. As a further matter, availability of media neutrality provides untainted news coverage to Malaysian population who has no connection to the Net and therefore, has no access to online social media or even online news portal. This group of the population usually has only access to the free-to-view channels. Just imagine, if even such limited sources of information are “painted” with biasness and political inclinations, the huge aspirations of building a knowledgeable community in Malaysia shall always remain a dream. At the same time, existence of such Media Neutrality Commission will discourage spreading of lies and discriminatory news coverage in online news portals, regardless to the fact whether the portals belong to the ruling party or the opposition front.

Apart from these, monopoly of a single corporate entity in the media-sphere needs to be taken into great concern. Media Prima, a media behemoth controls stake in the free-to-view channels such as TV3, 8TV, ntv7 and TV9. In addition to that, the Group also owns more than 98% equity interest in The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (NSTP), Malaysia’s largest publisher which publishes three national newspapers; New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro. Media Prima also owns three radio stations; One FM, Hot FM and Fly FM.

Such domination by a single entity can possibly lead to prejudice in news coverage and information delivery. In this “information-craving” world, the media sector needs to be liberated with more players allowed to participate, creating a competitive zone which will ensure competition to deliver the best yet fair and free news coverage to the civilians.

Having said all these, this proposed commission needs to be boosted with a comprehensive media law. Yet, it has to be reminded that such statute should not carry the characteristics of a draconian law which aims to suppress freedom of expression in Malaysia. Hypothetically, the proposed National Media Neutrality Commission can successfully materialise, if and only if, clear-cut commitment from the Government is pledged for the betterment of Malaysia’s media-sphere.