KUALA LUMPUR: The country is witnessing a 'slow murder' of all reforms related to media freedom under Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil's leadership, says Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan.
Wan Saiful, who holds the Communications portfolio in Perikatan Nasional's shadow cabinet, said Fahmi's comments stating that a press accreditation card is not a licence to practise journalism is disappointing.
"Fahmi does not need to act as the "most knowledgeable journalist" by trying to educate media practitioners about their roles. Instead, Fahmi needs to engage with journalists and media practitioners more frequently in the field, so that he realises that more and more people are unhappy with the government's tendency to restrict media freedom.
"Fahmi should prioritise actions to facilitate media practitioners in their coverage. I don't see what Fahmi has done to make it easier for journalists to carry out their responsibilities. What is clear is that many of Fahmi's actions are aimed at limiting media freedom.
"What assurance is there that the government does not practise favouritism in issuing journalist accreditation cards? The people are increasingly doubtful that this government is acting fairly towards everyone," he said in a statement.
He said even Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed "grave concern" about the government's attitude when faced with journalism issues.
"I feel that under Fahmi's leadership, the country is witnessing a "slow murder" of all reforms related to media freedom that were implemented by previous leaders" he said.
Yesterday, Fahmi said the issuance of media cards is not akin to licensing for professions like doctors or lawyers and its issuance is specifically to facilitate journalists' access to and coverage of government events.