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Be fair to all, media owners urged

Friday, 30 December 2011 09:34am

©The Sun Daily (Used by permission)
by ALYAA ALHADJRI

PETALING JAYA: The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on all mainstream media owners to adhere to principles of ethical journalism which include giving equal coverage to opposition parties.

NUJ general secretary V. Anbalagan said the public now has greater access to alternative sources of news, putting the spotlight on different angles taken by mainstream media outlets, often perceived to be favouring the ruling party.

“The (mainstream) media is on trial as readers can compare news printed in the mainstream papers with what is published elsewhere (alternative press),” he said.

He cautioned that the mainstream media risk losing their business if they failed to deliver a high standard of ethical journalism as expected by readers. He was referring to news reports of disagreements within opposition parties.

There has also been a trend of opposition leaders claiming they had been misquoted or taken out of context, when a published story provoked strong reactions from their parties.

Sources within the media have, however, lamented that opposition lawmakers are often unprepared to deal with the press, with many making unverified comments or ambiguous statements without elaborating.

A senior journalist, who wanted to remain anonymous, said politicians expect reporters to cushion their statements.

This is in contrast with leaders from Barisan Nasional, especially former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was known in the industry for running a tight ship and being media savvy.

“Mahathir used to come up with clever quips and fresh quotes, which the media then picked up,” said the journalist.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has also been engaging the media to champion issues affecting people.

Although it is true that the mainstream media tend to report more favourably to the ruling parties – as they are the owners of the mainstream media – opposition leaders too have to learn to walk the tightrope of dealing with the mainstream. They tend not to make use of the opportunity given by the mainstream media to explain their views and stands.

Centre for Independent Journalism executive director Masjaliza Hamzah said a disproportionate focus by mainstream media outlets on rifts within opposition parties would sidetrack the public from issues that really matter.

“Malaysians will lose because we don’t get what is important or significant,” said Masjaliza. “The focus on these spats takes the attention away from many alleged wrongdoings. Can the media give the rakyat in-depth findings and analysis of what happens when public funds are abused?”

Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) chief executive Wan Saiful Wan Jan said political parties should be open to criticism from their members. He said: “It is healthy for democracy. Any leader should have the right to go to any media outlet to influence public opinion.”

He said party members will decide on the statements made, so there should be no need to impose a gagorder.

These responses came in the wake of statements by PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang, advising party leaders not to air grievances through the mainstream media, and instead resolve their differences through internal channels.

Lawmakers from PAS and DAP had over the past few weeks made headlines by making public statements which allegedly expose internal party disputes.

Anbalagan said the gag orders imposed by party leaders are not binding on journalists who should persist in their duties, as there are often larger issues which go beyond internal party matters.

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