CIJ Concerned Over Journalist Fined For Breaching SOP At Larkin Nomination Centre

CIJ notes with concern the incident where a journalist was fined RM1000, and another issued a warning by the authorities for breaching COVID 19 related SOP while reporting outside the Larkin nomination centre today.

Media play an essential role in informing the public about the developments during the election period, including a diverse range of information on parties, candidates and their political pledges to promote a robust public debate about matters of public interest. As such, it is imperative they have equal access to the different parties and actors involved in the elections to ensure impartial and accurate information on election-related issues.

While it is necessary for the authorities to carry out their role in maintaining SOPs and in taking actions against those who breach the SOPs, a fine is not necessarily the only answer to address the real problem. The government and authorities should also recognise their positive duty by facilitating and ensuring a safe and enabling space for media to report on the ground to promote transparent and accountable reporting. Safety measures should have been placed to maintain social distancing and also at the same time provide the platform where media could have full and equal access to the candidates and other sources during nomination. There should be no undue barriers placed that would prevent the press from carrying out their role in disseminating critical and timely information.

It is noted that media experience extensive challenges in carrying out their role in times of COVID 19 due to the need to maintain their safety and ensure compliance with necessary COVID-19 risk mitigation measures. In this context, it is critical for media to not only get the news but to also practice safe social distancing and not crowd candidates or other potential sources. The media should also consider investing in better equipment and use long lenses whenever possible to avoid crowding and reduce the risk to their safety. More coordination is also needed among media organisations that would make it possible to protect the journalists on the ground better.

As we continue with the campaign period and the lead up to the polling day, it is all the more imperative for better coordination and collaboration between the media, state, politicians and other stakeholders. This is important to ensure that all appropriate measures are in place to promote equal access to all media to protect and maintain their safety while upholding the highest attainable standards of independent and responsible reporting.

26 February 2022
Wathshlah Naidu
CIJ Executive Director

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