The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) refers to an article published Berita Harian’s website on 13 June 2020 titled, “Pasar Borong KL kini selesa, selamat kepada pelanggan, bersih daripada warga asing“. We are highly concerned that the article in question is seen to be perpetuating xenophobic and racist rhetoric against migrant workers, exacerbated further at a time such as now when hate speech against minorities is on the rise following the current attacks against the Rohingya and other migrants and refugees in Malaysia.
The article starts off by lauding efforts by the Federal Territories Ministry through Kuala Lumpur City Hall in collaboration with the Immigration Department to “cleanse” the Kuala Lumpur Wholesale Market in Batu Caves. The choice of language used is alarming; in one instance, the reporter claims that the sidewalks and market car park area that was “previously filled with foreign hawkers and rubbish” is now clean, and visitors find it easier now to park. The report then quotes visitors and workers at the market who seemingly validate the reporter’s observations, thus further exacerbating and perpetuating the bias and prejudice against migrant workers. The word “bersih” (clean) is used at least 10 times in the article in reference to migrant workers.
On 8 May, United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said that “the pandemic continues to unleash a tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scare-mongering”. Here in Malaysia, we have seen human rights defenders and community activists being attacked online for championing for the rights of those without a voice, like Tengku Emma Zuriana, Heidy Quah and Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani. As stereotypes, prejudices, bias and hate speech proliferate across Malaysia, balanced and responsible reporting is crucial in ensuring that the media be analytical, generate and disseminate healthy discourse and debate and lend its voice and power to fight against discrimination and inequality.
The media and journalists have a fundamental role in advocating for human rights and informing both policy and societal opinion regarding migrant workers and refugees. It follows that they should refrain from and prevent the perpetuation of information that could lead to further discrimination and injustices against particular marginalised and vulnerable communities. Thus, it is disturbing to see an article such as this being published at such a sensitive and trying time and which is likely to add fuel to the prevailing tensions and hate being generated against the migrant and refugee communities.
We call on Berita Harian, as a key media outlet of repute and broad outreach, to act with strong leadership and ethics, and to:
- Withdraw said article or alternatively offer a counter narrative;
- Capitalise on the print and online platforms to speak out in support of the elimination of all forms of racial and xenophobic discrimination, alienation and marginalisation of migrant workers and refugees, and;
- Promote and support your team of journalists to challenge false or discriminatory narratives and be unequivocal in condemning bias, prejudicial and hate speech against minority and vulnerable groups.
We urge Berita Harian to use its platform to speak out in support of their right to be treated as human beings. Instead of publishing such stories, we ask that Berita Harian and its team invest in further training and resources to promote dialogues and be part of the solution, rather than adding to the problem.
There is high expectation that Berita Harian would be reliable, avoid partisan narrative, be fact-based, responsible, balanced and ethical in their reporting. We look forward to continued constructive engagement with Berita Harian in addressing this concern in a timely manner.
16 June 2020
Wathshlah G. Naidu
CIJ Executive Director
For media inquiries, contact Vinodh Pillai at media_comms@cijmalaysia.net