We are the Centre for Independent Journalism

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CURRENT FOCUS

Emergency

Increased military presence? Suspension of Parliament? More arbitrary arrests and infringements on our freedom of expression? We're putting our foot down. Check out what we've been doing to protest Emergency 2021.
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CURRENT FOCUS

COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads and more public spaces begin closing their doors, the question of protecting our freedom of expression and speech arises. Check out what we have been doing to ensure our fundamental and constitutional rights are respected.
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CIJ'S VISION

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all peoples will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.                                                                                                  

BACKGROUND

In response to the 1998 political crisis in Malaysia, a group of five journalists, writers and activists started a project to fill in the demand for critical analysis of the political issues confronting the public. They created a website, saksi.com (“saksi” is Malay for “witness”), which grew to become an important source of analytical and independent information. The strong and positive response to the website prompted the group to register as an organisation to carry out an independent news/content provider project. Thus, the Centre for Independent Journalism was born.

 

A file picture of the #808 Press Freedom rally held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 8, 2015. – IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

Advocacy Areas

Freedom of Expression

A discussion on freedom of expression in Malaysia cannot start without looking into the legal context of the issue. What follows is a selection of the most important existing and proposed laws restricting press freedom.
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Advocacy Area

Right to Information

In May 2009, the Selangor state government under the Pakatan Rakyat has committed to the enactment of a FOI law. This was a result of the national campaign and strategic meetings organised by the Coalition for Good Governance with the Selangor state government in the post March 8, 2009 general elections.
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Advocacy Area

Media Freedom

Media ownership can be a very crucial issue in determining how free a press is. The concentration of media in a small groups of people inevitably affects the diversity of viewpoints published. In Malaysia the PPPA regulates who can own a media company or a newspaper, preventing the democratization of media ownership.
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Malaysian Media Council

Outcome from the National Consultation on a Malaysian Media Council

The participants at the National Consultation reiterate that any moves to institute a media council are contingent upon the repeal of repressive laws that govern the media, in particular the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, the Sedition Act 1948, sections 233 and 211 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, along with review of the Official Secrets Act and the implementation of a Freedom of Information Act.

The Malaysian media needs an independent self-regulatory body to uphold standards of journalism, raising levels of professionalism, and provide an avenue for arbitrating public complaints. A media council which is open, accountable and transparent can help to build confidence in the media, contributing to the credibility of news media organisations.

Malaysian Media Council

Media Council National Consultation

The Centre for Independent Journalism in Malaysia (CIJ) and the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) launched today, 22 February 2019 a website (http://msiamediacouncil.website/) to “begin discussions again on establishing a National Media Council of Malaysia.”

This is in time for the upcoming National Consultation on 4 to 5 March 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“For too long, the Malaysian media landscape has been dominated by heavy-handed government regulation through the Publication and Printing Presses Act 1984. Civil society and media organizations have since lobbied the government to move towards a model of industry self-regulation, rather than allow the law to be abused for political gain.”

CIJ and MCCHR are also set to launch during the national consultation a study on self-regulation and the Malaysian media.

Media Council National Consultation

Recent

Press and Media Statements

Call for Proposal – Website Designer & Developer
March 28, 2025
CIJ Condemns Era FM Staff’s Racist Actions
March 4, 2025
Civil Society In Support of the Passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill
February 26, 2025
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