How are government bodies neglecting the welfare of the media?

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Government Bodies Are Neglecting Media Welfare by Restricting Access and Information

Certain government bodies are demonstrating a disregard for the welfare and operational needs of the media, even when media coverage benefits these very institutions. This neglect is evident through the systematic denial of access to government events, the imposition of restrictive conditions for coverage, and the limited channels for obtaining official information. These actions hinder the media's ability to perform its crucial role of informing the public and holding authorities accountable, particularly during critical times like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Media Access to Government Events is Severely Restricted

Media personnel are frequently barred from attending government functions under the guise of being "non-designated official media," a category typically limited to state news agency Bernama and state broadcaster RTM. This was observed during the recent sittings of the Melaka and Perak state assemblies, where only official media were permitted to witness proceedings, while other media outlets were excluded. Similarly, the upcoming one-day Dewan Rakyat sitting is slated to be restricted to "official media" who have undergone Covid-19 testing, suggesting that broader access is feasible but deliberately withheld.
Coverage Conditions Impede Professional Reporting

Even when granted access, media representatives are often subjected to impractical and restrictive conditions that compromise their ability to report effectively. For instance, during the resumption of Friday prayers at the National Mosque, managed by Jakim, reporters and photographers were confined to a small, designated area within the vast premises. This limitation prevented them from capturing diverse angles and perspectives, despite the inherent potential for social distancing within such a large public building.
Access to Official Information is Curtailed

The ability of media outlets to gather information directly from government officials has also been significantly curtailed. Many media organisations are barred from covering daily briefings by Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, which are vital for public scrutiny of MCO implementation and related issues. Consequently, journalists are forced to resort to personal appeals to the minister's aides or rely on favours from colleagues who have access, disrupting the usual flow of information and accountability.
Media Prohibited from Documenting Sensitive Operations

In certain government operations, the media is explicitly forbidden from documenting events, even when such documentation is crucial for public understanding. An example cited involves raids on undocumented migrants, where media were instructed not to record the proceedings "by orders from above." This prohibition prevents the public from witnessing and understanding the realities of such operations, including the impact on vulnerable individuals and communities.

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How are government bodies neglecting the welfare of the media?

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