Is the new journalism code of ethics a tool for government control?

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Lawyers For Liberty Argues New Journalism Code of Ethics Facilitates Government Control

Lawyers For Liberty (LFL) has expressed strong condemnation of the newly launched Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists, asserting that it serves as a mechanism for the government to control online news dissemination. LFL director Zaid Malek contends that the government should have first established an independent Malaysian Media Council to limit its own interference before proceeding with any codes of ethics. This move is seen by LFL as an inappropriate step, akin to "putting the cart before the horse," and a potential strengthening of governmental oversight over the media landscape.
Concerns Over Government Authority in Media Accreditation

A significant point of contention for LFL is the confirmation that the Information Department is empowered to revoke media accreditation cards based on the new code of ethics. Zaid Malek views this provision as a "standing and continuous threat towards the press." The ability for a government department to use journalistic ethical standards as grounds for withdrawing accreditation raises concerns about potential repercussions for reporting that may be critical of the government, thereby chilling free expression.
Code of Ethics Compared to Restrictive Legislation

LFL has placed the new code of ethics in the same category as existing legislation that it deems restrictive, including the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984, the Sedition Act 1948, the Official Secrets Act 1972, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This comparison suggests that LFL perceives the code not merely as a set of guidelines but as a tool that could be used to enforce governmental preferences and control the narrative, similar to how these other Acts have been historically applied.
Allegations of a "Backdoor Revival" of Anti-Fake News Law

Zaid Malek specifically alleges that the new code of ethics represents a "backdoor way of reviving the Anti-Fake News law," albeit framed within the context of journalistic ethics. The concern is that this framework allows the government to ultimately determine the credibility of news and its sources. This interpretation implies a fear that the government could unilaterally define what constitutes "ethical" reporting, thereby undermining the independence and freedom of the media. The historical context of the Anti-Fake News Bill 2018, which was tabled and later repealed, adds a layer of skepticism regarding government intentions.

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Is the new journalism code of ethics a tool for government control?

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