Will the Information Department misuse accreditation powers under the new code?

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The Potential for Misuse of Accreditation Powers by the Information Department Remains a Concern

Lawyers For Liberty (LFL) has voiced significant concerns that the Information Department could potentially misuse its authority to revoke media accreditation cards under the newly launched Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists. LFL director Zaid Malek highlighted that Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the department's authorization to use the code in cancelling accreditation, which LFL views as a persistent threat to press freedom. This concern is amplified by LFL's belief that the new code represents a government attempt to increase control over media dissemination, drawing parallels with existing restrictive legislation.
Government Authority to Revoke Accreditation Confirmed

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil acknowledged that the Information Department is empowered to revoke media accreditation cards. This confirmation, cited by LFL, forms the basis of their apprehension regarding the potential for this power to be wielded in a manner that stifles journalistic independence. LFL interprets this authorisation as a continuous threat to the press, suggesting that the code could be used as a tool to enforce compliance rather than merely serve as a guideline.
LFL's Concerns Regarding Government Control

Zaid Malek of LFL expressed that the government's actions, including the introduction of the new code of ethics before the establishment of an independent Malaysian Media Council, indicate an effort to strengthen its oversight of the media. He categorised the new code alongside laws such as the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, suggesting it could serve as a mechanism for the government to dictate the credibility of news and sources. This perspective positions the code as a potential indirect revival of controls similar to those attempted by the now-repealed Anti-Fake News Act 2018.
Precedence of the Media Council and Existing Codes

LFL's critique also centres on the sequence of events, arguing that the independent Malaysian Media Council should have been established prior to the approval of any codes of ethics. This council, according to Fahmi Fadzil, is intended to handle responsibilities such as overseeing journalist registration and ensuring adherence to standards. The article notes that a previous code of ethics, established in 1989, was published by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), and the latest version was developed following consultations with various media stakeholders, including the MPI and the National Union of Journalists.

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Will the Information Department misuse accreditation powers under the new code?

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