KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher today questioned the government's rationale for the launch of the new version of the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists, recently.
During the Royal Address debate in Dewan Rakyat today, Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong) said the members of parliament (MPs) from both side of the divide were left in the dark as no explanation over the matter was given prior to its launch on Feb 20.
"I am deeply saddened and disappointed by the government's decision to establish the code of ethics for the media.
"The MPs were never briefed about the matter before the implementation and I would like to ask the MPs, how can you support the government (on the implementation of the code) when we are left in the dark?
"I am also embarrassed when being asked by media friends on the rationale behind the code of ethics and am in a dilemma on whether to support or criticise the government on the matter," he said during his debate in Dewan Rakyat today.
Lim also urged the government to postpone the implementation of the code and provide an explanation at the Lower House to ensure that discussions by lawmakers from both side of the divide could be carried out.
On Feb 20, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the new version of the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists, which outlines eight main journalistic ethics that underscore the responsibilities and standards expected of journalists.
The main journalistic ethics include the responsibility of the media in being the voice of the plural society; being transparent and with integrity; fairness in conveying information, validity and accuracy of information, independence from personal interests and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of sources.
The code of ethics, however, received backlash from various quarters, including Lawyers for Liberty who said the code was a clear attempt by the government to control and censor the media and freedom of speech.
Its director Zaid Malek claimed that the so-called improved code of ethics is simply a backdoor way of reviving the Anti-Fake News law, couched in terms of 'journalistic ethics', where the credibility of any news and its sources will be determined by the government.