Aliran Media Statement
Don't Penalise Whistle-Blowers
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Zulkifli: Penalised for being messenger of bad tidings? |
Aliran is deeply concerned that the BN government has once again demonstrated its indecent haste in reprimanding messengers of bad tidings. The recent police questioning of Harakah editor-in-chief Zulkifli Sulong over the Election Commision's alleged plan to hire Puteri Umno members is a case in point.
Instead of probing the allegation in the letters, which were published in the Harakah, the authorities chose to penalise those who revealed the letters under the cover of the obnoxious Official Secrets Act. Such curiously quick action by the police only reinforces the suspicion that the government is not really serious about transparency in governance and public accountability.
The serious allegation made in the letters demands an open public inquiry as it suggests impropriety in the conduct of Puteri Umno and the Election Commission. Equally at stake are the integrity and independence of the Commission.
Armed with the OSA, the government can easily dissuade well-meaning, concerned Malaysians from coming forward to expose wrongdoings of the powers-that-be - misdeeds that could harm the common good. This episode also shows that the OSA can be an effective deterrent to investigative reporting, which is sorely needed within a media industry that is generally known for its acquiescence. The mandatory one-year imprisonment may well serve as an albatross over journalists and the public.
We call upon the government not to abuse the OSA and not to make scapegoats out of the Harakah editorial staff and possible whistle-blowers within the Election Commission. Instead, we reiterate our demand for the abolition of the OSA, which should be replaced by a Freedom of Information Act.
Aliran Executive Committe
20 September 2003
This statement was sent to the local media including The Star, New Straits Times, and The Sun.
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