Veiled Threat to Printers

Aliran is disturbed by Deputy Home Affairs Minister Tajol Rosli Ghazali’s warning to all printing companies about printed material that may prejudice national security.

The veiled threat might pressure many printers into being over-cautious, resulting in more self-censorship. This in turn will jeopardise the existence of legitimate but critical publications.

Such a climate of fear doesn’t augur well for a democracy when the freedom to express and debate is slowly being snuffed out. Balanced commentaries, constructive  criticism, and investigative reporting - published in newsletters, pamphlets or books - should be given equal opportunity to circulate in society.

Otherwise, rumour-mongering will persist in a society that discourages civilised debate and discussion.

Aliran therefore urges the Home Affairs Ministry to stop threatening the legitimate right of Malaysians to express their views.
 

Aliran Executive Committee
2 October 1998