The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) strongly condemns the video posted by Era FM’s staff that overtly mocks the kavadi ritual – a sacred Hindu act performed during Thaipusam – as it clearly demonstrates insensitivity and a lack of ethical practices expected of media practitioners.
While we acknowledge the prompt internal process initiated by Astro Audio and the subsequent ‘suspension’ of the three Era FM radio hosts who featured in the controversial video, a further in-depth probe on the root and systemic cause for the racist actions of its staff is essential.
It also calls to attention the need for further ethical guidelines and sensitisation training for media practitioners on issues related to race and religion within an ethical and human rights framework.
CIJ calls for these stronger measures to encourage accountability – especially for national media entities with wide reach – so that racist actions such as this are not repeated.
Racism and bigotry should not be tolerated in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country such as Malaysia.
We encourage these measures to uphold the media’s role in society as the fourth estate of democracy and prevent all forms of discriminatory practices that perpetuate racism, bigotry and xenophobia. – CIJ
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Wathshlah G Naidu is the executive director of the Centre for Independent Journalism.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
