COMMENT | Bar concerned about media freedom after federal court decision
COMMENT | While the Malaysian Bar respects the Federal Court’s decision on Feb 19, 2021 that found the online news portal Malaysiakini guilty of contempt of court, we express our reservations and concerns on the ramifications of this decision.
The Malaysian Bar takes the view that the Federal Court’s decision is not in consonance with the fast-changing media landscape in our country. It brings a chilling effect to the press freedom of online media organisations and civil society groups.
This decision will have long-term consequences on the use of social media unless...
The BAR coming to day for a review of the contempt of court law is better than never. The nation was shocked on the Federal Court decision on such a hefty penalty of RM 500K on Mkini though the Defence pleaded for RM30K and even prosecution wanted only RM200K. Yes the Court has to adjudicate within the law as it stands now but the element of mitigation was missing and sadly being an Apex Court decision cannot be appealed . At least there is a dissenting judgement. However the people had the compassion to rescue Mkini which is not a rich entity within hours for more than the sum of penalty imposed. In this matter the Rakyat will not condemn govt but sadly the judiciary. We must remember the words of Lord Denning that "the judges cannot respond to criticism of their judgements "
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