MTUC
strongly condemn the decision of the Ministry to suspend the publication of
Edge for 3 months. MTUC also condemns any restriction on press freedom. It is a
duty of any journalist to expose any suspected wrong doing, be it by individual
or people in power. The suspension of the media publication only reflects the
decrease in the freedom of Information. Every workman has a right to know how
public funds are being utilised for the benefit of the public as a whole. The
Edge’s publication has done nothing more than alerting the public based on
evidence obtained by them that there are high probabilities of misuse of public
fund.
Instead
of investigating on the report and documents obtained by Edge, the Publication
is immediately slapped with suspension order. Suspension based on one articles
has further affected the rights of about 300 workers covering other news.
Noticing
that the Edge has gone extensively to explain their findings, it only indicates
that they are more willing to cooperate and assist in any investigation. In any
event, if the media is suspected of any false reporting, suspension is not the
solution as it seen as a form of punishment before an investigation is complete
and consequently affecting the rights of 300 workers losing their 3 months
earning.
MTUC
is of the view that the Edge Publication has only acted within its democratic
boundaries. The suspension is premature and without any evidence in support to
show otherwise. Thus, we urge the Ministry to re-examine the suspension order
and lift its band until at least the investigation on the Media is completed. Clamping down on media is not the way forward for
a democratic society.
Thank
You.
Sincerely,
N.
Gopal Kishnam
Secretary
General
H/P: 019-3174717
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