Media group slams MCMC block of TV Pertiwi

Media practitioners group Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) today hit out at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) move to block access to news portal TV Pertiwi, saying any form of restriction on online news portals is a threat to the country's press freedom. 

In a statement, Geramm said any disputes over media ethics should be resolved through a transparent, independent and self-regulatory platform, in line with the plans for a national media council. 

"Geramm also reiterates our stand that MCMC should notify the media organisation before enforcing any block," it said. 

"Further, telecommunication companies and internet service providers can also explain their mechanisms to handle any instructions received from MCMC to restrict access to any online news portal."

The block of TV Pertiwi came days after its TikTok account was permanently banned, the latest in a string of restrictions placed on various websites and social media channels in recent months. 

In late June, MalaysiaNow came under a 48-hour block although Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil denied issuing any instructions for the restriction of access to any site. 

Access to the MalaysiaToday website, run by prominent blogger and government critic Raja Petra Kamarudin, was also restricted around the same time, while the blog of former MP Wee Choo Keong meanwhile was blocked on June 24, with online freedom monitor Sinar Project confirming that it had been blocked by MCMC. 

Current affairs site UtusanTV was also blocked by MCMC, although it is understood that restrictions were lifted before the state elections on Aug 12.