The Institute of Journalists (IOJ) has called for the authorities to stop media clampdown and repeal oppressive laws, in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day today.

"In conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, the IOJ calls for an end to any and all intimidation of the press by the authorities," it said in a statement.

In the past few weeks, there have been no less than two cases of journalists facing potential charges for news reports that allegedly did not go down well with the newsmakers, IOJ said.

If someone thinks they have been defamed in the media, it said, there are sufficient legal avenues to sue.

"The state should not interfere in private matters," it said.

The government should also stop arbitrarily blocking online news sites, IOJ urged, as well as remove the government oversight over print publications.

This is especially important, it said, as Malaysia moves towards becoming a developed nation with a mature democracy. Freedom of information must therefore be protected and increased.

Doing so will ensure citizens can make informed decisions and to promote a marketplace of ideas, along with allowing society to flourish, IOJ said.

To improve access to information, it called for a repeal of oppressive laws such as the Official Secrets Act 1972 (OSA), the Sedition Act 1948 and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA).

These laws, it explained, provided the authorities with the power to decide what can or cannot be "public discourse", and added that "such legislation should not have any place in a modern democracy".

IOJ also said that any legal amendments that will require news portals and political blogs to register with the government must first be discussed with all stakeholders.

"The proposed regulation of the online media is unnecessary and troubling, given the way the now-defunct news website The Malaysian Insider was arbitrarily blocked over an allegedly inaccurate news report.

"We strongly oppose any form of regulation of the press, especially if such measures are abused to suppress negative reports about the government of the day.

"On World Press Freedom Day, we urge the government not to look at the media as enemies, but as a crucial institution that must be free to hold the powerful accountable," IOJ said.

Press freedom diminishing

In a separate statement, journalists group Gerakan Media Marah (Geramm) said that the space for press freedom in the country is getting narrower, with blocks on The Edge and The Malaysian Insider.

They also brought up the incidents of Malaysiakini journalist Kow Gah Chie, who is being investigated under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code, which deals with making, publishing and circulating statements with intent to incite a community to commit an offence.

The journalist had, in her report, quoted incumbent Nangka assemblyperson Dr Annuar Rapaee as saying that Muslims in Sarawak should not squander the opportunity to lead the state.

When approached later, Annuar had denied he was using the race and religious card.

They also cited the incident of a journalist from The Heat Malaysia, who has been called in for questioning for an article related to a political movement.

"Geramm believes that the time has come for all media practitioners to unite under the same goal - defending our rights to carry out the duties that has been entrusted upon us.

"A free press will not exist only on the individual spirit of journalists, but backed by society's unrelenting pressure for such standards to be met," it said.

A free, ethical and responsible press will not only drive a democracy, it said, but it will also be a catalyst to nation building as a whole.

However it lamented that things have not changed since Geramm was first formed three years ago.

Instead, things were only getting worse for the media in Malaysia, it added.

"Thus in line with our own calls for change, we will also be launching our 'new look' at an upcoming event, with details to be announced soon.

"We sincerely hope that our supporters and supporters of free press will stand with us as we continue to defend our own rights and the people," Geramm said.