Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has called on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to explain the restriction imposed on the Malaysian online portal ‘The Coverage Media’ on Facebook.
In a statement, the online news portal said its Facebook page has been inaccessible in Malaysia since 3 June, marking the first such restriction imposed on the portal in over a decade of operation.
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Deputy Communications Minister urges transparency from MCMC
Following the incident, Teo took to Facebook to say that while she has consistently maintained a policy of non-interference in MCMC’s independent enforcement operations, the commission should explain the reason behind the restriction to ensure transparency and uphold public confidence.
“I have always maintained a policy of non-interference regarding MCMC’s independent enforcement operations. However, I strongly urge MCMC to provide an immediate explanation for the restriction placed on The Coverage Media’s Facebook page,” she wrote.
Teo nie ching
The restriction follows allegations linking the portal to a political party
The Coverage Media said it has published reports critical of governments and political leaders from various administrations over the years without ever facing similar restrictions.
The portal also rejected claims circulating online that it is linked to the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), stressing that it has no affiliation with the party and operates independently.
“Linking Coverage Media to MCA is a complete insult to our independent voice and hard work. This old dinosaur political party is already past its time and heading toward extinction,” the statement said.
The online news portal’s facebook account has been restricted since 3 june
The portal was responding to several allegations that surfaced in the days leading up to the restriction, including claims that it was attempting to influence support for Barisan Nasional or Perikatan Nasional through articles critical of the People’s Justice Party (PKR) and Democratic Action Party (DAP).
“If you scroll through the entire The Coverage Media Facebook postings, you’ll notice far more criticism directed at BN and especially PN than at DAP or PKR. Yet, ironically, it’s DAP and PKR who seem unable to tolerate any criticism toward themselves. That intolerance is exactly why media ranking has dropped so badly under their administration.”
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