PETALING JAYA, March 7 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil clarified today that the government has yet to reach a decision on a proposal to review the validity period of accreditation cards for the press. Amid concerns that such a move might impede media organizations critical of the establishment, Fahmi emphasized that discussions are ongoing, with input from various parties, including the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC).
Acknowledging mounting criticism over bureaucratic actions fueling allegations of censorship, Fahmi stated that the proposal stemmed from consultations with multiple stakeholders, leading to a directive for the Information Department (Japen) to review several aspects, including card validity periods. Japen, in response, announced its intention to review standard operating procedures for issuing media cards, citing a need to streamline and reform media regulation.
However, reports emerged of reduced validity periods for media cards issued to journalists, drawing further scrutiny. Critics also raised concerns about the consultation process for the updated code of ethics for journalists, alleging exclusion of key stakeholders and questioning the democratic nature of the process.
