KUALA LUMPUR: Former New Straits Times Group editor-in-chief Datuk A. Kadir Jasin and former group chief editor of Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd Tan Sri Johan Jaafar find the RM100,000 fine by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on Sin Chew Daily and Sinar Harian dangerous.

Kadir wrote on his Facebook that “power without discretion is dangerous” while Johan said that MCMC’s action was “unprecedented and dangerous”.

Both were referring to the RM100,000 fine imposed by MCMC on Sin Chew Media Corporation over an incomplete flag illustration and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd for an error in the profile of Inspector-General of  Police.

Kadir led NSTP Bhd between 1988 and 2000 while Johan took charge of Utusan Melayu (M) between 1992 and 1998.

Both Kadir and Johan are recipients of National Journalism Award.

“The action is too harsh and it does not reflect a reformist and the Madani government.

“A stern warning would have been enough. They have already apologised and made corrections at the very beginning,’’ wrote Kadir on his Facebook on Sunday.

Picking on the media doesn’t show that the Madani Government is confident and tolerant, he said.

“The MCMC, police and Attorney-General’s Chambers can act as investigator, prosecutor and judge, but the one that will lose support is the Madani Government,’’ he said.

Kadir said he sent a message through Whatsapp to a minister on Friday to convey the message. He received no response from the minister. 

“At least I have given my feedback as a friend. I understand, for a minister, it is better to lose a friend than to lose a position,’’ he said.

In late April, Kadir was also quoted by Focus Malaysia urging the authorities to accept Sin Chew Daily‘s apology in good faith as the paper had complied with journalistic ethics.

“Since they have admitted the mistake, apologised publicly and published the apology in the newspaper, then they have done what is necessary from the perspective of journalistic ethics,” he said.

In a statement, Johan said the fine can be seen as a bid to undermine press freedom and freedom of expression in Malaysia.

“What’s worse is that MCMC hides behind the Attorney General’s Chambers to punish media companies.

“It is regrettable that this also leaves the impression that the current government has very little tolerance for criticism and dissent. This contradicts  the Prime Minister’s stance.”

Running a media organisation, mistakes are inevitable and genuine errors cannot be avoided, he said.

The use of digital technology and artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword and since all parties are still learning to manage its advantages and risks, MCMC should understand the issue better than any other institution, he said.