If journalists can’t show and tell, what then is their role?

M’kini editor-in-chief charged over AG videos

CQ Muar: Reporting a press conference held by former Umno leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan is considered as offensive?

My word, how about those more offensive and shameful acts committed by bigwigs in Umno?

Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan, take heart. We are confident you’ll come out of this triumphantly. We, the supporters of Malaysiakini, are all behind you.

Drngsc: If a journalist cannot show and tell, then what is the role of a journalist? It is their job to investigate, to tell us what is happening.

This government is so paranoid and insecure that any sound against what they are doing is an offence.

Kee Thuan Chye: What offensiveness? Calling the attorney-general (AG) worthless is offensive? Absurd.

This is a democracy; public servants have to be prepared to take public criticism. If they can’t, they should quit. Don’t abuse the law to avoid it.

What is truly offensive is not carrying out public duties rightly. The AG should search his soul to find out if he has been doing that, to find out if he is indeed not worthless in the eyes of the Malaysian public that he should be serving.

Anonymous 1890491455255851: The justice system must stand up to nonsense like this.

If those in public office are unable to accept criticism, they should go do something else. A free press is critical to keeping politicians in check, and to allow the public to see and hear views from various different perspectives.

It is simply and utterly outrageous for KiniTV to be charged for covering a press conference. So if a government official speaks badly of someone they disagree with and it is covered by the press, is that also an offence?

When inflammatory statements were made by that red-shirt bully and covered by the press, why wasn’t the press charged? This is an obvious and deliberate act by the authorities to shut down the free media.

Dr Patricia A Martinez: Selective persecution, not prosecution. Stay strong, Steven Gan and the Malaysiakini bunch.

You first brought us the truth at enormous cost – at many levels – which you continue to endure. Know we stand with you, and appreciate you. Much respect.

Nil: The charge is ridiculous and has no basis in the context of free speech and press freedom as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. But yes, they have the right to prosecute.

Hati Sakit Ku: The ‘vibrant’ democracy we once practiced is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight. Malaysians, do not be dream chasers – rise and destroy the menace, or the menace will destroy you.

It is never too late to act.

Jaycee: Democracy does not look anything like this. So, if the rakyat agree with the video, we all will be jailed. Is this how democracy works?

Hati Sakit Ku: Poor Steven, after paying the bail, he has no more money to pay for a good shave.

Come on, people, let us pass the hat around and fill it to the brim with your generous donations. The remaining fund can go to defend democracy.

Covering press conferences not a crime, says Gan

RM2.6 Billion Turkey Haram: Steven Gan, covering a press conference is not a crime, no doubt about it. But reporting the truth given at the press conference is a crime.

The Malaysian context of good journalism is that you must be able to doctor the video recording to portray the government in a good light, never mind if you have to paint a confirmed thief as a good leader.

FellowMalaysian: Mohamed Apandi Ali has just given new meaning and definition of the seemingly unfettered powers and authority of the AG.

Steven Gan has just been made a victim of the AG’s Office and it is because of the very nature of this act that we all should show our disapproval and be a participant in Bersih 5 rally.

Dont Just Talk: First, they charged opposition leaders, then Bersih organisers and now an editor.

All these are just to silence the critics of 1MDB and to allow the allegedly corrupted MO1 to hold on, despite over a million Malaysian petitioning for him to step down (which is also allegedly seditious).

CQ Muar: Steven Gan, at the end of the day, this injustice will turn out in your favour. We are confident, and know the kind of government we have in this country, to harass those who are not their puppets.

Reporting what transpired at a press conference is the job of a journalist, and how this can be considered offensive is absolutely preposterous, ridiculous, and disgraceful beyond words.

Telestai!: An attack on the media is a direct attack on the rakyat. This is becoming personal. Steven, fight it. I am with you all the way.

Anonymous 2398161454293761: Now Malaysia looks more and more like Myanmar 20 years ago in terms of media repression.

Ramesh Rajaratnam: As always, my best wishes and a prayer. The price of a free press is always high. I expect more curbs today and tomorrow. I salute the folks at Malaysiakini/KiniTV. God bless.

Anonymous #13114320: I can’t believe this is happening. But Gan has done the right thing. We are all proud of you.

Goldee: Reporting truth is a ‘crime’, but this depends on whom you reported against.

Mechi: Harassment by the government to this level means the end is near.

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