Reuters :
Malaysia’s highest court on Friday found Malaysiakini, the country’s most popular online newspaper, guilty of contempt of court over comments posted by readers that were deemed offensive to the judiciary, fining the publication 500,000 Malaysian ringgit ($123,644) in a case widely seen as a test of media freedom in the Southeast Asian nation.
Last year, Malaysia’s attorney general took action against Malaysiakini and editor-in-chief Steven Gan over five comments posted by readers on its website that he claimed undermined public confidence in the judiciary.
In a six-to-one decision on Friday, the Federal Court ruled that Malaysiakini held full responsibility for its website, including any comments left by readers. They said the case was a “reminder” to the public not to use online comments to attack the judiciary and that the fine reflected the gravity of the offence. “The impugned statements had gone far and wide … the content was spurious and reprehensible in nature and the content involved allegations of corruption which were unproven and untrue,” said judge Rohana Yusuf, who chaired the panel of judges.
Gan, who was found not guilty, said he was disappointed at the decision.
“What crime has Malaysiakini committed that we’re forced to pay 500,000 ringgit when there are individuals charged with abuse of power for millions and billions who are walking free,” he said.
The English-language online newspaper shook up the country’s closely controlled media landscape when it launched in 1999, taking advantage of the freedom offered by the internet, which then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad promised not to censor. Its fearless reporting quickly built an audience as well as drawing the attention of the government and was subject to regular police raids.
Amnesty International Malaysia said it was “deeply alarmed” at the court’s decision to convict and fine Malaysiakini.
