Rafidah Aziz: Banning publications solves nothing

PETALING JAYA: Banning media publications for reporting what certain quarters deem “unsavoury” will not solve anything, said Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz (pic).

The former International Trade and Industry Minister said those responsible need to start giving the public the facts and to “say things as they are” on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and other issues.

“We can ban some publications. It does not solve anything, really. If at all, it’s making many more people upset. Worse still, there is now another grouse against the Government - for nothing,” she wrote on her Facebook page on Saturday.

Rafidah was commenting on the Home Ministry’s decision to suspend The Edge Financial Daily and The Edge Weekly for three months over what was considered prejudicial reporting on 1MDB.

She expressed frustration that knee-jerk reactions were once again the order of the day, and called for a more clear-minded and rational approach to public concerns.

Rafidah said that while freedom of speech must have parameters defined by factors such as decency and respect for the religious beliefs of others, it is important that tme media is not unduly penalized for reporting what some deem to be unsavoury.

The former Wanita Umno chief questioned if the Government would “shut down the Internet” next as people were free to say anything they wanted to in this era of social media.

“Social media communication will still continue..and now there’s a new topic to discuss, and condemn,” she added, referring to the The Edge’s suspension.