SEPT 2 — The Malaysian Institute of Learning Foundation for Political Research On Nationalism (MILF-PRON)* would like to register our utmost despair and dismay upon learning the news that Hassan Skodeng Esq, the esteemed editor of the popular news site Nose4news, is due to appear at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court today for an arraignment.
Skodeng is to appear before the judge so that a criminal charge can be read to him. His alleged crime was to report on a supposed press conference called by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), a public listed company, on their intention to sue the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for loss of revenue due to the Earth Hour.
The CEO of TNB, which has a monopoly on the supply of electricity to the country, was reported by Skodeng to have said, among other things, “In light of such inconsiderate actions by these tree huggers, TNB has no choice but to take legal action against the Earth Hour organisers, WWF. We’ll wait for our accountants to come back with the loss figure after this year’s Earth Hour, and we plan to sue them for that same amount. We may even add a hundred million ringgit or so, to teach them a lesson.”
Apparently, TNB later claimed that no such press conference took place, and followed through with the claim by making a report to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Upon further investigation, the MCMC has decided to charge Skodeng under Section 233 (1) (a) of the Multimedia and Communications Act 1998, for “creating and spreading lies with the malicious intent to hurt others”, punishable by imprisonment of up to a year and/or fine of RM50,000 or less**.
While we at MILF-PRON have no doubt that TNB and MCMC are confident that they have a case against Skodeng and Nose4news, we find that their actions to be tantamount to stifling Skodeng’s right to report on the news as he sees fit.
Clearly, from reading Skodeng’s venerable site, one can see that he is a journalist and editor of the highest integrity, with a demonstrated passion for his job, nay, his vocation.
All the articles published on Nose4news are distinctive for their well-researched content, and always accompanied by pictures for illustration. Further, in what can only be described as a tautologically solid example of self evidence, Skodeng also carried a report on a study that showed scientists have discovered that everything published online is true.
Obviously, the scientists cannot be wrong. And since it was published on the Internet, surely there cannot be any doubt.
As such, MILF-PRON respectfully requests that the government, through its independent judiciary arm, to refrain from pressing charges against Skodeng who was only, after all, doing what he does best: Reporting the news.
Instead, the good officers at MCMC should despatch a team of investigators to TNB to uncover the truth behind the allegations made by Skodeng. Further, if the statements made by TNB as reported by Skodeng are found to be untrue, we urge MCMC to extract the truth of the matter forthwith from TNB. Was there, or was there not a press conference? Are they, or are they not, suing the WWF? Did the CEO, or did he not, scream “POWERRR... EXTREME!” at the end of the supposed press conference (if there was one)?
In summary, we would like to assure Skodeng Esq of our unreserved support in what can only be a traumatic ordeal for him. The country needs good men like Skodeng, to investigate, uncover and report on news that matter to the nation. It is therefore unconscionable that those in power and influence are using every means within the law to retard and silence these men.
Finally, MILF-PRON will always consider Nose4news and its editor, Skodeng, to be a beacon of light, shining against the dark gloom of ignorance and subterfuge.
Our thoughts are with you today, Sir.
* Our slogan: Will the last person to leave please switch off the lights?
** Taken from Skodeng’s own post regarding this matter on his news site.
• The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.
