SHAH ALAM, 30 Oct: The victory of the news portal, Malaysiakini, in the appeal case against the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), which did not want to issue a publishing permit to the online news portal, is good news thus opening a new chapter of media freedom in the country.
The former President of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mohd Hatta Wahari said, the decision made by the Court of Appeal today is an important point in preparing the people and national leaders towards a mentality that is equivalent to that of first world countries.
Mohd Hatta also hopes that Malaysiakini's victory will encourage other media to publish a variety of media materials to convey more transparent information to the people.
"This is good news, the recognition of media freedom, because previously what was implemented by the current government does not follow the new world order in freedom of information.
"Freedom of information is also very important so that accurate information can be delivered and it is left to the people to evaluate the move by the government or the opposition.
"Through media freedom, our country can be led towards being a developed country, not just in terms of development, but also in its mentality," Mohd Hatta said when contacted by TVSelangor today.
Mohd Hatta also considers the decision today as a protest against the leadership pattern of the government led by BN since 56 years ago towards the country's media practitioners.
The Court of Appeal today unanimously dismissed the Home Ministry and government's appeal against a High Court judgment that Malaysiakini portal operator Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd be issued a publication permit and also allowed a costs of RM5,000 to be paid to Mkini Dotcom.
The decision was made after the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed the KDN's order to not issue a publication licence to the publisher of Malaysiakini, Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd.
