KUALA LUMPUR – Isma-linked private television station TV Pertiwi is facing censure and enforcement by the authorities over six articles that breached the 3R (race, religion, royalty) boundaries.
It is learnt that the headlines for several of TV Pertiwi’s articles, which caused its suspension, appeared to directly target unity government member DAP, with some stories claiming that the Pakatan Harapan component party is touting a “Christianisation and liberalisation agenda”.
A separate story supposedly took aim at DAP stalwart Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang by asserting that he was awarded the “Tan Sri” title in June “without merit”, while another article featured PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Abdul Awang’s statement on how DAP is “continuing attempts to eradicate Malay supremacy”.
Despite this, the broadcaster is standing by its content, claiming “fair comment”.
“We did not incite any parties or cause any problems. Our stories are fair comment, everyone has the right to express their opinion,” TV Pertiwi chief operating officer Mohd Firdaus Salleh Hudin told Scoop.
TV Pertiwi is registered to Kerengga Merah Sdn Bhd, a five-year-old company owned by individuals associated to ultra-conservative non-governmental organisation Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia, or Isma.
Both Isma and TV Pertiwi operate from the same building in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor.
Companies Commission (SSM) documents indicate that Norzila Baharin is the company’s biggest shareholder with RM150,002 of the company’s RM250,004 share capital, followed by Ahmad Kamsani Samingan and Norzafry Norhalim with RM50,001 shares each.
Norzila, who is also a company director alongside Kamsani, is reportedly a former communications and multimedia bureau chairman of Isma.
Kerengga Merah is in the red, which is based on company documents registered with SSM as of this month, recording RM2,406 in losses after tax for the November 2021 financial year end.
Questioned whether such stories could potentially cause public tensions, an unapologetic Firdaus answered in the negative, saying the published articles had gone through “editorial processes”, including receiving approval from editors.
When pressed further if TV Pertiwi should accept responsibility, Firdaus instead turned the tables on the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), challenging the commission to furnish evidence.
“We have already asked them to show evidence on how we had incited or disturbed public peace,” he said, adding that he has been waiting for a reply for two weeks.
As of press time, TV Pertiwi’s site remains inaccessible through local internet service providers.
However, its social media accounts remain active, including its second TikTok account after its original page was permanently banned by the video-sharing platform.
It was reported last month that the ban was due to TV Pertiwi’s repeated violations of TikTok’s community guidelines by continuously spreading harmful misinformation.
Subsequently, on August 18, Firdaus lodged a police report regarding the block on its website and TikTok account, arguing that the matter is of importance as it involves Article 10 of the federal constitution regarding freedom of speech and expression.
On the same day, the MCMC said actions taken against TV Pertiwi were to assess whether any offences were committed under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
In a statement, the regulatory body said it remained steadfast in fulfilling its duty under the act, which was to prevent any attempt at committing offences, especially those involving misinformation.
“Any action taken is subject to the investigation to ensure the integrity and security of information disseminated through media and content platforms.” – September 12, 2023