LFL director Zaid Malek said the code was yet another form of control the government exerts over the media, in addition to other draconian laws in existence.

He gave the example of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, the Sedition Act 1948, the Official Secrets Act 1972, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

“This new code of ethics is simply a backdoor way of reviving the Anti-Fake News Act, couched in terms of ‘journalistic ethics’, where the credibility of any news and its sources will be determined by the government.

“How can there be a free and independent media when the government gets to decide on what is ‘ethical’ news reporting?” he said in a statement.

The controversial Anti-Fake News Act, introduced by the Barisan Nasional administration just before the 14th general election in 2018, was repealed in December 2019.

Under the law, those found guilty of spreading what authorities considered as “fake news” could face up to six years in jail and fines of up to RM500,000.

The latest code of ethics for journalists was launched by communications minister Fahmi Fadzil yesterday, replacing the previous iteration introduced 35 years ago.

Citing Malaysia’s position as 73rd out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2023 media freedom index, Fahmi said this achievement proved Putrajaya’s commitment to ensuring media freedom.

He added that Malaysia’s media landscape was “unique” and not necessarily subject to standards based on Western media.

In response, Zaid said this was “entirely nonsensical” as press freedom is guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

“It is also a universal concept which is respected and protected by any properly democratic government,” he said.

Zaid also said it was “surprising and inappropriate” for Putrajaya to launch the code before the formal institution of a media council, describing it as “akin to putting the cart before the horse”.