“The government did not give the MPs a briefing before the implementation of the media code. How can MPs support the government in this matter when we were kept in the dark?

“I feel embarrassed when asked by my friends in the media about the rationale for the code. I am in a dilemma. I do not know whether to support or criticise the government in this matter,” he said.

Lim urged the government to explain the matter in Parliament so that it could be debated by MPs from both sides of the divide.

The code of ethics launched on Feb 20 by communications minister Fahmi Fadzil has been panned by media practitioners and politicians alike.

Rights group Gerakan Media Merdeka said that the code should be regulated by the media industry, not the government, warning that government intervention undermined the media’s role as watchdog and would lead to bias and suppression of dissent.

Former minister Salleh Said Keruak also previously said that an overly stringent media ethics code might hinder reporters from doing their work effectively, and discourage discussions of sensitive topics.

“There is a possibility that overly stringent media ethics could impede investigative reporting and discourage discussions of sensitive topics identified by the authorities,” he told FMT.