Adjudication No. 1009 (January 1999) [1999] APC 3

ADJUDICATION No. 1009 (January 1999)

The Press Council has dismissed a complaint by Raja Sarangapany against The Age claiming bias in its reporting of political events in Malaysia. Mr Sarangapany cited a number of editorials and opinion pieces which were highly critical of the actions of the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, relating to the dismissal and prosecution of Anwar Ibrahim. Articles have also been published that were critical of the Dr Mahathir's general handling of Malaysia's affairs. Mr Sarangapany also claimed that The Age had not published views to the contrary contained in letters that he had sent to it.

The Age justified its refusal to publish Mr Sarangapany's letters on the basis that they contained offensive material. It also provided the Council with copies of letters from other readers critical of its views that it had published.

There is no doubt that The Age has taken a stance that is critical of Dr Mahathir. However, the Press Council has consistently said that newspapers do not contravene the Council's principles if what is published is indicated to be comment and opinion. This is the position in this case.

The Age published a number of letters expressing a view critical of that which it has taken. A newspaper is entitled to select the letters that it publishes and Mr Sarangapany cannot insist that his contribution be chosen.