Interesting but true......

Comment: Using gag order to keep a lid on truth

2010/04/30

Devinder Singh
devinder@nst.com.my

GAG orders are there for a reason, whether valid or not, it depends on an individual's point of view.

But what gag orders usually represent is fear. Fear of deep and dark secrets spilling out into the open, as some of our sports associations can attest to.

Journalists do not care much for gag orders although there are instances where we adhere to them so as to protect those who face persecution for daring to speak the truth.

Football, squash and athletics are some of the associations fond of restricting freedom of speech although where the Malaysian Amateur Athletic Union (MAAU) is concerned, this order is mostly flouted.

The FA of Malaysia punishes any player, coach or official falling out of line when matters of policy are called into question.

With the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM), however, silence is strictly enforced with nobody other than the president authorised to speak to the media in an official capacity.

It does not matter whether it is policy related or something even as benign as selection of players for overseas assignments, a right which anywhere else would lie with the coaches.

This matter can sometimes be a source of irritation in relations between media and associations.

While the Federal Constitution clearly enshrines the freedom of speech as a basic right, sports associations blatantly gag their own people as one squash coach found out to his detriment recently.

No sooner had a local daily quoted him on the national players' chances of winning titles at an upcoming tournament, a letter was sent to him reminding him of SRAM's gag on coaches speaking publicly.

Apparently, it did not matter that the subject of coaching and players is clearly within his remit, but all the same the message is "Keep your mouth shut."

It makes me wonder why our sports leaders are so iron-fisted in their approach that they can brook no criticism whether from within or externally.

Accountability is a rare commodity in sports, as those following the travails of MAAU will agree.

To those keen on keeping a lid on the truth, all I would like to say is you can't silence them all.