Pm Govt Never Interfered In Media Will Uphold Press Freedom

---

 


Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding press freedom, amid alleged political interference in the country’s oldest English newspaper New Straits Times (NST).
He said the government has never interfered in newsroom operations and will never do so.
“I have said that the media has freedom. We the government give full freedom to the media, on the condition of accurate and responsible reporting.
“So long as it’s accurate, not slander, certainly there will be no problems with the government.
“I constantly give assurance on press freedom in the country,” Ismail Sabri (above) told reporters in Kuala Lumpur last night after attending an appreciation ceremony for participants of the Malaysian Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020.
He was asked about concerns raised by press groups over reports of alleged political interference within NST, which was said to involve high-ranking Umno politicians.
The Umno vice-president, however, declined to comment on the alleged interference.
He also kept mum on the criminal defamation charge against The Edge’s former editor Ahmad Azam Mohd Aris, saying he had no information on both matters.
Malaysiakini understands that a petition signed by NST staff was handed to Ismail Sabri after the event.
‘Bring issue to shareholders, board’
The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) yesterday urged NST’s management to address all related concerns as it affects the integrity and reputation of the company with a 177-year-old history in newsprint.
NUJM general secretary Chin Sung Chew said the sudden removal of the English daily’s group editor Ahmad Lokman Mansor was shocking especially with reports citing the move was allegedly due to political interference.
“These concerns, as well as the petition circulating against the new group editor’s appointment, has to be thoroughly investigated and brought to the attention of shareholders and the board to ensure that the company can continue serving the people and the nation,” he said.
Chin said the consequences of sweeping such grave matters under the rug would be severe as many mainstream media companies had gone bust in the past due to alleged misconduct and political interference.
“Shareholders and the board should swiftly meet with reporters to prevent further disharmony and conflict,” he said in a statement.
Similarly, the press freedom group Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) also urged NST’s management to provide space for discussion and engage with their staff on the matter.
NST on Tuesday (Sept 13) announced that veteran journalist Farrah Naz Karim would be taking over from Lokman as the publication’s group editor effective today. - Mkini

---