The netizens rallied to defend press freedom and questioned the Defence Minister's threat to sue Philippine news organisations.
MANILA: Filipino netizens rallied to defend press freedom in the Philippines and lashed at Malaysian Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for threatening to sue Philippine news organisations for supposedly wrong reports on Kuala Lumpur’s actions against the followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III.
Malaysian state news agency Bernama quoted Zahid as saying individuals “who felt that the Philippine media reports were wrong could sue the media” for reporting about Malaysian police operations against Kiram’s “royal army.”
“I hope[the Philippine media] will exercise caution and write only the truth,” Zahid was quoted as saying, adding that inaccurate reports could undermine diplomatic ties between Manila and Kuala Lumpur.
At the same time, Zahid said Malaysia constantly monitors Philippine media reports on the likely mastermind of the intrusion of Sulu terrorists in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
“I believe the Philippine media will publish more information. I do not want to implicate any individual. Let the Philippine media say it,” he said at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Filipino netizens, however, did not welcome Zahid’s remarks and criticised him for demanding “proper” coverage of the events in Sabah.
“I’m for peace but this statement from Zahid is over the top, ridiculous and pathetic. Malaysia has no free media. And seeing Malaysian authorities having a fit… like rotten spoilt kids whenever they read news articles from overseas that they do not like is hilarious,” said reader “barry p” on the GMA News Online website.
Another reader, “johnnie r,” said: “Malaysia is not used to reporting PHL style, because they have a controlled media.”
“Maybe the reports would be more accurate if the reporters were allowed to do their jobs. I don’t think any of our news outlets are afraid of these threats,” said reader “Arcane.”
“Philippine media is as free as the sun and the stars. It’s not tied to any government. I dare you to allow foreign media and UN personnel in the red zone if you’re not hiding anything.”
- Agencies
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