The Defence Ministry has taken steps to ensure that people have better access to minister Mohamad Sabu during public functions while maintaining tight security.
"The ministry has informed the minister's close escort to allow the rakyat to take photos with the minister but still ensure tight security for him," said the ministry's strategic communications unit.
As for responding to queries on his Whatsapp messenger, the unit said Mohamad has to review the matter and sought opinions from related quarters before issuing a response to the issue.
"We advise the media to inform us in advance and use the proper channel to request interviews with the defence minister," it added.
"The ministry is ever willing and open to help the media to ensure that each agency can provide the best report."
The ministry was referring to all feedback from the media especially those related to the treatment of reporters and the difficulties to gain access or response from Mohamad, who is popularly known as Mat Sabu.
The statement to the press circulated today came after a Malaysiakini journalist blasted the minister's press team for only inviting government-linked broadcasting stations and a pro-Pakatan Harapan portal to Mat Sabu's Aidilfitri open house in Tasek Gelugor, Penang, last Saturday.
The journalist expressed disappointment that many other news agencies were left out of the event when there were defence related questions for the minister.
She took the newly-minted ministers, who were formerly long-time opposition leaders, to task for not responding to journalists' queries on their Whatsapp when they were given much coverage by the alternative media while being "nobodies", and shunned by the mainstream media.
"Since he was appointed as the new defence minister, the ministry has received many requests from the media for special interviews.
"But since his schedule is tight, and to hasten the process, the ministry's strategic communications unit had to arrange group interviews with the minister," said the unit.
From May 28 to Jun 12 - Mat Sabu was sworn-in as minister on May 21 - there had been five interviews involving 18 media agencies, including the print, electronic and digital media.
Several interview sessions with the remaining media agencies will be arranged soon depending on the minister's schedule, the unit added.
"For this purpose also, the ministry will organise a Hari Raya event and all reporters will be invited to attend the do with the minister." - Mkini
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