Karangkraf Group chairperson Hussamuddin Yaacub has expressed his displeasure at alleged threats by ministerial officers against media freedom.
He said an officer had threatened to end an advertising contract if space is given to certain individuals.
"It turns out that even in the year 2021, there are ministry officers who are idiots, and who threaten to cancel advertising contracts from their ministry if the media give space (in their coverage) to certain individuals.
"They even threatened to boycott. Do you think you can prop up the sky (boleh tongkat langit)?" he asked.
Menongkat langit is a Malay proverb meaning someone who acts as though they will live forever.
Karangkraf publishes, among others, the Malay daily Sinar Harian.
When contacted, Hussamuddin declined to go into detail over the threats.
In a separate tweet, the publishing boss said previous BN and Pakatan Harapan administrations were also not fond of Karangkraf, but never threatened them.
"In fact, they engaged us. The relationship stayed cordial even though it was a love-hate situation.
"This new gang is something else. (Prime Minister) Muhyiddin Yassin needs to keep an eye on them," he added.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, Hussamuddin responded positively when asked whether advertisement contracts should include a clause, by which unfavourable news reports were not grounds for termination.
He said this is because advertisements and news are two separate things.
"If the advertisement published did not follow the agreed specifications, that can be questioned.
"But the media must be free to air the news as long as it doesn't disturb public order, insult royalty, or religion, does not incite racial hatred and is not slander," he said. - Mkini
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