Media needlessly being blamed for misquoting, claims BN MP

Paya Besar MP Shahar Abdullah. (Facebook pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) today said the media is being blamed frequently even though the statements made by political leaders are clear and not misquoted.

“There is a trend where political parties make statements but when the media reports it, the media is blamed for misquoting.

“This is done even though the political leader has clearly said it,” he told Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

To this, Gobind said the ministry looks at facts and there are laws to look into the matter.

“It does not look at the individuals. If the facts are not right, action can be taken,” Gobind said, adding that the laws are for all.

He said this was true for political leaders, NGOs and others.

“If there are police reports lodged, the police need to take the necessary action.”

Shahar then asked who will protect the media if it is blamed for statements that were clearly made by politicians.

Gobind replied that his ministry will look at the facts and “it cannot be generalised”.

“Police will probe and the investigations will show what happened. It will be based on facts.”

Fahmi Fadzil (PH-Lembah Pantai) further asked Gobind if the proposed media council will probe news outlets that play up headlines that are not at all linked to the contents of an article.

“The headlines are sexist and about a woman’s body. The contents have nothing to do with the heading,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat.

Fahmi further asked Gobind if the ministry will also look at tweets that have elements of violence. He said one political party member had used the word “shoot” in a tweet.

Gobind hoped the proposed media council will be set up by next month. Once it is set up, it will look at issues such as those brought up by Fahmi.

Gobind added no one should send out messages that could threaten anyone.

The minister added that his ministry will continue to monitor social media for those insulting Malay rulers and playing up racial and religious sensitivities. - FMT