NUJ tells off Fahmi for describing news report as slander

 

Fahmi Fadzil had accused Berita Harian of slandering the government and the central bank.

PETALING JAYA: The National Union of Journalists has criticised communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil for describing a news report as slander.

The union questioned the government’s promise of press freedom when Fahmi could label an article on financial projection as slander.

Fahmi had accused Berita Harian of slandering the government and the central bank in its Facebook post which had the headline “OPR expected to be increased again by July”, referring to Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) overnight policy rate (the inter-bank lending rate).

Fahmi said: “The article clearly states it is the view of analysts and not a decision by BNM or the government. Berita Harian Online must correct this and explain.”

NUJ general secretary Teh Athira Yusof said Fahmi should know that it was common for news reports to be based on the opinion and projections of industry experts.

Fahmi’s claim had undermined Berita Harian’s report and calling it a lie “could create a negative perception among the public about the media,” she said.

Teh said NUJ hoped that the minister would be more understanding about news reports. - FMT