Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said neither he nor his deputy Teo Nie Ching had ordered any media outlets to retract any published reports.
Asked for comments on former minister Zaid Ibrahim’s criticisms over alleged government attempts to censor the media, Fahmi said, “I take note of his views.
“He has plenty of views. I have no problems with him expressing his views. Let him continue to air his opinions.
“I want to be clear. The deputy minister and I, we have never asked any media outlets to take down any reports,” the government spokesperson told reporters in Putrajaya.
Yesterday, Zaid, who urged editors to collectively oppose censorship attempts, cited a “blackout” by main media outlets on a first press conference called by deaf e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong and Lawyers for Liberty, over an alleged assault involving Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s escort.
Fahmi said the cabinet today was updated on developments surrounding the case, but he declined further comments pending the outcome of police investigations.
‘Victim of slander’
On a separate matter, Fahmi defended Teo against claims by Penang-based lawyer Shamser Singh Thind who questioned whether she had instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block his social media posting related to the controversy surrounding Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd (Asia Mobiliti).
“That is a claim that MCMC has dismissed. The deputy minister did not issue any instructions.
“Pity my deputy being made a victim of slander,” said Fahmi.
In stressing that the final decision on content to block or take down will be made by individual social media platforms, Fahmi said the majority of such content represents online scams or gambling.
“So it is not right for the individual to accuse the deputy minister. I hope he will apologise to her,” he said.
In a statement to Malaysiakini, MCMC yesterday said the Facebook post on May 26 had violated Meta’s community guidelines.
MCMC said the action was taken in accordance with the standard operating procedure based on complaints regarding the posting, which it claimed contained “untrue and confusing” elements.
Shamser had on Sunday highlighted his blocked post and also referred to Teo, noting how she had defended Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh against calls for the latter to resign over the Asia Mobiliti controversy linked to her husband.
He also hit back at MCMC’s response and asked what was untrue or confusing over his initial blocked post. - Mkini
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