Broadcasting Department director-general Ashwad Ismail has denied claims that former national footballer Azlan Johar was sidelined from his role as a World Cup commentator on RTM following his decision to join PAS.
Responding to allegations raised by the party, he said Azlan was never removed from RTM’s commentary line-up and had continued to appear on air as scheduled.
“Azlan was not sidelined as a sports commentator on RTM. Commentators for the World Cup are appointed based on invitations,” he told Malaysiakini.
Ashwad pointed out that despite Azlan (above) publicly announcing his PAS membership on June 13, the former athlete was still invited to commentate on the Brazil-Morocco match the following day.
“The announcement was made on the night of June 13 that he would commentate on the Brazil-Morocco match. RTM agreed and invited him to do so. RTM did not block him. RTM proceeded as planned,” he said.
According to Ashwad, Azlan appeared alongside former national coach Dollah Salleh during the match.
“So, where exactly did RTM sideline him? He still appeared on air even though the announcement had been made widely the night before,” he added.
Ashwad said RTM had worked closely with Azlan for years through its sports division and had never considered his political leanings in assigning commentary duties.
“Whether he joined PAS earlier is his own political stance. As RTM, we see him as a former national football player,” he added.
He also dismissed claims that Azlan had been denied opportunities, stressing that RTM does not grant exclusive commentary roles and rotates analysts throughout the tournament.
“We have many pundits. We need to invite others as well,” Ashwad clarified.
The Broadcasting Department, which manages the public broadcaster RTM, is under the Communications Ministry.
Denial of constitutional rights
Earlier today, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan claimed Azlan was allegedly dropped from upcoming World Cup commentary assignments after joining the party.
He said PAS was concerned by reports of the matter and believed the relevant authorities should explain.
“PAS wants to know whether the action, if true, is related to Azlan’s decision to join PAS, as announced in Seremban on June 13,” he said in a statement.
Takiyuddin said all parties, including government agencies, must respect the right to association and political participation as guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
He argued that sidelining Azlan for political reasons, if proven, would amount to a denial of those rights.
“PAS feels that denying such rights, especially to a figure who has served as a sports commentator and analyst for more than 10 World Cup matches throughout his broadcasting career, is detrimental to the nation and disappointing to the public, particularly local sports fans,” said the Kota Bharu MP.
Takiyuddin also noted that Azlan was not only a former state and national team striker in the 1980s, but also held a high-level football coaching licence and serves as chairperson of the Lagenda Foundation.
Fueling public anger
Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man alleged that Azlan had been informed by an RTM sports producer that he was being rested from World Cup commentary duties immediately after finishing the Brazil-Morocco match.
“Surely it cannot be because he submitted a form to join PAS. This is a democratic system; it is up to the people to join whichever party they choose,” he said in a video on Facebook.
Tuan Ibrahim also criticised the alleged move, saying it would only fuel public anger towards the government. - Mkini
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