JOURNALISTS HAVE RIGHT TO ASK QUESTIONS – FAHMI

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Journalists have the right to ask any question in carrying out their duties in line with the principles of openness and mutual respect between the media and the government, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the incident involving a minister who was alleged to have threatened a reporter for asking about the use of English in a tourism theme during an official event was discussed at the Cabinet meeting today, which was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

“I have spoken with the minister concerned regarding this issue, and he has provided an explanation. During the Cabinet meeting, I stated clearly that the government’s position is that journalists have the right to ask any question in the course of their duties.

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“Every answer or response from a minister must be delivered courteously and based on the principles of openness and mutual respect between the media and the government,” he said during his weekly press conference here today.

Asked whether there was a directive to ministers that they could contact media organisations if dissatisfied with reporters’ questions, Fahmi said the government had not issued any specific instruction on the matter.

“I expressed my view during the Cabinet meeting, emphasising that even the Prime Minister himself is open to receiving any questions, and the government’s stance is that journalists have the right to ask any question. That is the government’s position,” he stressed.

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When asked whether the minister in question should apologise, Fahmi said he was informed that the minister had given his commitment to meet with the management of the media organisation involved to resolve the issue.

“In my view, we should learn from past incidents, and I believe there is room for him to meet with Utusan Malaysia to convey his message personally.

“I was informed that he will indeed meet with the management to clarify matters. This commitment has been given by the minister concerned,” he said.

On Oct 29, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming was reported to have threatened a reporter after being asked about the use of English for the theme of a project launched in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Following the incident, the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) yesterday issued statements condemning the minister’s action.

-- BERNAMA