PUTRAJAYA, June 10 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil clarified today that neither he nor his deputy, Teo Nie Ching, has instructed any media outlets to retract published news reports. This statement came in response to criticisms from former minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who accused the government of attempting to censor the media. Addressing the issue at a press conference, Fahmi acknowledged Zaid’s concerns but firmly denied any interference. “I take note of his views.
He has many views, I don’t have any problems with his views, [he] can continue to have views. I would like to clarify that neither the deputy communications minister nor myself have said anything to any media outlets about taking down any reports,” he stated. The issue of censorship was highlighted by Zaid following a media “blackout” on a press conference involving deaf e-hailing driver Ong Ing Keong and Lawyers for Liberty regarding an alleged assault by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s escort.
