KUALA LUMPUR, November 8 – The Malaysian political party PAS has claimed that the Information Department, overseen by the Communications and Digital Ministry, revoked the media passes of reporters from its official publication, Harakah. PAS Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who is also the Pasir Mas Member of Parliament, alleged that Harakah received a letter from the Information Department requesting that its reporters return their official media passes.
This move follows a controversial article published by the PAS mouthpiece on November 6, which criticized the government’s stance on the Palestinian cause. During the debate session on the 2024 Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives), Ahmad Fadhli stated that the government’s decision to recall the media passes was unprecedented. He emphasized that without these passes, Harakah journalists would be unable to enter government premises, including Parliament, to report on events. The article in question questioned the government’s support for the Palestinian cause and cited PAS Ulama Chief Datuk Ahmad Yahya, who claimed a shift in the government’s stance.
The Information Department cited the article’s violation of journalism ethics for publishing unfounded accusations and ordered Harakah to return its media passes by the following day. In response to the article, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim criticized Harakah during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament and sternly warned against making such statements, describing them as insolent. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between media outlets and the government, reflecting broader discussions about press freedom and responsible journalism in Malaysia.
