PUTRAJAYA: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has hit back at Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan's criticisms about the lack of media reforms.
At a press conference, Fahmi questioned Wan Saiful's sincerity in defending press freedom, pointing to his apparent silence on previous issues involving journalists.
"I remember in 2021 when Al Jazeera reporters were expelled from Malaysia.
"I didn't hear him say anything, where was he when those reporters were taken in, investigated, and subsequently their permits were withdrawn and unceremoniously expelled?
"Where was Wan Saiful when I was attacked in Parliament for defending Al Jazeera reporters in 2021? He was nowhere (to be seen)," he said.
Yesterday, Wan Saiful, who is Tasek Gelugor member of parliament, claimed Malaysia was witnessing the "slow murder" of all media reforms under Fahmi's leadership of the Communications Ministry.
Fahmi said he and his deputy, Teo Nie Ching, met with representatives from the non-governmental organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) during the latter's visit to Malaysia.
Among issues discussed were the code of ethics for media, media accreditation cards and possible cooperation in an effort to improve Malaysia's media freedom, he said.
"It was a good opportunity to understand their (RSF) perspective and what they are working for."
Yesterday, RSF expressed concerns about the latest developments in Malaysia regarding the government's imposition of a code of ethics on the media.
The issue has been a hot topic ever since Fahmi announced in February that the government's media code of ethics will be the sole standard used in accrediting journalists.
