Publications suspended after due consideration, says Shabery

Spreading cheer: Ahmad Shabery handing out duit raya to children during the open house in Kemaman as MP for Negeri Kemesik Ir Rosli Othman (second from left) looks on. — Bernama

KEMAMAN: Any action taken by the Government is in the best interest of the nation and people in general, Communications and Multi­media Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said.

Such action would surely have its supporters and opponents, he said, referring to the three-month suspension of The Edge Weekly and The Edge Financial Daily by the Home Ministry over their reports on the 1MDB issue.

“If there are doubts about the authenticity of something and seen as a threat to public order, then something must to done to manage it so that it will not be detrimental to society,” he said at a Hari Raya open house hosted by Gabungan Persa­tuan Wanita Felda Kerteh Enam here.

Ahmad Shabery said the Home Ministry’s action (of suspending the publishing permits of the two publications) was taken after due consideration.

He said the considerations taken by the agency concerned or the Home Ministry should be respected.

“To me, the reasons given are rational, as the investigation on 1MDB is still on, so we should not prematurely make our own judgment on the issue.”

In Alor Gajah, Puteri Umno head Datuk Mas Ermieyati Sam­sudin said media freedom should be used by media practitioners prudently and with integrity to contribute towards national deve­lopment.

She said in a Bernama report that such freedom accorded to media practitioners in Malaysia should be used in the best manner to convey correct information to the people without any manipulation.

These media practitioners and also users of social media should ensure that the news conveyed to the public was not merely rumours, she added.

“In this borderless world, it is becoming increasingly important for media practitioners to have strong integrity to ensure harmony and peace in the multi-racial country,” she told repor­ters here.

Mas Ermiyati said the movement would continue to disseminate accurate information to the people, especially on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s leadership.

Meanwhile, Kepala Batas MP Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has urged the Govern­ment to explain the reason for suspending the publishing permit of The Edge.

The Umno MP said the public did not understand the decision of the Home Ministry.

“I’m sure they will have their own reasons for the suspension, but I think it’s best that they explain it clearly,” said Reezal Merican, who is also a Public Accounts Committee member.