PETALING JAYA: It was inappropriate of Fahmi Fadzil as the Communications and Digital Minister to describe a report on the overnight policy rate (OPR) by Berita Harian as defamatory, says Tan Sri Johan Jaafar.
The veteran journalist said he was disappointed with Fahmi, who is also the unity government spokesman, for making those remarks.
“He should’ve known that the report quoted the views and predictions of analysts.
“It is a normal practice in reporting that the views of political analysts are quoted for news or current political issues,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Johan said that in a democracy, views that support and criticise the government should both be given space.
He also said Fahmi’s remarks had sowed public distrust against the media, adding that this was not the first time it has happened.
Johan said Fahmi had previously criticised a report on the public perception of the unity government from a survey conducted by five mainstream media outlets.
“This is unhealthy, when ministers dispute media reports that don’t side with them.
“In my opinion, this happens because the said minister is not mature enough to handle media issues,” he added.
Fahmi was recently criticised by media groups after he described the Berita Harian article on financial projections as being defamatory.
On Friday, he said the Facebook post by the daily on its news report about the OPR had caused confusion that had spiralled into libel.
“The article only quoted the views of an analyst and I have no issues with the report.
“But the Facebook post has a very different meaning because it gives an impression that Bank Negara or the government had already made a decision [on the matter].
“This is inaccurate and unfair to Bank Negara and the government,” he said.
Fahmi said he had met with Berita Harian group editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman and Media Prima’s top management to discuss the matter.
“Berita Harian’s management understood what I meant about this matter and they agreed to correct the post.
“I thank the management for their cooperation,” he posted on his Facebook page on Friday.
Fahmi said views were exchanged during the meeting with regards to press freedom, journalistic ethics, and economic challenges faced by the industry.
“I respect and I will always defend the rights and freedom of the media.
“But reprimands have to be made if there were misunderstandings that could lead to defamation, such as when the chosen headline has a different meaning from the actual content,” he said.
