Media has right to source confidentiality but must verify info, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: While media organisations maintain the right to the confidentiality of their sources, they are also responsible for verifying the information, says Fahmi Fadzil.

"As a minister and the government's spokesman I could not answer questions of the media from information obtained from unknown sources," said the Communications Minister.

However Fahmi said he does not support calls by certain quarters for the media to reveal their sources in Parliament, as the media has the right to its confidentiality," said Fahmi on the sidelines of the Youth Empowerment Fair at the KL Convention Centre on Sunday (Feb 4).

"I can only comment on issues that have been announced or officially verified. I stand by what I said to the Channel News Asia report, where I said 'don't jump the gun and follow the process'."

On Wednesday CNA quoted sources as saying the Pardons Board had granted former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak a 50% reduction in jail sentence and a reduction in fine.

Fahmi said the media should understand the need to verify information as there were a few cases where reports were incorrect and had to be retracted.

Fahmi also denied being the source of the story after the Cabinet meeting on the same day.

He reiterated the importance of waiting for an official statement from the Pardons Board saying the due process should be followed.