COMMUNICATIONS and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has been appointed spokesman for the unity government to handle the media. 

Fahmi, who confirmed this today, said that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had issued a directive at the cabinet meeting two weeks ago that he (Fahmi) and the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) would act as the representative or spokesman for the government, especially when dealing with the media. 

Fahmi said the media conference after every Wednesday’s cabinet meeting will be handled by him if the prime minister is unable to attend. 

“Any week, for example, that the prime minister is unable to host the weekly media conference, the KKD and I will handle it,” he told the media today. 

Fahmi said that as the government spokesman, the media could refer to him for confirmation of any issue that needed to be verified.  

“This is to ensure that the issues are referred to the right ministry or minister for feedback,” he said. 

Fahmi said the KKD would also discuss with broadcast stations the provision of detailed information on government activities that was expected to be aired in the news slot next week. 

“Various information is presented by the ministries and agencies but there is no emphasis on the effectiveness of its delivery,” he said. 

Fahmi added that KKD agencies such as the Information Department, Bernama, and Radio Televisyen Malaysia must help the government explain the concept of “Madani” to the public. 

“Its (Madani) essence is more than just a slogan but the intention of the government,” he said, adding that it was important for KKD to play the role of studying, interpreting, and refining the meaning of “Madani” for the benefit of the people. 

On the appointment of Nurul Izzah Anwar as the prime minister’s senior economic and financial adviser, Fahmi said the government had appointed several other individuals as well as advisers, including Mohd Hassan Marican. 

“The term adviser is clear because they will not touch on policy matters, have no source of authority including to call for meetings, as well as are not paid any salary,” he said. – Bernama, January 31, 2023.