THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is scrutinising a news report by a local television channel claiming cutbacks in the civil service, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.

He added that broadcaster Awesome TV had on several occasions produced news items that are seen as not complying with the law.

Fahmi said he had handed the matter over to the MCMC and the authorities for further investigation.

“However, to me, what is important is the difference between publishing news and slander… the right of the media to freely carry out its duty exists and we defend it.

“Yet, that doesn’t mean they have the right to publish items that are not true or slanderous, so we will wait for the result of the report from MCMC,” he said in Kuala Lumpur today.

Yesterday, Fahmi tweeted that the government vehemently denied allegations contained in Awesome TV’s news programme Berita 757 that there are ‘observers’ who have proposed cutbacks in the civil service.

He also urged Berita 757 to explain the “ridiculous” story.

Commenting on the Auditor-General’s Report 2021 on the issues of leakages and funding in the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), Fahmi said he had met the management team, including its chief executive officer, to provide Fahmi with a deeper understanding of why the incident occurred and the follow-up actions that need to be taken.

“We are discussing what amendments need to be made to the Finas Act so that board members can function better, understand the development of the film industry and, at the same time, still be an attraction to contribute to its development,” he said.

On January 19, Fahmi was reported to have said that his ministry would replace the Finas management to help resolve its financial problems. – Bernama, February 18, 2023.