Reporting on 1MDB not considered fake news, says Salleh

Muzliza Mustafa Chan Kok Leong Muzliza Mustafa, Chan Kok Leong Updated 6 years ago · Published on 26 Mar 2018 8:09PM · 4 Comments

Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak says journalists can quote and report on what the US Department of Justice has said in its reports on 1MDB. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, March 26, 2018.

REPORTING on 1Malaysia Development Bhd reports is not considered fake news, Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak told foreign correspondents in a meeting today.

He gave the assurance that nobody will be banned for such reporting.

“We don’t ban anyone for reporting on anything.”

In a 23-second video clip uploaded on Twitter, Salleh said journalists can quote and repeat what the US Department of Justice has said in its reports.

“You can quote them, whatever they say, based on their reports. It’s not considered fake news if you’re quoting what they say, like the DoJ.”

When asked if this can be considered as spreading fake news, he said: “No. How can it be considered fake news?”

Putrajaya tabled the Anti-Fake News Bill 2018 in the Dewan Rakyat today, as the 14th general election looms.

The minister today met the members of the Foreign Correspondents Club Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

Sources said the minister spoke briefly about Malaysia’s upcoming elections and said Barisan Nasional is confident of obtaining 150 seats, or two-thirds majority.

The minister said although the government allows opposing views, it is its duty to ensure that the views do not lead to strife during elections.

He also noted the international media coverage of Malaysia that included 1MDB, the fake news law, redelineation, elements of racism in the lead up to elections, and suppression of human rights.

He said the government is aware of the media’s duty but hoped the government is also given the chance to share its views to ensure fair reportage. – March 26, 2018.

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Comments

  • Bagi wartawan asing no fake news. Bagi rakyat malaysia terus jadi fake news. Ingat kami bodo ke?

    Posted 6 years ago by Onlyforgame 900k · Reply

  • Yes that's right. Quoting the source is not fake news because its reporting on what others actually said. But since the minister himself recently said thay any news other than the govt's official news on 1MDB is fake, then the govt should prosecute the sources themselves, such as the US, Swiss and Singaporean govts for making numerous statements related to 1MDB, considering that the new law will provide for extra territorial jurisdiction.

    Posted 6 years ago by Léon Moch · Reply

  • Pertaining to 1MDB this law might take the view that sometimes "a fool may ask more questions than a wise man can answer"?..

    Posted 6 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • its not fake news because its all true, LOL.

    Posted 6 years ago by Tommy richard · Reply