MINISTER of Communications and Digital Fahmi Fadzil has assured the media that the government will not treat it in an iron-fisted manner. 

He said the government held firm to the principle of a free media but stressed that it would not compromise on defamatory and inaccurate reports. 

He said during the recent state polls, for example, a publication had published a report claiming that a politician had been arrested but this was later found to be untrue.  

“So, about such matters, my hope is that the media can discuss them to ensure they do not recur. 

“My guarantee is that we (the government) will not be iron-fisted. That is the assurance that I can give to our media friends,” he told reporters after the launch of the “Kita Madani Aspirasi Malaysia 2023” programme at Pantai Eco Park community centre today. 

He said this when commenting on calls for the government and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to stop blocking the websites of news portals said to be anti-government. 

Elaborating, Fahmi said freedom of the media under the current government was much better compared to the previous administration because throughout his tenure as minister, not a single journalist had been arrested by police and no newspaper had been shut down. 

He said for the good of the media, the government is striving to enact the Malaysian Media Council Act which, hopefully, will be a platform to discuss issues involving reporting ethics, discipline, and welfare. 

Asked about the public’s response towards the Rahmah 5G Package, Fahmi said he had yet to get detailed information from the MCMC and telecommunications companies (telcos) involved but based on grassroots feedback, there was very high interest among the people. 

“I was told this week about 47,000 sets of mobile phones will arrive in Malaysia to be distributed to the respective telco distribution centres. The telcos also informed that the amount is sufficient but will monitor the situation,” he said. 

The Rahmah 5G Package allows the public to have access to 5G services and a smartphone costing not more than RM240. 

The package comes with a postpaid plan for as low as RM60 a month with a minimum of 60GB of data, subject to a 24-month subscription contract. – Bernama, September 3, 2023.