MCMC to probe TMI for allegedly insulting PM

THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will investigate news portal The Malaysian Insight (TMI) for allegedly insulting the Prime Minister, says Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly, the Communications and Multimedia Minister said a report was lodged with the MCMC over the matter.

Earlier, delegates at the assembly raised questions about the financial backers and objectives of two online portals – TMI and Malaysiakini.

Tasek Gelugor Umno Youth chief Mohd Nashrol Hisham, who accused TMI of carrying articles insulting the country’s leaders, said: “When I checked with the Companies Commission, it stated Insight Media Sdn Bhd was registered under a person named Faridah Begum.

“The delegates want the authorities to investigate who Faridah Begum is, and the source for TMI.”

There had previously also been calls for TMI to reveal its sources of funding in the interest of transparency.

Seputeh Youth chief Datuk Mohd Razlan Mohamad Rafli claimed that some online portals were being used by the Opposition to spread lies about the party’s leadership.

“It’s not just TMI. Malaysiakini too is used to humiliate us,” he said.

Meanwhile, a news portal reported that two veteran journalists criticised Mohd Nashrol for his proposal.

Former News Straits Times Press group editor-in-chief Datuk A. Kadir Jasin, a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia supreme council member, said if the Prime Minister was indeed insulted, he could take civil action.

Former Utusan Melayu group editor-in-chief Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin said the assembly was not the right forum to address the matter.