Govt mulls limiting political influence in media firms

THE government is studying if it can limit the share equity of political leaders or parties in media organisations, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

He said it is vital for media reports to be fair and neutral.

“What is important is to differentiate the shareholders and their control in such companies. We are studying this.

“We need to ensure that the reports published are not just neutral but also paint the true picture and real news.

“The reports published should (create) discussions on current issues among the rakyat,” he said in reply to Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras).

He added that globally, the minds of a nation’s citizens are shaped based on the news that are reported.

Gobind, however, questioned the Sarawak state government’s stand in issuing circulars preventing Pakatan Harapan leaders from attending their functions.

“I have stated my stand several times in the House. There is coverage for events organised by the state government but we see how the Sarawak state government issued circulars preventing Pakatan leaders from attending their functions.

“You say you are Pakatan-friendly but at the same time you don’t allow leaders to attend the state functions,” said Gobind in a reply to Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (PBB-Batang Sadong), who asked about the ministry’s stand on media coverage of events in her state.