Debate rages over PM’s UEC remark

Two news groups in disagreement on quote

PETALING JAYA: A debate has erupted over the Prime Minister’s remark on the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) between Chinese media Sin Chew Daily and news portal Malaysiakini.

Sin Chew Daily claimed that it never quoted Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as saying that he rejected the UEC, adding that he had been misled with regard to the recent interview.

“It is apparent that some people have provided misleading information to Dr Mahathir so that he believes that he was misquoted.

“As to why Dr Mahathir would make such a statement after the Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting, only those present during the meeting would know,” it said in an editorial piece.

On Friday, Dr Mahathir had denied that he rejected the recognition of UEC due to the sensitivity of the Malays.

“I never said I rejected. I merely said there are sensitivities, including the Chinese, Indians, orang asli and all ethnic groups.

“If we are not sensitive, then we would not have gotten the support from the people or won (the general election),” he said.

He had said this in response to questions about his interview with Sin Chew Daily on the UEC.

The Chinese daily also took a dig at Malaysiakini for publishing the transcript of its interview with Dr Mahathir.

“We do not want to touch on Malaysiakini’s journalistic ethics and conduct. We leave it to the readers to judge.

“However, we are surprised at Malaysiakini’s action of comparing the recording of Sin Chew Daily’s interview with

Sin Chew Daily’s report.

“Regardless of whether it is traditional or online media, we should stand on the side of the people to ask whether those in power would fulfil their promise to recognise UEC and not the other way around, which is to check on another media or stir other issues to divert attention,” it said.

Sin Chew Daily said it had for 90 years adhered to the principles of impartially reporting the truth, advocating the people’s interests and conveying government policy to the public.

In response, Malaysiakini took note that it had been accused of “framing and slandering” Sin Chew Daily by publishing the interview transcript.

“We would like to point out that nowhere in the transcript article did this news portal question Sin Chew Daily’s reportage or role as a media organisation.

“Malaysiakini published the transcript so as to allow readers to know what exactly was said and to enable them to make their own judgment.

“We believe that advocating the people’s interests also means providing them with thorough information and trusting in their wisdom to make their own conclusions,” said the portal.

Malaysiakini also denied framing and slandering Sin Chew Daily, adding it would leave it to the readers’ wisdom to decide whether publishing the transcript was tantamount to this.

“Malaysiakini has and will continue to play the role of a watchdog over those in power.

“On this note, we would also like to highlight the importance and its commitment towards the setting up of an independent Malaysian Media Council that will uphold journalistic ethics without government interference,” it said.

If we are not sensitive, then we would not have gotten the support from the people or won (the general election). Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad