PUTRAJAYA: Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan is taking legal action against MalaysiaKini to clear several misunderstandings following a news report by the said online portal.
He claimed the news report by Malaysiakini was out of line, lacked journalism ethics and has smeared his reputation.
The report by the portal was made following questions posed during a press conference to Abdul Rahman about toll hikes and migration to rural area as a result of rising cost of living in conjunction with the World Town Planning Day at JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on Nov 3.
Abdul Rahman said the portal’s vox pop (video story) had taken his statement out of context while giving people the wrong impression about the issues raised, resulting in backlash and anger from the public particularly among netizens.
“I have been the victim of deliberate attacks from the public, who have been largely misinformed by Malaysiakini’s report.
“I want to clarify and rectify the wrong impression given to the people, and clear my good name.
“I sincerely believe all media form including portals are a great institution of check and balance, and they are responsible for clear and precise reporting,” he said, adding media should come out with constructive criticism for the greater good.
The legal action would serve as a reminder to online media to be more professional, without compromising facts and demeaning people, Abdul Rahman said.