KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not tolerate disrespectful handling of sensitive issues related to race and religion, especially when featured in news reports, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
He said all such news must be reported in a fair and sensitive manner, so as to not disturb the unity which has existed among the country’s multiracial and multi-religious population.
"Any news reported, and opinion that is given, must not in any way (disrespect) sensitive issues that can raise the anger of the people.
"The government will not compromise when it comes to sensitive issues, such as race and religion.
“Therefore, news broadcasted in whatever form, must be fair not only in its reporting, but also to all Malaysians, by not commenting on matters that could divide the people," Najib said in a speech read by Communications and Multimedia Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
He was speaking at the launch of Astro's NJOI Now free video streaming service at the Desa Tasik Sports Complex here, today.
Najib said that with the spread of fake news reports, the onus is on media organisations to quickly address any lie by providing verified facts in their local news telecasts.
He also said that the government has never blocked the right of anyone to voice their opinion in Malaysia, especially among the media fraternity, even if they have differing views from the government.
"If we did, the government would not have lifted the ban on opposition party publications years ago," he said.
On another matter, Najib said information is now being disseminated in many ways, including mobile gadgets, which have a big pool of users.
"Statistics show that subscriptions via mobile gadgets recorded an increase to 4.45 million nationwide, which is supported by a very high smartphone penetration rate of 16.4 million in 2016," he added.