KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa wished to move on from the issue of English daily’s report on night khalwat raids.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said that he was not one who likes to sue the media.
“There are many other issues I want to focus on. We just wish to move on and not dwell any further (on the issue).
“Whether there is an apology or not, or whether regret is expressed, what is important is that it is made clear that the heading was not what I said,” he said after his interview recording on ‘Soal Rakyat’ programme at Sri Pentas here today.
He was referring to the issue of The Star’s article published on Oct 6 with the headline “Putting compassion into practice” and “No more night khalwat raids or intrusion into Muslims’ private life, says Mujahid”.
The story’s first paragraph said “No more knocks on the door in the middle of the night and no more breaking down of doors by the religious authorities investigating reports of khalwat or other alleged wrongdoings.”
The Star had since clarified that the paragraph was not attributed to Mujahid and was not his quote.
Today, Mujahid said although he respects freedom of the media, such freedom must also be guided by responsibility.
“When I see something, I check first in case there is indication I meant it in a certain way. But there was none,” he said in further reference to article.
In regards to the possible continuous online fallout from the incident despite the daily having published its regret, he advised netizens to use the freedom of speech in a way that does not spread falsehood and slander.
He said this was particularly so when misreporting could continue to be spread online due to the nature of the internet.
“I can accept constructive criticism and I love to discuss with people on this matter. However, I cannot accept slander based on something untrue as lying is a big matter,” he said.