KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Digital Ministry, alongside the Information Department (JaPen) will review the appeal letter sent by Pas' official mouthpiece, Harakah, on the revoked media accreditation passes of its reporters.
Its minister Fahmi Fadzil said he was made aware that Harakah will send an appeal letter to the department and welcomed the decision by the publication.
"I have been informed that Harakah will send an appeal letter and we (the ministry) welcome such a decision. Hence, I will discuss with JaPen (on their decision to return the passes)," he said during minister's question time in Dewan Rakyat, today.
Fahmi said this in response to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) on the status of Harakah's appeal letter. The Pas MP claimed that Harakah had sent an appeal letter two days ago.
Yesterday, Fahmi reportedly said Harakah could appeal to JaPen on the revoked media passes, adding that the publication had violated existing terms and conditions in obtaining the passes.
This comes after Ahmad Fadhli on Tuesday said JaPen, which is under the purview of Fahmi's ministry, had revoked the media passes of Harakah's reporters.
While using a moniker associated with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Ahmad Fadhli said this was the first time that the publication had received such letters from the department since the former premier's administration.
Ahmad Fadhli, at the same time, also claimed that the current administration had stifled media freedom following claims by eight veteran journalists that the current media industry is in the 'dark', more than it has ever been.
Following this, Fahmi added there had been no 'iron-fist' treatment imposed towards the media industry under the current government.
He, however, stressed and urged the media industry to uphold journalism ethics in providing accurate reporting.
"I believe that this issue does not only apply to Harakah, but to all (media publications). Aside from the code of content (that needs to be followed), I would like to also emphasise journalism ethics (that needs to be upheld).
"(And) I have a different view (on what is being said by Ahmad Fadhli), perhaps in the past, various actions would be taken if these journalists openly criticise (the government).
"However, the eight veteran journalists you mentioned are free to this day and can continue to voice their opinion as we accept their criticism and views," he said.