Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said that even if the government does not agree with media reports, it will not pressure the media or take action.
She made these remarks today (12th) during a Q&A session in the Dewan Rakyat, in response to a supplementary question posed by PAS’s Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli.
Ahmad Fadhli had asked whether the Communications Ministry would summon Malaysiakini to investigate reports by the media outlet alleging that at least 263 Facebook accounts formed "cybertroopers" to boost Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar’s popularity.
Teo Nie Ching said: "If the government takes action to summon Malaysiakini to record a statement, I believe the other side (the opposition) will also accuse the government of not respecting media freedom!"
She said that the Madani government is different from the past, and that Meta has clarified there is no such thing as fake accounts on this matter.
She said that the Madani government chooses to openly state its stance and does not restrict press freedom.
"Therefore, even if we do not agree or do not quite agree with some articles or content, we will state our stance; it is not always necessary to summon them for statements. This is the biggest difference between the Madani government and you (the opposition)."