KUALA LUMPUR – Media organisations have the right to maintain the confidentiality of their sources but are also responsible for verifying information obtained from them, said Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
The minister also said that, as the government’s spokesman, he could not entertain questions from the media relating to information obtained from unknown sources.
“I do not agree with calls by certain quarters to have the media reveal their sources in Parliament. The media has the right to maintain the confidentiality of sources.
“I can only comment on issues that have been announced or officially verified. As for the CNA issue, I stand by what I said, ‘don’t jump the gun and follow the process’ as that would be the best.
“I also hope that the media understands the need to verify the information they receive. There have been a few cases where the reports were incorrect and had to be retracted,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Youth Empowerment Fair at the KL convention centre here today.
On Wednesday, Channel News Asia (CNA), quoting sources, reported that the Pardons Board granted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak a halved jail sentence and a reduction in fine.
This was before the board issued a statement on the much-speculated matter.
After the cabinet meeting on the same day, Fahmi had denied being the source for the Singapore-based news portal.
Reiterating the importance of waiting for an official statement from the Pardons Board, he lamented the coincidence that he had met the agency’s reporters before the story was published.
“I have said that we must wait for the official media statement. I ask both local and foreign media to wait for (it).
“I am not the source who gave the information, but I urge all media friends; let’s not jump the gun.”
At the same time, Fahmi reiterated the need to “follow the due process” of waiting for the statement.
The board only released a statement on its decision on Friday. – February 4, 2024