THE government has moved to clarify public misunderstandings regarding the roles of newly appointed ministers, while outlining plans to strengthen media oversight and reaffirming commitments on highway toll rates.
Unity Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil attributed criticism surrounding the appointments of Hannah Yeoh as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories portfolio) and her deputy, Datuk Lo Su Fui, to confusion over the structure of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) and political considerations.
“It should be clarified that Hannah is not the Federal Territories Minister as previously understood, but a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department overseeing the Federal Territories portfolio.
“For all Ministers in the JPM, their direct superior is the Prime Minister.
“Therefore, any actions or decisions regarding the portfolio are referred to the Prime Minister. JPM Ministers also attend post-Cabinet meetings as is customary,” Fahmi explained during his weekly press briefing at the Seri Angkasa Auditorium, Angkasapuri Media Complex today.
He emphasised that from a management perspective, there are no operational issues, as the Prime Minister continuously monitors ministerial performance and provides guidance whenever necessary.
Looking ahead, Fahmi announced that he is scheduled to meet with the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) in early January to reinforce Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directives for the council to play an active role in advancing proposals and ensuring a vibrant, competitive, and free media landscape.
“Insya-Allah, in the first or second week of January, I will meet with the Malaysian Media Council. Several matters, including funding allocation, office arrangements and administrative procedures, will be addressed. During the meeting, I will emphasise the Prime Minister’s instructions that the Council should help ensure the media industry remains independent, competitive, and capable of tackling challenges, including the current economic pressures affecting the sector,” he said.
Fahmi added that the Malaysian Media Council has yet to inform the government whether its board members have appointed a chairman.
The Prime Minister recently urged the Council to propose measures to the Cabinet addressing laws that may restrict media freedom, underscoring the council’s key role in safeguarding press independence in Malaysia.
Separately, Fahmi confirmed that ten highway concessions will not see toll rate increases, with the government absorbing the financial impact.
“This matter was decided in the first Cabinet meeting of the newly appointed Ministers and Deputy Ministers,” he said, noting that the Ministry of Public Works (KKR) will provide further details on the concessions shortly. - December 18, 2025
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