Stop using media as propaganda tool, Anwar tells govt

KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Port Dickson-PH) has urged the Communications and Multimedia Ministry to stop making use of the media as a government propaganda tool.

While not going into details, the PKR president lamented that the opposition is not given enough coverage by government-controlled media, and urged the minister, Tan Sri Annuar Musa (Ketereh-BN), to take a more lenient approach in allowing an open debate.

“Don’t use the media under your ministry as an incessant propaganda tool to protect the government, without giving enough room for alternative views, be it from the opposition, civil society groups or academicians.

“If this (use of media as propaganda tool) continues, then don’t talk about Keluarga Malaysia, and political maturity and sanity,” he said when debating the Budget 2022 allocation for the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.

Anwar said despite the widespread use of social media today, the government remains in a “captive mind”, believing that the media can still be controlled for its own propaganda.

“Malaysia must be matured as a democratic country that respects freedom and justice,” he said.

While Anwar did not elaborate on those remarks, they follow the conclusion of the Melaka election and precede the Sarawak polls, where physical campaigning is limited and parties are reliant on the media for coverage.

The opposition previously urged the government to provide official media slots for its candidates to deliver their messages to voters.

On a separate matter, Anwar urged the government to be more transparent in its decision to appoint Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) as the sole provider of infrastructure for the 5G network.

“What’s the tender cost (for the project)? Why keep it a secret? There have been statements in the past quoting the cost at RM15 billion, RM18 billion, RM20 billion. This is as huge as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

“I would like to remind the minister that this issue could, in the end, face a similar fate like 1MDB in the courts. I hope attention can be given on this matter,” he said. – The Vibes, December 8, 2021