Anthony Loke said his aide’s words denigrating RTM and insistence that “heads must roll” reflected his personal feelings and were not an infringement of media freedom.
He was commenting on his press secretary Lim Swee Kuan’s criticism of RTM in a Facebook post that drew backlash.
Two days ago, Lim penned an accusatory post on Facebook alleging RTM of trying to sabotage the federal government when it did not broadcast speeches by Loke and Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun during its live coverage of the Malaysia Chinese New Year Open House 2019 in Seremban.
In the post, Lim demanded an explanation from RTM for the omission even as he said “heads must roll”, adding that he will file a formal complaint to Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo who oversees RTM.
“It’s not a question of infringing media freedom. It’s a question of it’s a live event and why certain portion of the live event was taken out. I think that’s the real issue here.
“Number one: it is a government TV station and it was supposed to be a live event but why certain portion taken out? I think that’s the crux of the issue here. But as I mentioned, I don’t want to pursue further,” Loke told reporters.
He denied issuing instructions to Lim regarding the latter’s social media post.
“We have left it for Gobind to investigate it. I haven’t given any instructions. Of course, he said it based on his own feelings, but I’ve never given him any instructions, but we’ll leave it to the respective minister to handle and investigate further,” said Loke.
Loke also rejected former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s claim that Lim’s words were tantamount to intimidation of a public servant, saying his aide was merely giving a personal opinion.
Lim’s remarks also drew flak from PKR member Latheefa Koya who said the threat smacked of arrogance.
Meanwhile, Gobind has instructed RTM to furnish a report on the matter.
However, Loke said he spoke to Lim regarding the outburst, but declined to share what was said.