KUALA LUMPUR: The government strongly condemns any act to intimidate or prevent media practitioners from carrying out their duties.
Minister of Communications and Multimedia Gobind Singh Deo said every effort will be taken to ensure they are able to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour.
"We want press freedom to be fully practised in the country. But in so doing, media practitioners must practise responsible reporting, have good ethics, and know their limitations," he said at Balai Berita, New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad here today.
Earlier, Gobind had a meeting with senior management of Media Prima Berhad (MPB) and The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP).
He also spent time to talk to a Berita Harian journalist who received a death threat via email recently.
According to Gobind, although reporters may at times write articles which make people unhappy, threats and intimidation were not the solutions.
“I have always maintained there are proper channels to address such conflicts. There is no need for any threats, and I view this as a serious matter. I hope the police will conduct a thorough investigation and bring the culprits to book," he added.
According to media reports, the journalist received the death threat on Sept 8. He then lodged a police report at the Brickfields police station the following day.
The police are currently investigating the case under Section 507 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation.
On the establishment of a national media council, Singh said a Cabinet paper would be prepared by end of this month or October, and presented to the Cabinet for discussion.
"We will leave it to the Cabinet to decide. I have already discussed this with all the relevant parties and hope to get their input and support. Hopefully, I will be able to announce the outcome of the Cabinet's decision next month," he added.