KUALA LUMPUR: Serving as the unity government spokesman has not been an easy task for Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He acknowledged that the role requires meticulousness, critical thinking skills, and effective communication abilities, especially when conveying cabinet meeting decisions during press conferences.
"Documents, meeting minutes, and Cabinet discussions are classified as government secrets under the Official Secrets Act 1972.
"Whatever I convey (to the public) must first be approved by the cabinet.
"I am also prohibited from disclosing who said what or the details of the discussions," he said in a special edition of the Buletin TV3 Podcast, recently aired on Buletin TV3's Facebook and YouTube platforms.
He said every directive is specific and must be adhered to strictly.
Fahmi, who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, US, said his academic background and involvement in theatre arts have contributed to his ability to perform his duties as a spokesperson effectively.
"My engineering background helps me think analytically, while my experience in theatre equips me with the skills to present information clearly and avoid misinterpretation," he said.
Fahmi is tasked with being the government's official voice when engaging with the media, particularly after Cabinet meetings every Wednesday.
At the same time, he serves as a point of reference for the media to verify current issues.