SHAH ALAM – Pas Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has slammed the government for allegedly adopting a "draconian culture" by suppressing freedom of speech, particularly through the non-renewal of media permits for platforms like MalaysiaNow, TV Pertiwi, and Pas Media.
"I am not happy with the government’s actions, which appear to curb press freedom and freedom of speech.
"The non-renewal of permits for MalaysiaNow, TV Pertiwi, and Pas Media indicates that the country is gradually heading towards a draconian culture,” he said during the Media and Influencers Dinner with Pas held here on Tuesday.
He pointed to the non-renewal of publishing permits for these platforms as troubling evidence of a decline in press freedom.
Fadhli, who is also the Pasir Mas MP, criticised the Pakatan Harapan coalition for failing to fulfil its reform promises.
He predicted that within the next two to three years, the public would reject the coalition.
Addressing media practitioners and influencers at the event, he urged them to continue delivering transparent and truthful news despite the challenges.
In a related matter, Fadhli called on Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to uphold his promise to reinstate media accreditation cards for Harakah Daily journalists.
He claimed that Fahmi had given him a written assurance last year that the matter would be reconsidered.
"Last year, the media pass was revoked, and the Communications Minister provided written assurance that the matter would be addressed. However, to this day, nothing has been done,” he said.
Fadhli expressed doubt that the media cards would be reinstated unless there was a change in government.
Last year, Fahmi had assured the Dewan Rakyat that he would discuss the matter with the Information Department (Japen) after Harakah Daily filed an appeal to regain the revoked media access.
The accreditation card was reportedly withdrawn following the publication of an article featuring a photo of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim alongside an Israeli flag.