No media freedom

Claims that the government restricts media freedom have no basis, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said today.

Instead, the government had pledged to "always help create a conducive climate to allow journalists and media to continue playing their role in a democracy".

Speaking at the Malaysian Press Institute's Journalism Award 2011 ceremony, Muhyiddin said if the government muzzled the media, then the media that was critical to government would not exist.

"If there is no freedom, then how will portals and opposition newspapers, which largely criticise, twist the truth and slam the government's true reports as not factual, exist?" he asked.

Speaking to a room of media personnel in Damansara, he said that the government is constantly aware that media needs "ample freedom" to play their role and to highlight issues faced by the people.

"They also play a role to check and correct public policies which go against the interests of society. The government is always open to criticism and corrections," he added.