However, he questioned the state government’s move in issuing circulars preventing non-Sarawakian Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders from attending their functions.
“I have stated my stand several times in the lower house,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
“It is clear. Events held by the Sarawak government, there is media coverage. But when it comes to independence, you have to practise what you preach. You say you are PH-friendly but at the same time, you do not allow leaders who are not from Sarawak to attend state functions.
“Then you come here and ask me on the policy to help the Sarawak government. If I could, I would avoid and say I don’t allow,” he said in reply to Nancy Shukri (BN-Batang Sadong), who had asked about the ministry’s stand on the media coverage of events in Sarawak.
Gobind (PH-Puchong) said such actions had to stop.
“I know you are professional,” he added. “Please talk to your chief minister and tell him to do the right thing.”
Earlier, Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) had asked whether the government intends to introduce new laws to limit the shareholding of political leaders or parties in media companies, saying the media must be free from political influence.
Gobind acknowledged that questions had arisen on the notion that the running of media companies requires shareholders with political backgrounds.
He said this had presumably led to news reports that were biased.
“We are in the process of looking at whether we can limit the equity share of political leaders in media companies in order to prevent this,” he said.
“What is important is to differentiate shareholding and control in such companies. We are studying this. We need to ensure that the reports published are not just neutral, but accurate and reflect the true picture.
“Globally, news reports shape the minds and the thinking of the people, whether through electronic or print media. We are looking at how to improve this.”
He said the government was also in the process of evaluating the establishment of an independent media council. However, he said no final decision had been made as they were still waiting for input from media practitioners.
“We hope to announce this soon,” he added.