Deputy Information Minister, Joseph Salang Gandum (PRS-Julau) today denied allegations of interference by the prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor or the Prime Minister’s Department in NTV7's popular hour-long talk show 'Editors Time' as claimed by its former producer Joshua Wong who quit the station over the matter.

"Those allegations are not true and baseless," said Joseph.

He was replying to questions on the state of press freedom in the country brought up during the debate by Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) in Parliament today.

NONE "It is an internal issue for the station [...] the producer in question (Joshua Wong) refused to adhere to station policies," said Gandum.

The policies, or guidelines, he explained, were put into place because NTV7 received public complaints about the programme being unbalanced and containing discussions which touched on sensitive issues.

He said that as a public broadcaster, the station must take into account public views not only to adhere to laws but also to avoid controversy and avoid any infringement on public sensitivities.

"NTV7 had held a discussion with Wong ( above ) but he refused to follow the guidelines and opted to resign instead," said Gandum.

The deputy minister also denied that the then impending Sibu by-election caused the cancellation of RTM2's ‘Galeri Mandarin’ documentary series on the Bakun Dam, focusing on the plight of natives villagers who were forcefully relocated for the dam project.

‘A balanced view...’

He said the documentary produced by former RTM2 producer Chou Z Lam ( below ) was scrapped because it failed to include information about the objective of the Bakun Dam project and the benefits it would bring the people.

"The decision was done professionally since the documentary did not follow RTM guidelines. According to standard operating procedures for programmes to be broadcasted, RTM must ensure that the people are given a balanced view of projects."

azlan The Julau parliamentarian also defended the appointment MCA-affiliated Yap Swee Chuan as a monitor for RTM’s Mandarin news in a move to upgrade the level of Mandarin reporting in RTM.

"He is an experienced journalist and (well-versed) in Mandarin which can improve quality of Mandarin reporting in RTM and draw in more viewers."

As to Yap's political affiliations, Gandum claimed that the appointment was allowed under established guidelines for public office holders.

At a press conference at the Parliament lobby later, Tian Chua challenged the veracity of Gandum’s answers. "The answers given by the deputy minister denying political interference by the PM's wife [...] if the allegations are untrue, we should explain why he resigned in protest."

"We should also look at why the programme no longer invites opposition members to participate," he added.

Both, Tian Chua said, are clear indications of interference. He contends that if after Wong's resignation there was more space for the opposition on NTV7, then it might be that Wong's claims were baseless.

‘What are his qualifications?’

Tian Chua also stated that he did not believe that Chou's documentary was axed because of RTM’s guidelines.

"What are RTM guidelines? Must we only provide and give information that praises and benefits the government or is it that we must give only facts without political perspectives," he asked.

He said there was more than met the eye rather than just some guidelines over the cancellation of Chou's Bakun Dam documentaries.

NONE "For sure the documentary brought up issues that the government did not want seen or discussed in the open," he said.

Tian Chua also questioned how MCA’s Yap, whose credential he said the deputy minister had never established, could help improve the quality of RTM's Mandarin language reporting.

"I, and I think the people and the media community, do not accept it as professional, Yap's posting. What are his qualifications? What are his experience?" asked Tian Chua.

Chou, who was present at the press conference, refuted Gandum's claims that the cancellation of his Bakun Dam documentary series was because of ‘guidelines’, citing a conversation he allegedly had with his supervisor.

"When my documentary was cancelled, I went to see the chief reporter [...] who said in front of me that the Bakun issue was sensitive, especially with the upcoming Sibu by-election and therefore it must be canceled," claimed Chou.