CIMB Group chairperson Nazir Razak has defended his comment on Instagram condemning the suspension of business publication The Edge, saying he merely stands for press freedom.

Nazir said he was not defending the owners of The Edge , but it was important for the country to ensure that freedom of opinion and expression are safeguarded as well.

"It's not for those people ( The Edge ). I stand for what? Freedom of opinion, freedom of expression that's all.

"This is not defending anyone, it's the principle - freedom of the media," he told the press at former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's ( photo ) Hari Raya open house event in Putrajaya today.

The event was also attended by the prime minister and his deputy.

On Friday , ‎Nazir, the brother of Prime Minister Najib Razak, took to his Instagram account to condemn the suspension of The Edge Weekly and The Edge Financial Daily .

Calling the publications a pillar of the business community, Nazir said The Edge had a big role in keeping the public "informed, honest and competitive".

"The Edge is a pillar of our business community – big role in keeping us informed, honest and competitive," he said in the posting.

Nazir also said he had raised the concerns he had with his brother, but decline to reveal the details.

He however said "everything is fine" with his family relationships.

"I have conversations with my brother. But I won't share it with you the details," he said.

Before he left, he declined to share his thoughts when asked if he country is going in the right direction.

"No, you are leading me to many places…the right way is to my car. Thank you," he said.