Tourism Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor today evaded questions as to whether he would voluntarily give evidence to the independent panel probing the veracity of the Lingam tape.

"Write about this (event) first. I will talk about that another time," he blurted as he hurriedly left a function at the Malaysian Tourism Centre (MTC) in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

"That's why I don't want to hold a press conference (after the function). Because I knew there is going to be something else (which the press would be pursuing)".

Tengku Adnan was among more than a dozen names mentioned in a video clip purportedly between senior lawyer VK Lingam and Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Abdul Halim.

The video was publicised on Sept 19 by PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim who claimed that the video clip purportedly detailing a conversation about 'fixing' judicial appointments.

Subsequently, the government has established a three-member panel , headed by former Chief Justice of Malaya Haidar Mohd Noor, to investigate the authencity of the tape and called on those with information to voluntarily provide the panel information.

Name mentioned by Lingam

Lingam purportedly mentioned Tengku Adnan's name nine times during the 8-minute clip which was allegedly filmed in 2002.

Based on the conversation, Lingam had apparently implied that Tengku Adnan had a role in securing the honorific title of 'Tan Sri' for Ahmad Fairuz.

At the time, Tengku Adnan was a deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of legal affairs.

Previously, Tengku Adnan clarified that he was in no position to carry out the fixing of judicial appointments when he served under then premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He was the first person implicated in the explosive video clip to have directly respond on the issue.

Media need not be truthful?

In another development, Tengku Adnan today reminded journalists that they should perform their duties responsibly as God would judge the acts of humans.

Tengku Adnan said this in his speech at the launch of the Bernama-Tourism Malaysia Treasure Hunt 2007 at the MTC.

"On this earth, we can do whatever we like, but you must remember that when you die, you have to answer to someone. So whatever you write, especially the press, write responsibly,

"I'm not asking you to write truthfully, but write responsibly," said Tengku Adnan to a crowd of 50 comprising mostly of Bernama staff and sponsor representatives.

Tengku Adnan then praised state-owned Bernama for doing its job well.

The minister also encouraged participants of the event to inform the Tourism Ministry of shortcomings in tourist attractions or facilities noted during the competition.

The Bernama-Tourism Malaysia Treasure Hunt 2007 will take place on November 3. It is held once every two years and is open to the public.

SPECIAL REPORT: The Lingam tape

Watch the one-minute video here.