Apparently upset at political interference in RTM's 'Galeri Mandarin Nasional' documentary series being publically exposed, the management struck back by tightening its grip on the programme.

It is learned that RTM management unexpectedly assigned another Chinese officer only known as Yap to oversee the production of 'Galeri Mandarin Nasional' today.

It is uncertain whether Yap will also be in charge of the Chinese news production.

'Galeri Mandarin Nasional' was aired at 12.20pm from Monday to Friday, right after the noon Chinese news broadcast.

NONE Producer Chou Z Lam (left) yesterday revealed that their Bakun Dam series was taken off the air , because of Barisan Nasional concerns over its impact on their chances in the upcoming Sibu by-election.

And the direct instructions for the action came from RTM's chief broadcast executive Ibrahim Yahya.

He had also announced that from today, all reporters had to hand in their coverage proposals for approval, before going out on assignment.

Asked whether its new measure was related to the Chou exposure, the source said it is not that hard to link the two.

Cancellation of series

'Galeri Mandarin Nasional' Bakun Dam series received the chop after first two episodes were broadcast on April 26 and 27. The last was scheduled for May 7.

The abruptness of the move left the 'Galeri Mandarin Nasional' time slot vacant with nothing to replace the series.

Malaysiakini was told that for today and tomorrow, RTM has decided to extent the noon Chinese news time to fill the 30-minute 'Galeri Mandarin Nasional' slot.

As for next week, RTM will resort to re-running old series of 'Galeri Mandarin Nasional'.

NONE Malaysiakini tried to contact Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Culture Heng Seai Kie (right) for confirmation and clarification, but she claimed to be engaged at a meeting and was unable to respond.

A Sarawak indigenous blogger is unhappy with the RTM decision to put off the Bakun Dam series.

Wing Miku wrote in his blog Belagakini that by killing the series, indigenous people had lost another rare chance to voice out their plight.

He challenged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to prove his ‘1Malaysia' concept by bringing back the series.

'If it is true that the ‘1Malaysia' is not just a slogan, put back the documentary on Bakun-Sg.Asap tomorrow 12.20pm, and there is big chance that the Ulu Belaga people will support the BN.

'If not, we will be forced to take our grievance to the opposition leaders,' he wrote.