The media here is given freedom but 'we can also revoke their permits', said Information Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir today in his warning to the media to stop harping on racial issues.

He said the media should not focus on monetary gains at the expense of racial harmony and publish stories that could pose a threat to national security.

"To boost sales, newspapers sometimes like to play up issues than can inflame racial sentiments. This is very dangerous for a multi-racial country like ours. Actually, there are many other ways for the media to make profits.

"I've to constantly remind the media not to be involved with issues that can undermine racial unity," he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report

Kadir said the media must complement government programmes and initiatives to enhance unity among the country's multi-racial society.

"We issue permits and give freedom to the media, be it owned by an individual or a company, to make money because we encourage them to venture into the industry but we can also revoke their permit.

"If we want to be safe in the long-run ... for our children and grandchildren, every citizen must be responsible and contribute towards promoting national unity," he added.

Media control

Critcis have taken the government to task over its control on the media via permits that have to be reviewed annually and a myriad of restrictive laws.

However, government officials have argued that the check is necessary to ensure stability and harmony in a multiracial and multireligious society.

Meanwhile, Kadir also reiterated his call to Information Ministry staff to be bold in proposing constructive ideas to change outdated procedures and regulations in efforts to transform the ministry to be the country's best.

"If there are any rules outdated, of no benefit ... start to change. Before they're scared but now, after been given the encouragement, they're brave (to change procedures).

"I'm confident it can improve their work efficiency," he added.

Asked on RTM's corporatisation, Kadir said it was in the final stage and the state-owned television station would be corporatised this year.