Bernama chairperson Azman Ujang said that he can’t be bothered by Bernama News Channel’s host Dahlan Maamor’s urging for him to step down.

“I can’t be bothered to entertain (Saya malas nak layan),” he told Malaysiakini in a WhatsApp message.

Azman also declined to elaborate on Dahlan’s suspension.

“I don’t want to comment on anything because it is an internal matter,” he added.

Dahlan claimed he was suspended by Azman for a Facebook post after raising the ire of Umno.

Dahlan, who hosts Ruang Bicara, had highlighted the views of lawyer Adnan Seman, who was a guest on the live talk show.

Adnan said that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak should consider stepping down to unite the party.

Dahlan claimed his sharing of this on Facebook prompted strong protest from Umno’s media unit secretary, Ahmad Kamal Zailani.

He added that this led to Azman suspending him, an act he described as “unprofessional”.

In another Facebook posting this morning, Dahlan thanked friends who express support and sympathy regarding his suspension.

“I am not the best of people, but in standing by what is right, I will not be discouraged by Azman’s ‘do first think later’ attitude,” he said.

Dahlan said he is now spending time with his family.

“After my suspension, I am only playing with my children and thinking about what’s next. There have been many ideas and suggestions. Let me think before making a decision.

“Anyway Bernama TV needs a change and Azman needs to leave (angkat kaki),” he said in the Facebook posting.

Bernama News Channel was formerly known as Bernama TV.

Adnan today also expressed disappointment that his comment had let to Dahlan’s suspension.