Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob's anger at the media for allegedly misquoting him has drawn the ire of opposition party DAP.

Describing Adnan's language as crude, ill-mannered, unacceptable and disgraceful, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said an apology was in order.

"The prime minister should stop (him) from behaving like a 'Big Napoleon' and direct him to apologise to both journalists and the public for restricting press freedom and sullying (his office) and state assembly," said Lim in a statement today.

"Even though DAP has repeatedly been a victim of false reporting and lies by Umno and BN-controlled newspapers and television stations, we have never told the media to 'go to hell'."

He was responding to Adnan's attack on journalists yesterday during the motion of thanks on the Royal address during the closing moments of the state assembly.

According to Utusan Melayu , Adnan looked towards the public gallery where reporters were seated, criticised them for misquoting him and said they could "go to hell".

Not only did Adnan repeat the phrase in Malay, he also challenged reporters to publish his remarks.

"Saya pun seronok juga esok keluar surat khabar Perdana Menteri panggil 'apa cerita Nan'?", he said.

(I would find it fun if the newspapers report tomorrow that the Prime Minister has called me to ask, 'What's the story Adnan?')

Adnan was reportedly miffed after being+quoted as saying that the Pahang government would put a stop to logging operations if the federal government pays compensation of RM300 million.

While addressing the state assembly sitting, he clarified that he was suggesting that the federal government should allocate an annual grant of between RM150 million to RM200 million

'File suit instead'

Lim pointed out that there are amicable means of resolving the issue if Adnan had indeed been misquoted, such as demanding an apology and retraction from media organisations.

"Adnan can even stage a demonstration outside the press or TV offices or file a defamation suit in court to seek damages and compensation if he is not satisfied," added Lim.

National Union of Journalists president Norila Daud criticised Adnan's outburst as an abuse of the state assembly.

"If he can call a press conference (where Adnan was supposed to have been misquoted), why not use another press conference as a forum again to clarify his remark?" Norila told malaysiakini .

She said that Adnan, as an elected representative, should lead by example and should not have made such disparaging remarks.

"Of course it is unprofessional (of Adnan). Such words are not part of our culture," she said in response to a question.