Information Ministry parliament secretary senator Zainuddin Maidin today injected some life in an otherwise nondescript Parliament when he attacked PAS' organ Harakah for allegedly publishing false news.

Zainuddin, popularly known as Zam, was explaining the role of government media RTM when he accused Harakah of printing unsubstantiated news in order to denigrate the government.

Zam insisted that RTM would give the opposition coverage but saw no need for that as the government had already permitted many Harakah issues to be published for that purpose.

Zam also criticised the DAP for consorting with "extremists" (PAS) in trying to establish an Islamic state as desired by the former.

"It is RTM's responsibility to tell the people that the DAP is trying to frighten the people, especially the Chinese, about the Islamic state issue," he said.

At this point, DAP MP for Kota Melaka Kerk Kim Hock stood up and asked Zam if RTM could provide coverage of MCA leaders who had publicly endorsed Umno's version of an Islamic state by calling it a "secular Islamic state".

Kerk also requested Zam to cover Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Ting's statement that prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's Islamic state was a political agenda to handle PAS.

According to Kerk, Ong had said this publicly in one of his ministry's functions.

Commotion

The situation in the house was manageable until Zam continued to attack the opposition while defending RTM as being fair and professional in its news coverage.

"You have to accept that we are the government. That it is the party (Umno) that controls the government. If PAS took over they would do the same," said Zam.

"You accused us of using the media [to support the incumbent government] in the general elections, which is not true. You accused us of being immoral. You say that the prime minister should be buried in the mausoleum," he added, directing his attacks to PAS.

At this juncture, several PAS MPs stood up to seek clarification on his allegations, to which Zam said he would bring the proof the next day.

A commotion ensued with MPs from both sides of the political divide trying to challenge each other.

At this point, House speaker Mohamed Zahir Ismail adjourned the session for 10 minutes.

When the House resumed, he advised the MPs to always preserve the sanctity of the House.

"You have to remember your duty as MPs You have to be considerate about each others' feelings at all times and maintain the good name of this House," said Mohamed Zahir.

Own agendas

Continuing his speech, Zam said that all print publications had their own agendas and made their own stands on issues from time to time.

"If they decide to support the government on certain issues, can we blame the government?"

Zam further commended the government-controlled media for their 'staying power' and professionalism.

He said the press is responsible for neutralising the people's sentiments especially after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks.

"Despite being boycotted, slapped with court cases, we have managed to exist until today due to our professionalism," he said.