Two PAS leaders under fire over their treatment of journalist Minderjeet Kaur, who had attempted to seek their comments over the Kedah government’s move to end gambling licences in the state, has downplayed criticisms raised by journalist groups and others.

Speaking in an interview with online portal Malaysia Gazette, Deputy Human Resources Minister Awang Hashim insisted he was merely “advising” the journalist to pose her question, initially addressed to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad, in Malay rather than English.

“I understand her reason for asking in English. I asked her...