Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin said today that his ministry will publish sensational comments posted on Lim Kit Siang's blog through the website of the ministry and its agencies for the people to evaluate them.

Bernama quoted him as saying that the people could assess whether the opposition leader's blog adheres to 'genuine journalism ethics'.

State-owned RTM has published the comments on its website today under the title 'Media Baru' (new media).

"This will enable the people to evaluate Kit Siang's comments (as to) whether they are suitable for publication by any media in line with the free, transparent and liberal press as announced by the prime minister.

"Having access to the comments, the people can conclude whether is this the kind of freedom they want, especially in a plural society like in Malaysia," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Umno assembly.

'Goblok' blog writers

Zainuddin said the people's evaluation would determine whether Kit Siang, who is also member of parliament for Ipoh Timur, was part of the group whom the minister called "goblok" blog writers.

"Goblok" means stupid in Indonesian language.

He said the DAP adviser, a former journalist, had brought down the level of press freedom in the country.

The minister said recently Kit Siang's blog carried a reader's comment that he (Zainuddin) and Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin should be killed by Mat Rempit (illegal road racers).

Zainuddin said such comments can be forgiven if the blog was operated by ordinary individuals as they are not professionals and did not have journalism ethics.

"But what was posted on the opposition leader's blog was the voice and policy of a political party.

"Kit Siang's blog must be more responsible on the prevailing social harmony among the people and political stability in the country," he added.

More video - Zam vs Malaysiakini again

Click below to watch 8-min video of Zam's press conference