Abdul Rani, in a press interview, has urged the Federal Government not to block online news websites but to seek retractions or corrections of news reports, which were considered inaccurate.
Journalists should not be blamed for carrying out their job, which he described as a noble profession.
“Journalism is a jihad (holy struggle) for Allah. Journalists are like soldiers who fight and are willing to sacrifice their lives, their properties and everything,” he was quoted as saying by Malay Mail Online.
“Don’t blame journalists. Blame those who say what they say. We have discretion, can discuss. Now, if they go overboard with words, it can be retracted. No problem,” he was quoted as saying.
Abdul Rani, who heads the Martabat Jalinan Muhibah Malaysia group, gained notoriety for numerous police reports he has filed against activists and opposition politicians in defence of Malay rights and the Barisan Nasional.
In addition to calling himself “Ayahanda”, he coined the term “kipidap” – or “keep it up” – which is now the title of a book published last year. Keeping in theme, the book is all about the art and importance of making police reports and abiding by the rule of law,
His comments about journalism and the media were made in response to his views about the government’s decision last month to block access to The Malaysian Insider after it published a report linking Prime Minister Najib Razak with alleged wrongdoings in the affairs of 1Malaysia Development Bhd.
Five journalists were questioned by police under the Penal Code, the Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act.
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