He said in a statement that the producer Gerard Ratnam had felt that the show should focus on current issues like the stalemate over the appointment of the Attorney-General.

“As a responsible news channel, BNC has never turned down or cancelled any interview or cancelled any interview with any individual of different social or political beliefs or background.

“We believe that in assisting the government in nation building, every segment of the community should be given the opportunity to voice their aspiration over the 24-hour news channel which has been in existence since 2008,” he said.

Hakimi said BNC regretted its decision to reschedule Siti’s interview had created confusion and dissatisfaction among viewers and the activist.

He said BNC had informed Siti that they would contact her once a new date had been fixed.

Siti had been livid over the sudden cancellation of the interview.

The interview was supposed to have been featured in a 30-minute show hosted by Tehmina Kaoosji which was supposed to have been aired live at 3.30pm today.

Siti, best known for her strong criticism of Malaysia’s religious bureaucrats, was supposed to have talked about the challenges and reforms in post-election Malaysia.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo subsequently issued a short statement saying national news agency Bernama, which runs the television network, should issue an explanation.