This is not the first time that only certain media outlets have been allowed to attend the prime minister’s official functions, in a practice that was prevalent under the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) administration.

Several media outlets were also barred from covering other official visits by heads of state including Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.

It is believed that Mahathir’s meeting with Ma today is to discuss the future of the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) in Sepang, Selangor.

The project was conceived under the former BN-led government, with Ma appointed as the digital economy adviser.

The Pakatan Harapan government, led by Mahathir, has said that it is reviewing all Chinese mega projects initiated under the Najib Razak administration.

Ma is also expected to meet with Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo later this afternoon for the launch of the Alibaba office at Bangsar South.