Asri, however, failed to provide any specific examples of the alleged provocative reports when levelling the claims against the two portals in a video posted on his Facebook page.

In the video, Asri, who is popularly known as Dr Maza, said “we know who controls them”, in reference to FMT and Malaysiakini.

He went on to say that “their news is provocative and touches on sensitive issues. They showed photos of the kids and they are releasing all sorts of news.

“All sorts of news… they want to provoke….”

Asri however did not elaborate.

FMT categorically rejects Asri’s accusation of publishing “provocative” reports.

FMT’s Managing Director Azeem Abu Bakar said that the reporting was ” fair and factual” as the matter was one of significant national interest which has received widespread media coverage.

Noting that Asri had failed to provide specifics in his accusations, Azeem pointed out that FMT had given comprehensive coverage to the story from various angles.

“We have sought to cover this important issue from all possible angles and did not limit ourselves to merely covering the story from Loh’s point of view,” he said.

While Loh’s plight was a significant part of the story, FMT also reported comments from various other quarters, including Asri’s explanation that the conversion was valid under Perlis state law. FMT also reported Asri as having explained that the conversion had taken place with the children’s father’s express permission which had been given voluntarily.

Apart from Asri’s own comments, FMT had also published the views of several parties on a landmark Federal Court decision in 2018 which held that the conversion of any child under 18 to another religion requires the consent of both parents.

FMT also reported comments by law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, MPs, political party leaders, Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Nor and various NGOs.