Responding to a joint statement released by the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) and the Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm), Fahmi said he was aware that some journalists have not received their salaries for the past six months.

“This is unacceptable. It shouldn’t be happening. We want a free press, but a free press is not free (without salary),” he told reporters in Busan, South Korea, today.

Fahmi said the media companies must immediately settle the outstanding dues with their staff.

“I am ready to be a mediator. Before this, we have already assisted with the welfare of some workers from these media organisations. Now, the companies must make things right and settle their debts,” he said.

His comments come after the NUJ and Geramm urged the media companies to settle the unpaid salaries and other contributions owed to their staff, which they said were in violation of the Employment Act 1955.

They said any delay in payment represents a form of oppression and reflects management’s failure to protect the rights of their workers.

The journalists are reported to be from The Malaysian Insight and The Vibes.