KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 21): Minister of Communications and Multimedia Gobind Singh Deo said an online petition demanding his resignation has not deterred him from carrying on with his duties to improve the quality of telecommunication services in the country.

"It is a free country. Anybody has the right to petition,” said Gobind. “But my advice to all of them, and all the (telecommunication companies), is simply this: Improve, and all Malaysians will support you.

“I will not stop speaking up for the people or doing my duty as a Minister,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

At the time of writing, the petition has garnered over 23,000 supporters. Among other things, the petition claims Gobind and his Ministry have caused Telekom Malaysia Bhd’s (TM) share price to drop by over RM6, resulting in its market capitalisation cut by a whopping RM12 billion

Responding to the claim, Gobind said it is incorrect to say that the fall in share price was entirely due to the Ministry’s actions.

"I don't think that is correct at all. TM is a huge institution, there are many factors that can affect the share price,” he said.

The Minister noted that the share price of other telecommunication companies had also fallen and yet they have reported increased sales.

“I completely understand about the share price matter, but that doesn't mean a Minister or government official cannot ask or say anything, because if that is the case, then the change that we speak about will not happen," he added.

Gobind said the Government will assist TM to grow its business.

"I think TM has a lot of potential, not just to become a telecommunications leader here in Malaysia, but also globally.

“TM has responded by way of tweet, that they will come and meet me, and I am prepared for that. So let’s talk and try and see how we can solve things," he said.

TM closed six sen or 2.65% higher at RM2.32 today, valuing the group at RM8.72 billion.