Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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(May 28): PAS said its directive to journalists covering its general assembly or muktamar next week was just a “friendly reminder” that should not be taken seriously.

Muktamar director, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said PAS was press-friendly and would not impose any punishment on members of the press who flout the regulations, which include a dress code and coverage of news.

He said a new directive was issued, requiring male media workers to dress neatly and wear shoes. While female Muslim journalists must cover their aurat, their non-Muslim colleagues are required to "dress modestly".

However, the directive maintained that journalists would be banned from the muktamar if they publish "any news which should not have been reported and which causes negative impact on the opinion of the PAS central committee".

“I don’t think (it infringes on media freedom) because all organisers have the right to impose a reasonable requirement. This is very reasonable. Of course, even without the notice, you will not go beyond this,” Takiyuddin told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

“Actually this is a blanket provision only. We are not going to impose anything on the press. Just a gentle reminder only. Don’t have to take it seriously lah. Not serious. We PAS leaders are press-friendly.”

The Islamist party's secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali and information chief Datuk Mahfuz Omar had earlier said they were not aware of any directive issued to the media.

The Star Online had reported that male reporters covering the muktamar could only wear formal office attire and not allowed to dress in striped and chequered long-sleeve shirts or T-shirts.

The previous version of the rules also stated that female Muslim media workers should wear baju kurung, kebaya labuh or long-sleeved blouse, while non-Muslim female journalists should not wear sleeveless tops, as well as tight-fitting and revealing clothes.

“On the dress code, the PAS muktamar committee has issued an official notice today, which nullifies the previous directives. For male media workers, they must dress neatly and wear shoes, no slippers,” said Takiyuddin.

“For Muslim women, they must cover their aurat, it doesn’t matter if they wear trousers, baju kurang or jubah, it is up to them. For non-Muslim women, they must be dressed decently.”

Commenting on the rules regarding news coverage, Takiyuddin said it referred to dishonest reporting.

“We hope that the press do not report on things that did not actually happen, for example, based on their own interpretation.

“For instance, if there are differences of opinion in the debates, but it is reported as a fight or huge clash, then that is not right. That is what I meant. You are free to report on whatever contents of the debate,” said the Kota Baru MP. – The Malaysian Insider

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