rtm

Saturday, March 31, 2001
RTM to counter anti-govt propaganda

KOTA BARU: RTM is to play a more prominent role in countering inaccurate and false reports about the Government, Information Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Zainuddin Maidin said.
"RTM will strive to create public awareness of anti-government elements out to create instability in the country through street demonstrations and other propaganda.

"We'll deal with it in our own way,'' he told reporters after opening the Radio Malaysia Kelantan open day here on Thursday.

He said it was RTM's duty to refute slander with "facts and proof.''

Zainuddin said that RTM's TV news had credibility and radio remained an important medium in channelling news from official sources to the public.

His ministry would take steps to improve RTM's image which was seen as lagging behind privately-owned stations.

Zainuddin said that RTM would update its approach in news presentation.

He urged TV1, which is seen as a Malay channel, to adopt a multi-racial outlook as it is a national channel which should reflect the national identity.

RTM programmes tuning people off, says MP
Susan Loone

8:15pm, Mon: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), the national broadcasting agency was rapped in parliament today for the poor quality of its dramas and movies which are forcing the public to turn to foreign productions.

Barisan Nasional member of parliament for Sri Gading Mohamad Aziz said the plots have remained the same throughout the years and are unable to compete with movies from Hong Kong, Taiwan and India.

Mohamad Aziz was also not tickled by the standard of local comedies.“The funny thing is that the people in the comedy sketches laugh themselves” he said.

He queried deputy information minister Khalid Yunus on the criteria which is used to select TV artistes.“Must they have a pretty face, beautiful voice, good body, slim waist and big buttocks ...,” he said much to the amusement of the House.

Khalid said the question of quality is a subjective one as the script submitted by producers are technical in nature and the question of its quality can only be answered after looking at several areas.

At this point, Mohamad Aziz decided to take a shot at PAS member of parliament for Pokok Sena Mahfuz Omar when he asked whether the latter would qualify as an artiste.

To which Khalild replied, “If you are talking about criteria and whether the MP for Pokok Sena (Mahfuz Omar) or MP for Kuala Kedah (Mohamad Sabu) can be artistes, I would say they are qualified to be the crooks.”

Timber thief

At this juncture, Mahfuz asked for permission to comment and this was granted by house speaker Mohamad Zahir Ismail.

“I would like to know how does RTM qualify someone for the role of timber thief,” asked Mahfuz, drawing more laughter from the MPs.

Mahfuz was referring to the police report lodged by Beserah state assemblyman Fauzi Abdul Rahman against Information minister Khalil Yaakob alleging the latter had abused his power in awarding timber concessions in the state when he was mentri besar of Pahang.

Khalid refused to comment and immediately turned his attention to BN member of parliament for Larut Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar.

Ahmad wanted to know if a panel consisting of people who were not from RTM had been set up to monitor and improve the quality of its production.

Khalid said three panels had been set up headed by the minister, deputy minister and parliamentary-secretary to monitor RTM’s production in all aspects. The panels will select professionals who will give their views on how to improve the programmes, he said.

Mohamed Aziz commented that people actually “miss” watching a good drama and since there were none, they become addicted to Hong Kong, Bollywood and Hollywood movies.

He asked if the cost factor played a role in the quality of production, which resulted in the engagement of inferior directors and script writers. Khalid admitted it played a vital role and added that the ministry will look into the matter.