'Allegation to close Bernama TV's Mandarin, Tamil channels untrue'

MIC deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam wants Bernama TV's Mandarin and Tamil channels to continue delivering accurate government news and information to the people.

Dr Subramaniam, who is also health minister, said an allegation by opposition leaders that both channels would soon be closed to 'punish Chinese and Indian voters' for not fully supporting the government and Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 13th General Election, was untrue and unfounded.

"If there are those who do not support the government, we have a responsibility to approach them, and communication is one of the most important channels in this matter.

"We must have Mandarin and Tamil channels in Bernama TV, because what is being done by the government must be conveyed to the people. So, the channels must remain open as a measure to reach out to the people and government," he said after recording a special press conference in conjunction with Deepavali at his residence here Wednesday.

Recently, several Tamil dailies reported that the Mandarin and Tamil channels in Bernama TV, which started in 2001 would be closed soon.

Dr Subramaniam, who is also chairman of the Special Implementation Taskforce on the Indian Community which is under the Prime Minister's Department, said he would bring up the matter in the next Cabinet meeting.