UMNO AGM: "I never said there was a media blackout" - Tengku Adnan

"I never said there was a media blackout."

So said UMNO secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor following claims that the upcoming UMNO general assembly would be off-limits to all media.

He said he had never made that statement, as reported by several media earlier today.

"That's the problem. I didn't say it. You (the media) said it.

"There is no decision made yet on allowing (or not allowing) media coverage for the general assembly. We will announce later once a decision is made," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby this evening.

Earlier today, it was reported that Tengku Adnan, who is also Federal Territories Minister, had said that there would be a media blackout on the UMNO general assembly, slated for Dec 8 to 12.

He was reported to have said that the move was due to several media practitioners, especially online news portals, having the tendency to publish incorrect news and 'spin' facts.

"There is a worry about the action several media who would ‘spin’ their news from the delegates’ speeches.

"This is what I want to avoid. If no media practices any spinning, then we have no problem allowing them coverage," he added.

READ: Only VPs to handle press conferences at AGM - Tengku Adnan

It was also initially reported that only the keynote speech by Prime Minister and party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak would be open for media coverage at the general assembly.

Meanwhile, UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he himself was unaware of the party's apparent decision to restrict the media from covering the general assembly.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, said told reporters this after a pinning of the rank ceremony of the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) for young leaders today.