Netizens question use of official media to defend Zahid's Cabinet appointment

Social media users have hit out at the government's use of official media outlets like Bernama to defend the appointment of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as deputy prime minister despite his string of corruption charges in court. 

The information department, through the official Twitter account of Bernama TV, had uploaded a post answering some of the questions raised by the public, including on Zahid's appointment. 

"According to the concept of justice, every person charged with a criminal offence is considered innocent until proven guilty, according to the rule of law in Malaysia," it said. 

"Therefore, it violates no ethics and does not undermine the integrity of this unity government." 

It also explained the time taken by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to appoint the members of his Cabinet, his decision to appoint individuals who lost the election race on Nov 19, and his move to take on the portfolio of finance minister.

Nevertheless, some social media users appeared to remain sceptical and dissatisfied with the moves. 

They also questioned the use of the term "unity government" given that Parliament would also see the presence of the opposition bench. 

"If other parties did something like this, the Pakatan Harapan minions would call it an abuse of the government media," said Twitter user Saifulnizam Hamdan @saifulnh.

"Even if Zahid is innocent until proven guilty, it doesn't look good, having the court cluster in the Cabinet," added Danny @dnnyrziq.

"Can't you just appoint someone with no court cases at all as deputy prime minister?" asked Sic @sicfallacy. 

"Wouldn't that be easier? The talent pool in Malaysia can't be so small that we have to depend on those who have cases pending in court." 

Internet users also asked why official media had been used to explain the matter on behalf of the government. 

"Why make an infographic like this?" said user Y.A @yuyuaziz, who also tagged Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil in his post. 

"Or were they told to do this? Why the need to explain things like this? I thought when the people chose change, the media would be more independent. Looks like I was wrong." 

"Since when has Bernama been a propaganda tool for the government?" asked another user, Tun Faisal @tunfaisal.