PARLIAMENT | A complaint by an MP from Sarawak over the lack of press coverage of state government events earned her a tongue lashing from a cabinet minister.

When Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo's (Harapan-Puchong) was answering a question on media ownership by politically linked entities in the Dewan Rakyat today, Nancy Shukry (PBB-Batang Sadong) asked if it was a federal government policy to limit reporting of Sarawak government events.

In response, Gobind said he had stated his stand on media independence many times before and that there has been press coverage by government-owned media organisations of Sarawak government events.

However, the minister added, the Sarawak government had a clear policy of preventing state government-appointed community leaders from attending events held by Pakatan Harapan lawmakers.

"You come (here) and ask for freedom, but when it comes to us, we are not allowed (to have freedom in Sarawak). This has to stop.

"I know you are a professional. Please go to talk to your Sarawak chief minister. Tell him to do the right thing," an irate Gobind said.

Mid-way through Gobind's reply, Nancy interjected and said the minister should not conflate state government policy and press freedom. Gobind ignored her.

The Sarawak government had defended their policy on grounds that community leaders are paid monthly by the state government. The state government has also routinely banned Harapan leaders from entering the state.

The state government figures have been complaining that they were receiving less press coverage following the May 9 election.