KUALA LUMPUR (July 17): The Human Resource Development Corp (HRD Corp) has withdrawn a letter of demand sent to The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said on Wednesday.

Sim told a press conference that he had instructed the agency to retract the letter of demand to the company which publishes The Edge Malaysia weekly and theedgemalaysia.com upon learning of the matter. He stressed that he disagreed with HRD Corp's action.

"I completely disagree with the decision to pursue legal action against the media, as I firmly uphold the freedom of the press. This has been my principle even before we came into government," Sim said during a news conference on Wednesday.

Sim also expressed gratitude to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for criticising HRD Corp's actions, demonstrating strong support towards defending press freedom.

On Tuesday, The Edge reported that HRD Corp had threatened legal action against The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd and one of its journalists for alleged defamation related to its reporting on the PAC and auditor general's findings concerning the agency.

In a letter of demand issued by the law firm Amrit & Company on behalf of HRD Corp, the media company was accused of unfairly, deliberately, and maliciously misquoting, sensationalising, and misinterpreting findings by the National Audit Department in two articles: 'PAC flags dubious property deals by HRD Corp' and 'Frankly Speaking: Total breach of governance at HRD Corp'.

HRD Corp claimed these articles were intended to defame the agency and its officials, exposing them to public scorn and damaging their professional reputations.

The demand letter insisted on the removal of the articles, a formal written apology published in two English dailies and The Edge's website within 48 hours, and sought damages for alleged harm suffered.

Action against management

Meanwhile, responding to calls for the suspension of HRD Corp chief executive officer Datuk Shahul Dawood from several quarters, Sim explained that due process must be followed before any action can be taken.

"Whether in government, government-linked companies, or the private sector, there are procedures for appointment, suspension and dismissal," he noted.

Sim reiterated his commitment to ensuring that no individuals would be shielded if investigations against the agency reveal any wrongdoing, stating that "no one is exempt" if found guilty.

He reiterated that the ministry had filed a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) based on findings from the PAC and the National Audit Department, and emphasised the need for the investigation to proceed without interference.

"In addition, a special task force led by the ministry's secretary general will convene after the parliamentary session to review recommendations from the PAC and the auditor general," he added.