PUTRAJAYA: Any news about Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's appeal for a royal pardon should come from the Pardons Board and not based on sources, says Fahmi Fadzil.

       The Communications Minister was referring to a news portal's report citing a source who claimed that the board had granted a full pardon to Najib.

       Fahmi, who is also government spokesman, said it is very important for the media to verify the authenticity of any information received before publishing it.

       "Sometimes, the authenticity of the source cannot be ascertained hence it is important to verify the information received.

       "I have also checked with Cabinet strategic communications and YB Azalina (Minister of Law and Institutional Reform Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said) and was told that we have to wait for the Pardons Board," he said in his speech at the ministry monthly assembly here on Tuesday (Jan 30).

       Checks revealed that the news portal had removed the report on Najib's pardon and also apologised to its readers. – Bernama