MALAYSIA: Minister clarifies 'slur' on bloggers

Tourism Minister says his comments were actually a reference to an Indonesian journalist who criticized ministry in her blog

Straits Times
Saturday, March 17, 2007

Kuala Lumpur --- Tourism Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor has clarified that he did not label all women bloggers as liars.

The minister recently sparked a controversy among the local Internet community by reportedly describing bloggers as "liars" and "mostly jobless women."

When asked to comment on Thursday, he said his statement was specifically made with reference to an Indonesian journalist who wrote in her blog about the ministry's inefficiency.

Many women's groups have criticised him for making the statement.

Tengku Adnan said he loved "all women" and was "here because of a woman."

"In fact, most of my supporters in my constituency are women," he said.

Date Posted: 3/17/2007