00:00 Columnists should verify with the Youth and Sports Ministry before publishing news reports
00:06 based on hearsay rather than facts.
00:08 Its Minister Hannah Yeoh said this in response to FMT editor Frankie D'Cruz, who in a column
00:13 wrote that Malaysia had American pop star Taylor Swift in its grasp in 2022, but lost
00:18 her to Singapore last year.
00:20 He said although Swift was considered by the government, the opportunity wasn't seized
00:24 when Anwar Ibrahim became Prime Minister after the 15th General Election, reducing a US venue
00:29 management company to a consultant role for enhancing the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
00:34 "They heard Taylor Swift was coming, they reported it.
00:38 But that's not a fact.
00:41 And people will share the news as facts.
00:46 This column should be verified with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before we publish it."
00:53 Meanwhile Yeoh said the Malaysian Motorsports Association would correct the facts of a report
00:58 on the Formula E pre-final.
01:00 This follows an FMT report earlier today that Putrajaya had yet to respond to an invite
01:05 for Kuala Lumpur to host next year's race.
01:07 Yeoh also said the Cabinet would discuss the proposal to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games
01:12 next week, as she did not want to pre-empt the meeting.
01:15 (upbeat music)
