Human Resources Minister Dr Fong Chan Onn must provide a satisfactory explanation for meeting editors of The Sun to dispel any allegations that his party, MCA, was meddling in the daily's editorial policies.

DAP secretary general Kerk Kim Hock who said this today, added Fong must explain why he was with other MCA leaders if he had met the editors in his ministerial capacity.

"Fong has certainly come up with a very weak and unconvincing explanation to rebut allegations made against him and the MCA Team A leaders," said Kerk in a statement.

On Wednesday, Fong who is also MCA vice-president, admitted meeting the editors of the daily last year but claimed it was part of his normal function as the human resources minister.

The minister also said he usually meets with newspaper editors on matters pertaining to collective agreements.

He added that other MCA leaders had also met with editors in their capacity as ministers.

Critical coverage

Fong said this in response to a malaysiakini report on Jan 8 which said he had led a delegation of MCA Team A leaders to meet with The Sun editors over the daily's critical coverage of the party and the prominence given to Team B leaders.

Malaysiakini also reported that the delegation had at least five meetings with the editors to convey their dismay over the coverage.

Meanwhile, Kerk said since the minister did not deny that the MCA delegation had met with the editors, he must then reveal what had transpired during those meetings.

Kerk also questioned the need for the minister to meet with editors and not the daily' management team if the meetings were held to discuss issues pertaining to collective agreements.

"And if that is also the case, why must he lead an MCA delegation?" asked Kerk.