Media groups have slammed newly-elected Jelutong MP RSN Rayer for wanting TV3's licence to be revoked.

Institute of Journalists (IOJ) said it was "appalled" by the DAP lawmaker's statement, which went against Harapan's promise to ensure press freedom.

"That promise means less government interference in matters of the media.

"We stress that any action taken against any media house right after forming the government would adversely affect press freedom, as demonstrated by the previous administration," IOJ said in a statement.

It said it hoped the new government would uphold its pledge on press freedom, and urged MPs to be mindful of its comments on the media.

In another statement, Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) said it viewed Rayer's remarks with "grave concern" as it ran contrary to Harapan's promise of press freedom.

"Geramm calls for an immediate retraction of the said statement by the said MP and immediate assurance by Harapan of its support for media freedom.

"There cannot be any double standards in this, and no give in on the stand for press freedom, for it is one of the very basis of the democracy that we have all fought and struggled to instil in this new age for Malaysia. All media must be free," it said.

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang has said that Rayer's statement does not reflect the party or Harapan's stance on media freedom.

Lim also said that Rayer has agreed to abide by Harapan's media freedom stand.