The ethical journalist would demonstrate accountability to both society and the profession, implies the new code of conduct to be introduced together with the proposed Media Council.

Concluding a two-part series on the code today, malaysiakini highlights principles on the handling of sensitive news subjects in a multi-ethnic society, as well as professional rules for journalists.

Communalism, religion, gender and stereotyping

The journalist must avoid publishing news and views impinging on communal rights, extremism and [what is] contrary to the norms of a pluralistic society.

News, views and comments on communal or religious conflicts, disputes or clashes shall be published only after "vigorous verification of facts". These should be presented with "due caution and restraint in a manner conducive to creation of an atmosphere congenial to communal and religious harmony".

Statements, therefore, should not be accepted as face value from any source including official sources and where necessary, these should be accompanied by corroboration and interpretation.

Acts of communal violence or vandalism shall be reported in a manner that does not undermine the authority of the state and the confidence of society.

Sensational, provocative and alarming headlines should be avoided. Headlines containing allegations made in statements should either identify the source or at least be carried within quotation marks.

The journalist must avoid stereotyping by race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.

The journalist should not emphasise race, sex, nationality, occupation, political affiliation or religious persuasion of persons if such particulars are not important in the context [of the report] and are disparaging.

Sources and confidentiality

The journalist must identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible as to the reliability of the sources.

Confidence should be respected if information is received from a confidential source. The journalist cannot be compelled by the Media Council to disclose such source(s).

However, it would not be regarded as breach of journalistic ethics if the source is voluntarily disclosed in proceedings before the council by the journalist who considers it necessary to effectively answer a charge made against him or her.

The rule requiring a newspaper not to publish matters disclosed to it in confidence is not applicable where:

a) consent of the source is subsequently obtained; or

b) the editor clarifies [in a footnote] that the information is being published because it is in the public interest, although it was provided "off the record".

Plagiarism

In reporting news and presenting views, the journalist should always attribute information fairly to the source(s).

Using or passing off the writings or ideas of another person as one's own, without crediting the source(s), is an offence against intellectual capital and property, and against the ethics of journalism.

Plagiarism of other newspapers, news services, magazines, books, journals and other printed materials, tapes and other recording instruments, as well as digital and online services is prohibited.

Reprints or quotations from previously published material should give due credit to the original source(s).

Accountability and professional rules

A journalist shall be accountable to his/her readers, listeners, viewers and to one another.

A journalist should respect and honour individuals and public figures [in accordance with] fundamental personal and human rights.

Journalists should preserve personal integrity by not demanding or accepting [anything for] either material or non-material [benefit]. They should not accept assignments from anyone not on the editorial staff.

A journalist should avoid conflict of interest and should serve the interests of the reader, viewer or listener as well as the honour of the profession at all times.

He or she should not accept assignments or invitations, free trips or any other benefit that could bring into question his or her credibility and status as a member of the profession, as this may be seen to undermine accuracy, fairness and independence. Wherever it becomes relevant, such acceptance should be disclosed.

The journalist shall not use for his/her own or someone else's profit any unpublished news concerning economic conditions or measures by state authorities at all levels, organisations, companies or private persons.

It is incumbent upon the journalist to understand his/her rights as provided by the constitution and the state, as well as by the conventions of the profession.

The journalist shall clarify reportage of news and views, and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct and the profession.

Journalists should perceive complaints and grievances against the media as a way to improve and maintain high standards of the profession.

Exposure of unethical practices of journalists and media organisations must be acknowledged, followed by prompt correction.

The journalist has the duty to protect the profession and organisation from being influenced in terms of text or programme.

It is incumbent (upon the journalist) not to publish or present within editorial material anything that is not motivated by journalism.