The local media must convey honest information and not be exploited by those with dangerous economical or political agendas, said Information Minister Khalil Yaakob today.

"News aired over the electronic media, especially radio, television and internet must be based o­n ethical and honest reporting tenets, taking into account the interests of the country's plural society," he said.

The minister said media practitioners must formulate a method of jurisdiction to control the dissemination of information which is considered extreme.

He added that the jurisdiction must take into account the country's security aspects since uncontrolled information would a pose a threat to unity and racial harmony.

"Malaysia with a multi-racial society and with diverse cultures, traditions and beliefs must preserve these esthetics through dissemination of complete information," he was quoted as saying by Bernama at a function in Kuala Lumpur.

He said an effective legislation was required to ensure that the flow of information in a borderless world does not infringe the cultural limits and breach the country's laws.

Khalil said content that was free flowing and exceeded the cultural norms of the Malaysian society must be monitored and prevented so that it would not poison the minds and influence people's lifestyles.

The minister added that developments in information technology and the internet explosion had brought about changes.

Laws necessary

Khalil also defended the laws which restrict media freedom as a necessity to safeguard the country's well-being.

He said the laws, such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act and Sedition Act, were not aimed at curtailing the flow of information, but more of a legislation that monitored the roles and movements of the local media.

"Formulation of these laws do not make this country undemocratic, but they are laws that have to be enforced to ensure the success of the aspirations of the country and people," he said.

He also urged the electronic and print media to air more intellectual discourse programmes and informative articles that could enrich the people's knowledge.

He added that issues o­n urbanisation, socio-politic or socio-economic and daily living could be highlighted in the programmes to provide an opportunity for the masses to discuss problems arising from time to time.