National Union of Journalists (NUJ) president Chin Sung Chew today called for the working conditions of journalists to be improved to rid  their tendency to accept bribes.

In his keynote address at the organisation's extraordinary delegates conference (EDC) this morning, he said the first step in advancing the cause of press freedom lies in improving the journalists' welfare.

"A journalist who does not enjoy good pay and working conditions cannot advance press freedom as he or she will be tempted to fall prey to corruption and the so-called envelope journalism to survive," he told some 40 delegates in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

Anbazhagan NUJ secretary and president Chin Sung Chew (right) However, Chin ( right in photo ) also stressed that the media practitioners must have the courage to carry social, legal and professional responsibilities and religiously adhere to the Code of Ethics required in their job.

The senior reporter of Sin Chew Daily said the advancement of technology has enabled readers to compare news and views of traditional media with the new.

"The public will support journalists and media putting their interest and welfare first and this could be done by upholding journalistic ethics," he said.

How to counter pressure

He said journalists can advance their professional responsibilities by forming a collective organisation, to counter pressure from employers who often subjugate ethical considerations in favour of commercial interests and from the government that frequently persecutes them.

Meanwhile, NUJ secretary-general V Anbalagan  dug out the old  battle cry that the media is the "fourth estate", and it should behave like one.

NUJ is holding a half-day meeting to debate two resolutions, one of which is for all its members to sign a fair and balanced reporting pledge for the coming general election.

The second resolution calls on the winner of the 13th GE to establish a parliamentary select committee to review all existing legislation to give effect to freedom of speech.

Both resolutions were passed unanimously by the delegates.