The government is drafting a proposal for a national media council to be tabled for discussion before the cabinet in about two weeks time, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said today.

He said towards this, the government hoped to get participation from all sectors and from as broad a spectrum as possible.

"I am in the process of setting up its structure now […] I've just had a meeting with the heads of department and indicated that we want to get participation from all angles.

"The name and the actual structure of who will form part of it and so forth have not yet been decided.

"This is something that I propose to put up in cabinet perhaps in two weeks time if I can," said Gobind after chairing a meeting with his ministry's officers this afternoon.

The minister also revealed that he had instructed Bernama TV News to resume broadcast of its news bulletins in Tamil and Mandarin besides asking for a report on why they were stopped in the first place.

"I have directed Bernama TV to resume the Chinese and Tamil news programmes and I have asked them to start this in two weeks time if possible.

"A lot of people who had come to see me and asked why these programmes were removed as it had been very beneficial to them. This is the reason why I asked them to be resumed," he said.

On faster Internet speeds, Gobind said he will be meeting local telecommunication companies (telcos) over the next two weeks to discuss the issue.

“We are looking at two aspects, first is to double the speed and the other is halving the cost. I will meet with the telcos perhaps next week or the following week to discuss the way forward,” he said.

Long-term solutions

The minister stressed the ministry' policy of ministry of engaging with all media sectors remained and he had already started to meet with them.

"I have said earlier that I am going to engage all sectors and I have started the process. I went to RTM and to Bernama and I am going to visit Finas perhaps next week.

"There are many associations that have also come forward and spoken to me about their concerns besides giving me suggestions.

"I think what is needed are discussions and dialogues. I want to make sure all sectors are heard so that we can come out the solutions which are long term," he said.

He reiterated he was willing to meet everyone relevant and welcomed all suggestions.

"Those who want to contribute can write to ministry or even call or text me and I will get back to them. I will try to connect with them and hear them out," he assured.