Resolve Bernama's woes to fight fake news, Geramm tells govt
Press freedom group Geramm today urged Putrajaya to address issues faced by the government's media arms in its effort to fight fake news.
This comes after a Bernama employee alleged that the media company was slashing staff strength and spending at its Chinese broadcast news unit.
Press freedom group Geramm today urged Putrajaya to address issues faced by the government's media arms in its effort to fight fake news.
This comes after a Bernama employee alleged that the media company was slashing staff strength and spending at its Chinese broadcast news unit.
In a statement, Geramm also said they stand in solidarity with the outgoing staff member Sydney Yap Xi Ni (above) after the news agency stated that they will take legal action against her for allegedly defaming the company on Facebook.
"Geramm is of the view that it is the responsibility of each company to guarantee their employees' rights and in this context, the journalist’s right to carry out their duties safely. This includes the right to salary, leave and a fair annual increment from the company,” it said.
Owing to financial constraints companies face due to various reasons, Geramm stressed that any cost-cutting measures which include pay cut or freeze on increments should be discussed with employees so that a mutual agreement can be reached.
"It must be stressed the issues raised are generally the reality faced by the Malaysian media, especially after Covid-19. Downsizing operations would incur stress on media practitioners and affect their role as the main information provider for the rakyat.
"As for Yap's statement, we hope that the government, in its effort to address increasing numbers of 'wannabe journalists' and stem fake news, takes immediate measures to resolve Bernama’s woes," said Geramm.
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