Govt committed to establishing Media Council - Fahmi

The Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) are committed to ensuring the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC).

Its minister Fahmi Fadzil said this is the government’s commitment to continue enhancing media freedom and assist media practitioners to face challenges.

“This effort may involve changes in the laws and provisions… to encourage transparency and accountability in the media sector,” he said in his speech at the 2023 National Journalists’ Day celebration (Hawana 2023), in Ipoh, Perak today.

Fahmi said Malaysia’s ability to improve its status in the World Press Freedom Index 2023 is a result of the government’s commitment led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to guarantee press freedom for all media practitioners in the country.

Malaysia is ranked 73rd in the World Press Freedom Index 2023, as released by Reporters Without Borders, the highest Malaysia has achieved in many years.

Fahmi (above, second right) said he hopes members of the media will be able to hold conversations that will broaden horizons and carry on with what needs to be done for the future of this industry.

“However, I would like to remind that press freedom is not a ticket or licence to disseminate information from unreliable sources, or slanderous news that can harm the peace and security of the people and the country,” he said.

Fahmi said that in line with the accelerated growth in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) including in media industries, media practitioners should help the government to understand and address some of the regulatory challenges.

“It is important to ensure the country is devoid of issues related to racial sensitivity, security, religious sensitivity, sabotage of economy, or other issues that may harm unity and peace,” he said.

He added that KKD will continue to be committed to safeguarding the welfare of media practitioners in the country.

“For that purpose, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme - Tabung Kasih@Hawana - was launched to unite former media personnel and to assist veteran journalists who are suffering from sickness.

“The initiative to be introduced by the ministry through Bernama will track down journalists who need assistance,” he said.

The three-day Hawana 2023 celebration, with the theme ‘Media Bebas, Tunjang Demokrasi’ (Free Media, Pillar of Democracy), which aims to re-emphasise the issue of media freedom for journalists in carrying out their duties, began today.

The date May 29 was gazetted as National Journalists’ Day, marking the publication of the first edition of the Malay newspaper, Utusan Melayu, on May 29, 1939.

Media Council bill by March 2024

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Media Council bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament by March next year.

Fahmi said his ministry is in the final phase of drafting the bill before conducting engagement sessions with media industry players.

“We will forward the draft to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for review and then it will be brought to the cabinet. After the cabinet approves, it will be tabled in Parliament.

“We expect it to be as early as October when Parliament is in session or at the latest in the first session in 2024, around March,” he said at a media conference after the Hawana 2023 main event officiated by Anwar today.

He said after the bill is tabled and approved, the following Hawana celebrations could be managed and conducted by the Malaysian Media Council in line with the prime minister’s intentions.

Fahmi also said his ministry is studying issues related to advertising expenditure brought up by media practitioners during previous engagement sessions.

“I have received some initial framework on mechanisms used by other countries. But to review and adapt it to the local situation, I expect we can form a task force for a more comprehensive engagement process.

“After that process is complete, we can bring a draft on it to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, followed by the cabinet,” he said, adding that he hoped industry players would continue giving ideas and suggestions to realise that effort.

On the initial RM1 million funding for Tabung Kasih@Hawana announced by the prime minister, he said it would bolster efforts by his ministry to continue to engage journalists who face health and financial issues.

“I really do understand the situation they face. Besides financial aid, there are other aspects we can look at, for instance, helping them find a new career or how they can benefit from the digital economy to survive,” he added.

- Bernama

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