Wan Saiful: Where's the budget for Media Council?

PARLIAMENT | An opposition lawmaker tasked to shadow the Communications Ministry today questioned the absence of a dedicated allocation under Budget 2025 to set up the proposed Malaysian Media Council.

Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan said while he supports efforts to ensure public safety and preserve national harmony, such moves have also restricted the right to freedom of speech.

"The initiatives are aimed at curbing freedom of speech albeit with good and valid intentions.

"What I would like to ask, particularly in the context of allocations for the Communications Ministry, is where are the efforts to improve the quality and the state of freedom of speech in our country?

"Why was there no dedicated allocation announced to set up the Malaysian Media Council?" he said in debating the Supply Bill 2025.

The proposed establishment of a media council is to develop and implement a code of reporting ethics that can empower the nation's journalism profession and ensure news reporting by the media is done responsibly.

It also serves to promote communication between media practitioners, the government and the public, as well as support the professional development of journalists and media organisations.

Sudden silence

Wan Saiful further questioned whether the government had abandoned its commitment towards promoting a more independent media landscape.

"Why the sudden silence on this issue? There was no announcement (for allocation on the Malaysian Media Council) as if it is not significant.

"Has the government forgotten about the struggle to uphold freedom of speech and the struggle for a professional and independent media in this country?" he asked.

In May, Wan Saiful targeted Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil for Malaysia’s dropping 34 spots to 107th place - as well as losing its top spot among Asean countries - in the Reporters Without Borders annual World Press Freedom Index.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in response, defended the government’s “tough action” against inflammatory speeches, which indirectly contributed to Malaysia’s downgrade.

The Malaysian Media Council Bill is expected to be tabled in this session of the Dewan Rakyat.

The bill will form the legal basis to set up an independent body for media self-regulation.

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