'Worrying trend', Fahmi cites costs to uphold 'free press'

PARLIAMENT | Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil indicated today that the government has a role to play in supporting media operations towards upholding freedom of speech and press.

In his winding-up speech at the end of debates on the Supply Bill 2025, Fahmi responded to Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) who raised the plights of media workers affected by an overall downward industry trend.

“The reality is that, to ensure freedom of speech and freedom of the media, (while) we want freedom of the press, the press is not free, or you can't watch it for free.

“That means we (the government) have to make some contributions.

“It is true that in the last three to four years, I was informed by friends in the media that the trend is generally worrying,” said Fahmi.

“This (trend) relates to the presence of social media companies with platforms that gathered advertising expenditures […] Last year I was made to understand RM4.5 billion was spent on television, newspapers and radio advertisements.

“Unfortunately, with the existence of these social media platforms, a bulk of advertising allocations from private companies had gone there.

“And it is estimated the current advertising expenditures (for media) has dropped from RM4.5 billion to RM2 billion, which means all friends in the media have been affected,” he added.

Wan Saiful earlier highlighted that journalists’ welfare is an important aspect of upholding a free press, noting that Fahmi had on various occasions commented on situations faced by media workers at various companies, including online portals The Vibe and The Malaysian Insight.

Wan Saiful, however, questioned whether alleged political links had resulted in a perceived non-action against owners of the two online portals, following reported complaints of prolonged delays in payments of salaries and mandatory contributions.

Fahmi, in response, said: “Today in this honourable house, I’m giving a stern warning to all media owners, there is no concept of ‘seeking protection’ […] not just the two companies mentioned, but there also others with debts in the tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands and even in the millions.”

Media council

On a related matter, Fahmi said the government will soon announce an allocation to set up the Malaysian Media Council through a cabinet memorandum.

“This initial funding will be used to start operations of the Malaysian Media Council before it can self-fund.

“For this purpose (self-funding), the pro-tem committee has prepared a long-term funding plan that targets financing from other sources,” he said.

Wan Saiful previously questioned the absence of a dedicated allocation under Budget 2025 to set up the proposed Malaysian Media Council through a Bill set to be tabled for first reading in this current Dewan Rakyat session.

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.

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

Online Safety Bill to curb criminal activities on social media - Fahmi

COMMENT | Beware of over-censorship of social media giants

1MDB whistleblower court case raises media freedom concerns: NUJ

Online Safety Bill not to curb freedom of speech - Azalina