RTM free to report without restrictions, Fahmi assures

Summary

• There are no limitations on RTM to report on any type of news, including high-profile cases, Fahmi Fadzil says.

• Communications minister adds that the public broadcaster provides balanced and responsible coverage without considering political beliefs and the coverage subject.

• Fahmi also stresses that media freedom rights are not absolute as they must be exercised responsibly and ethically.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has assured that public broadcaster RTM is free to report news, including those involving high-profile individuals, without restrictions being imposed.

In a parliamentary written reply released last week, Fahmi highlighted that throughout 2024 to Jan 15 this year, RTM had featured more than 30 abuse of power cases in its reporting, whether via television or radio.

“In fact, some of these cases were covered (by RTM) from the initial stages up to the trial proceedings and eventual sentence by the court,” the minister said.

He added that RTM adheres to providing balanced and responsible coverage without considering political beliefs and the coverage subject.

“(RTM) prioritises the benefits (of its news coverage) to the rakyat and the nation, so as long as (such news) does not involve provocations to any parties,” Fahmi said.

The minister was responding to Hassan Saad’s (PN-Baling) query on measures taken by the government to ensure media freedom and freedom of expression are guaranteed without restrictions on critical reports regarding abuse of power issues.

Fahmi also stressed that while the government supports media freedom and freedom of expression as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, the rights are not absolute as they must be exercised responsibly and ethically.

‘Responsible reporting’

This, he said, would involve taking into account the cultural and religious diversity of society.

As such, he recommended that media practitioners refer to the Content Code 2022 for guidelines on content standards in line with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to ensure responsible reporting does not exceed the limits of media freedom.

He highlighted that Article 10 of the Federal Constitution provides that Parliament may, through legislation, impose any restrictions it deems necessary or expedient in the interest of the nation’s security, public order and moral principles.

Additionally, the minister pointed to the Malaysian Media Council Bill, which was passed in Parliament earlier, as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to upholding media freedom.

The bill, he said, will pave the way towards a more democratic, free and ethical media industry.

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