KULAI, May 20 — The Unity Government supports efforts to preserve the independence of the media through the proposed establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC), said Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching.
She said that once established, MMC will also provide checks and balances for the Unity Government.
“Certainly (the government supports media freedom), but the media must exercise responsible reporting to prevent conflicts, because sometimes we receive complaints from the public, for example, there are pictures of underage children being published. (Publishing) Fake or biased news is not responsible for reporting, so it must be held accountable.
“However, if the government takes action against the media, questions of whether there is a motive behind it will be raised, so it is better to establish an independent body for the benefit of the local media industry,” Teo told reporters after attending the IOI Putra Charity Run programme, earlier today.
The Kulai MP was responding to queries as to whether the establishment of the MMC would entirely guarantee the freedom of the local media or would have the opposite effect.
Therefore, she hopes the bill for the establishment of the MMC will be tabled in Parliament this year, so the efforts to establish the council can be realised as soon as possible.
Teo added the establishment of the MMC, which will be managed by the industry itself, will also be able to improve the image and credibility of local media agencies among the general public.
“When the media is held accountable for its reporting, the public recognises and trusts the news delivered in the newspaper or on television. That is what we want for the benefit of the media industry itself.
“I do not think that is a healthy development in the industry if there isn’t accountability in news reporting because the public will no longer trust the news reported by the media,” she said.
MMC’s members will consist of individuals from several categories, with the majority of them being local media industry players.
“The first category includes the owner of a media company or agency; the second is media practitioners; and the third is non-governmental organisations related to the media industry including academics.
“Several government representatives will also be part of the council, but it will still be managed entirely by industry players themselves to ensure that it is also free from government control,” Teo said.
On May 11, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil was reported as saying that the bill for the establishment of the MMC was expected to be tabled in Parliament by March next year.
— Bernama
