Freedom of the media is a priority of the new federal government to ensure there is an effective check and balance of the administration, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.
He said the setting up of the Malaysian Media Council could be a way to achieve that goal.
“As the minister, I myself am open to this (establishment of Malaysian Media Council) but of course, it needs the approval of the cabinet.
“Give it a little time, we will look into it,” Fahmi said after attending a briefing during his visit to the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Communications and Digital Ministry secretary-general Mohammad Mentek and members of Bernama’s management, including its chairperson, Senator Ras Adiba Radzi and CEO Roslan Ariffin, were also present.
Also in attendance were Bernama deputy editor-in-chief (International News Service) Jamaluddin Muhammad, who is also discharging the duties of the editor-in-chief, and executive editor Harlina Samson who is also discharging the duties of deputy editor-in-chief (News Services).
‘More details needed from media industry’
Fahmi said so far the proposed establishment of the Media Council has yet to be discussed in the cabinet and he promised to provide updates if there is a decision reached.
On Monday (Dec 5), Fahmi said he needed more details from media industry players regarding the proposed establishment of the council, especially from journalist associations, besides assuring that media freedom and the welfare of media practitioners in the country would be given priority.
The proposal for a Malaysian Media Council was mooted at the inaugural celebration of National Journalists Day (Hawana) in 2018.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said he would get additional information on Budget 2023 for the Ministry of Communications and Digital which is expected to be tabled at the end of the first quarter of next year.
On his visit to Bernama, Fahmi said he would look into several issues, including those to be raised at next year’s Hawana celebrations.
During his visit, the Lembah Pantai MP was taken on a tour of the Digital Division of Bernama and given a briefing on its operations.
“I am pleased with this Digital Division, which for me may be one of the concepts of the future, not only in digital terms but also on the battle between valid and false information,” Fahmi added.
- Bernama
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