Fahmi: Info Dept empowered to revoke media cards

 

The Information Department is authorised to cancel media accreditation cards, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said this was because the department is the one which issues the cards.

Fahmi was responding to a question if the agency is authorised to do so under the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Journalists, which was launched in Putrajaya this morning.

He added that the department would scrutinise complaints and use the code as a guideline to issue or revoke media cards.

This is the first time the ethics manual, launched in 1989 by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), has been reviewed.

Fahmi hoped the code would encourage more responsible and effective journalism.

Furthermore, Fahmi stated that the government is enhancing the code, taking into account the context of the existence of social media and other changes.

"But that's not the be-all and end-all.

"It's not the goal. The goal is to ensure that information conveyed to the public is based on ethical journalistic principles," Fahmi said.

The code contains eight main ethics, and will also be used as a reference for media accreditation card management.

According to Fahmi, this latest version was drafted after consulting with MPI, the National Union of Journalists, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and representatives from the Media Council sponsoring committee.

"It is a joint document developed by the government, organisations representing media, media representatives, and academics.

"This is a good effort that gathers views, energy, findings, and suggestions from various parties for the sustainability and ethical standards of journalism.

"The code is part of the government's effort to shape a culture that is not only concerned with truth but also fair to journalists," he said.

Media freedom

Meanwhile, Fahmi said compliance with the code will be supervised by the Media Council, which will be established.

"The intention is for the Media Council to become a body that will examine aspects if any action needs to be taken among journalists or media organisations.

"I hope and the government hopes that the Media Council can play a role, especially in ensuring that the level of journalism is high," he added.

Fahmi also rejected claims that the code would restrict media freedom.

"We are just improving some things," he said.

Fahmi stated that they would explore the need to expand the use of the code to "quasi-journalists" such as online forum moderators, bloggers, or influencers who also cover news stories.

"It is important so that the overall media landscape in Malaysia can be resilient against fake news or defamation," he added. - Mkini