Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today clarified that the government's media code of ethics will be the sole standard used in accrediting journalists.
Fahmi said the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) - which is the planned body for media self-regulation, can have its own code, but this would not be used by the Information Department in deciding whether to issue or revoke press passes.
“The updated version of the code of ethics for journalists released by the Information Department yesterday is a separate matter from the code of ethics that will be issued - if any - by the media council.
“I hope media practitioners are not confused on this matter,” he explained.
He said this during a post-cabinet press conference held at the Communications Ministry in Putrajaya today.
Fahmi said this amid pushback from the industry on the government’s role in crafting and implementing the code, questioning the potential overlap with the planned media council.
The code of ethics launched yesterday outlines eight core responsibilities for the media.
These include being the voice of the plural society; being transparent and with integrity; fairness in conveying information, validity and accuracy of information; independence from personal interests; and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of sources.
Yesterday, Fahmi said that the media council, once established, would be tasked with ensuring compliance with the government's ethics code.
However, he said today that it was up to the council whether it wishes to use the Information Department’s code or come up with its own set of guidelines.
The minister said this in response to a question on the possibility of overlap if there were two separate sets of codes.
“If it (media council) wants to use (the existing code) or form a new one.
“The Information Department will only use this code of ethics to revoke or issue accreditation cards for the media.
“This media accreditation card cannot be issued by the media council,” Fahmi added.
It is to note that the press pass is needed to attend official government events and offices, including Parliament.
Press passes
Asked if political mouthpieces would get accreditations or obtain their accredited media passes again if it was revoked, Fahmi said: “Not necessarily”.
“It’s possible (for them to get the media cards back), it’s subject to the Information Department director-general’s decision but policy-wise, no.”
Last November, PAS mouthpiece Harakah Daily’s reporters’ media passes were revoked by the Information Department.
This came after the publication placed an Israeli flag behind Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s photo in the article, which irked the prime minister for trying to link him with the Zionist regime.
The publication then changed the photo it used in the article and submitted an appeal over the revocation of its government-accredited media cards.
Fahmi then said that the government was ready to “forgive” the publication and looked forward to its appeal letter.
Media council bill to be tabled in June
In related news, Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, announced that the cabinet meeting today has approved the formation of an act related to the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council.
He said the next step will be for the Attorney-General’s Chambers to scrutinise it, adding the bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in June.
“It took some time… because a number of discussions and engagement sessions involving the pro tem committee have (just) been completed.
“So, God willing, the formation (of the council) can be done after the bill is passed in the Parliament.” - Mkini
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