PARLIAMENT | A backbencher has suggested that the government brief all lawmakers in Parliament on the recently launched Information Department's code of ethics for journalists.
Lim Lip Eng (Harapan-Kepong) said the briefing will allow room for debate on how the code, launched on Feb 20, will be implemented.
“I am sad because the government never briefed MPs on the implementation of this media ethics code.
“Therefore, I’m asking for implementation of the ethics code to be postponed, and I also ask the government to explain the issue in the Dewan Rakyat so that it can be debated by government and opposition MPs,” Lim said in his debate of the royal address.
The government had said the code is an update of the Malaysian Press Institute’s version in 1989, which the Information Department has been using as a guideline, including on approvals for media accreditation.
The code of ethics outlines responsibilities for the media including being the voice of a plural society, being transparent and having integrity, being fair in conveying information, ensuring validity and accuracy of information, being independent from personal interests, and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of sources.
Press freedom advocates had questioned the need for the government to launch a separate media code of ethics, ahead of the planned formation of a media council which was intended as a platform for self-regulation.
‘In the dark’
Commenting further, Lim expressed disappointment over the government’s decision and that he was personally in a dilemma on whether to support or criticise the implementation of the new media code of ethics.
“I want to ask how an MP can support the government in this issue when we were kept in the dark.
“I also felt embarrassed when asked by friends from the media, ‘What was the rationale for this code?’“ he added. - Mkini
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