'Media practitioners should exercise freedom of expression responsibly'

Media practitioners in Malaysia should exercise freedom of expression responsibly, without jeopardisng harmony or causing chaos in the country, said Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president Yong Soo Heong.

He emphasised the need for the media to celebrate freedom of expression while avoiding sensitive issues such as race, religion and royalty (3Rs).

“The media should focus on issues that strengthen racial relations rather than dividing our society. It’s important that we live harmoniously,” he told Bernama.

He stressed the importance of highlighting Malaysia’s achievements to the world, rather than focusing on trivial matters that could disrupt harmony in the country.

World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on May 3 each year, raises awareness about the importance of press freedom and supports the right to freedom of expression in line with the concept of Malaysia Madani.

The former Bernama editor-in-chief said that press freedom is at a satisfactory level, with no restrictions from authorities as long as sensitive issues such as the 3Rs are avoided.

He highlighted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s openness to criticism as a sign of the government’s willingness to accept criticism and make positive changes.

Meanwhile, Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day said the tabling of the Malaysian Media Council Bill has the potential to enhance media freedom and integrity in the country.

According to the coalition, this legislative move demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding press freedom and reinforces the resilience of Malaysia's media landscape.

Meanwhile, Johor Media Club president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak said that media freedom is crucial in a democratic country but needs to be exercised responsibly by mainstream media practitioners.

Fauzi, who is also Federation of Malaysian Media Clubs president, hopes that all media practitioners will shoulder the responsibility and avoid sensitive issues, especially those related to the 3R and fake news.

Zaid Mohd Noor, deputy president of the Terengganu Media Journalists Club, emphasised the importance of media freedom in enabling the media to convey the wishes of the people, who have the right to freedom of expression.

“All parties should have the freedom to express themselves and the media should report their statements without any restrictions. However, currently, media freedom in Malaysia is still limited,” he said.

Sabah Journalists Association president Muguntan Vanar expressed hope for the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council to enhance media independence in the country.

“We hope that the media council will promote the independence of the press, allowing for responsible, ethical, and fair journalism,” he said.

On Feb 21, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Media Council Bill will be tabled in Parliament in June.

Fahmi, who is the government spokesperson, said the bill is being finalised by the Attorney-General's Chambers and will be brought to the cabinet for approval before being tabled in Parliament.

- Bernama