KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has called for cooperation from news outlets and individuals in contributing to a more informed and balanced public discourse devoid of misleading information and manipulation.
In a statement today, the commission referred to reporting on Parliament proceedings by news portal MalaysiaNow and a Facebook posting by veteran journalist Datuk A. Kadir Jasin.
“MCMC emphasises the importance of accurately representing the context of speeches delivered in Parliament and not using the content to spread hatred or incite provocation.
“The commission has observed that some reporting has been weaponised to manipulate the content and fuel disrespectful and divisive narratives.”
MCMC also advised media and news outlets to refer to the Content Code, which it said provides clear guidelines for media practitioners on the standards of content in line with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“By adhering to the Content Code, media practitioners can ensure responsible reporting and avoid crossing legal boundaries of free speech.
“It is essential that media practitioners exercise ethical judgement and refrain from weaponising news content to spread disinformation.”
It is understood that the MalaysiaNow articles referenced by MCMC are about the chaos in the Dewan Rakyat on September 19, which saw the opposition staging a walkout after Bersatu’s Putrajaya MP Datuk Radzi Jidin took offence with a statement from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Earlier today, Kadir posted a statement on Facebook claiming that media freedom has yet again been compromised. – September 22, 2023