KUALA LUMPUR – There is no place in the nation for media outlets that promote societal violence and hate speech, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
Speaking at the launching of the National Press Club’s (NPC) Professional Development Series (PDS) Programme, Teo lamented that “malicious manipulation campaigns” have been a global issue that targets media outlets.
Highlighting the broader issue beyond cyber-troopers and media bullies, Teo underscored the need for nations to prioritise the information sphere as a security concern.
“The media are often targeted to carry the messages of external forces that are not in the best interests of the country or its people,” she said during her speech at the Tunku Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR), here, this evening.
“Empowering journalists with the tools to tell the difference between misinformation and facts may seem simple, but the complexity of technology and motivated threat actors has never been more difficult.
“Some media have been established to promote societal violence and hate speech – this media has no place in Malaysia or any civilised society.”
Also present were Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din as well as NPC president and group executive director of Big Boom Media, which publishes Scoop, Datuk Ahirudin Attan.
They were joined by Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin and IPPTAR Academy division chief S. Kumaran.
While acknowledging the government’s role in organising educational campaigns to guide youth and the elderly away from such media outlets, Teo emphasised individual responsibility.
“We must realise that simply visiting (such platforms) rewards the site, and the algorithm does the rest.
“The rejection of harmful and dangerous content is not just good for the individual, but for the nation as a whole,” she said.
Teo underscored the significance of the PDS programme, urging the NPC to collaborate with the government in promoting good governance.
This collaboration includes reporting on corruption, advocating for transparency in the government, and holding institutions accountable.
In return, Teo assured the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability.
The PDS programme, anticipated to be held annually, aims to empower Malaysian journalists by preparing them for changes in the media landscape.
This includes technology shifts, policy reforms, work trends, and the internalisation of news.
The inaugural programme will offer 10 courses nationwide, spanning from January 9 to February 29, 2024. – December 14, 2023