KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk R. Ramanan has emphasised the need for all government ministries, departments, and agencies to enhance their corporate communications to better convey government initiatives.
This comes in response to criticism regarding the administration’s handling of public communication.
“I think it’s very important that we acknowledge each ministry has its own Corporate Communications Unit (UKK) to communicate with news agencies throughout the country. Each UKK has a significant role to play,” Ramanan said.
He highlighted the structure of these units, noting that they have directors and secretaries who must ensure the dissemination of accurate news.
Ramanan, who is Sg Buloh MP, made these remarks during a Concorde Club meeting with senior media figures earlier today.
He was responding to a question about the Madani government’s approach to communication, narratives, and strategy, and whether this responsibility should rest solely with the communications minister.
Also present were Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng, The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd associate editor (content and digital) Najmuddin Najib, and Vannakam Malaysia DotCom Sdn Bhd managing director Thiaga Rajan Muthusamy.
Ramanan also noted that the government needs to inform editors of its plans and initiatives ahead of time to allow the public to be better informed.
“To be fair to the Communications Ministry, there needs to be a network where initiatives or new launches are announced in advance to senior editors.”
“This would allow them to prepare the ground and address questions raised by the public,” Ramanan added.
In response to a question about the perception that Pakatan Harapan – which is now heading the Madani government – has lost its effectiveness in countering opposition narratives compared to when it was the opposition, Ramanan said: “Whenever in government, those in power often rely on apparatus like Bernama, The Star, NST, and Berita Harian to follow certain guidelines.
“This can lead to complacency, neglecting the hard work required on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram.”
He emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong social media presence, even when in power.
“We cannot take our position for granted, as we could easily find ourselves out of government tomorrow.”
The Concorde Club, initiated by Wong and former Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, serves as a forum for journalists and newsmakers to discuss matters of public interest. – August 5, 2024