KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Media Council Bill will be presented in Parliament next week, announced Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, following years of efforts by industry stakeholders to establish a regulatory body for the media sector.
Speaking to the press after the Cabinet meeting, Fahmi described the development as “very good news” for the media industry.
The bill aims to create an independent body that will oversee the media sector, with a focus on improving professionalism and transparency. Key measures in the bill include a code of ethics for journalists and clearer guidelines for media practices.
“The Malaysian Media Council Bill has been approved by the Cabinet to be brought to Parliament. It will be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat next week,” said Fahmi.
“If there is time, it will also be tabled for second reading and debated during this current sitting. If not, the bill has also been listed for debate in the next session. Finally, it’s on track,” he added.
Fahmi reiterated that the government is committed to fostering a fair and accountable media environment in Malaysia.
The bill is part of broader efforts to address the challenges facing the media industry and to strengthen press freedom.
He expressed hope that the establishment of the Media Council would help build trust and enhance the quality of news reporting in Malaysia.
In October last year, Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said that the creation of the Malaysian Media Council would advance efforts to improve press freedom.
Teo also emphasised the importance of the government’s political will in forming the council, which is intended to serve as a regulatory body representing various media organisations across the country.
“We believe that when the media plays a role in supervising the government, the government must reduce judging the media on whether their stories are ethical or if they have committed any mistakes,” Teo told reporters.
“By establishing the media council first, agendas for better press freedom can be carried out by the council.”
She also clarified that the formation of the Media Council is not the end of efforts for press freedom, but rather a key step in ongoing advocacy.
“We are not saying that the formation of the media council is the end of our struggle or campaign (for better press freedom). This is a role that will be carried out by the media council.”
Teo, who is also the Kulai MP, pointed out that one of the details in the bill includes a code of conduct for media organisations.
“In today’s era, where anyone can claim to be a journalist and set up their own platform where they can potentially commit misdeeds, whose responsibility is it to state whether such reporting is ethical?” she questioned.
“Without the media council, such a task falls on the government. When the government is the one to say that certain reporting is not ethical or propagates its own agenda, we are criticised for intervening in press freedom.”
Teo emphasised that the establishment of the council is crucial to take over this responsibility.
“This is why it’s important for the media council to be established so that they can take over responsibility for this task.”
She added that the public would be able to lodge complaints with the council, which will then release its findings to foster a better understanding of the media’s role. – December 6, 2024