KUALA LUMPUR, December 9 – Media freedom is one of the Unity Government’s commitments in ensuring that the government’s check and balance process runs smoothly, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi said the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council may be one of the methods to realize that goal. As a minister myself, I am open to examining this matter (the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council), but it must be approved at the Cabinet of Ministers level.
Give us some time, we will look into it,” he said after attending a briefing and working visit to the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) on Thursday. Also present was the Secretary General of the Ministry of Communications and Digital, Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek, as well as Bernama’s management, namely its Chairman, Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi and Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Ariffin. The Deputy Editor-in-Chief, International News Service who also assumes the duties as Editor-in-Chief.
Jamaluddin Muhammad and the Executive Editor who also assumes the duties as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the News Service. Harlina Samson were also present. Fahmi said that so far the proposed establishment of the Media Council has not yet been discussed in the Cabinet of Ministers and will inform the development if any decision has been reached. Fahmi said, he needed to get details regarding the proposed establishment of the Malaysian Media Council from media industry players.
Especially journalists’ associations, in addition to giving assurances that media freedom would be given priority including the welfare of media practitioners in the country. The proposal for the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council was voiced by the participants of the National Journalists’ Day Speech (Hawana) in 2018 who represented various media organizations throughout the country.
