PUTRAJAYA, December 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) can play a crucial role in advising the government on strengthening press freedom, including identifying specific laws or provisions that may restrict media freedom.
He noted that the council should also help define clear parameters on media freedom and where appropriate limits should be drawn, particularly in Malaysia’s multiracial and multireligious context, adding that its recommendations would be conveyed to the Cabinet and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil for serious consideration.
Speaking during a briefing with local and international editors-in-chief yesterday, Anwar stressed that any code of conduct should not undermine the broader vision of media freedom, while emphasising the need for responsible journalism amid intense industry competition.
He cautioned against the exploitation of racial or religious sentiments and highlighted the MMC Act 2025 as a milestone in safeguarding press freedom and ensuring credible reporting, noting that the council’s establishment marks the culmination of reform efforts proposed since 1973.
