The proposed establishment of the Malaysian Media Council, which is described as a regulatory mechanism for the industry, does not conflict with the principles of media freedom that the government is fighting for, the Dewan Negara was told today (June 21).
Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia Teo Nie Ching said that media freedom does not mean unlimited freedom, but the media is responsible for reporting from authentic, ethical and fair sources.
“Neighboring Indonesia, they have a Press Council which is a form of Media Council, but what we want is ‘regulation’, from the industry itself so that no one abuses power.
“In our context (Malaysia), people are always worried that as a government we will use existing laws to curb media freedom, but if the regulation comes from the industry itself, I think that is fairer and can ensure the interests of all parties including the government, the opposition and the public,” she said during the question and answer session.
She answered a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai whether the regulatory mechanism of the media industry through the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council is against the principle of media freedom that the government is fighting for.
Nie Ching said the Malaysian Media Council functions as a platform for any parties who are uncomfortable or dissatisfied with media reporting to submit their reports.
Asked about the engagement session regarding the proposed establishment of the Malaysian Media Council by Senator Datuk Juhanis Abd Aziz, Nie Ching said, a meeting will be held after the temporary working committee (pro-tem committee) has finished preparing feedback on the draft Malaysian Media Council bill.
In addition, she said, there is a proposal to include a provision in the bill to ensure 30 percent of committee members are women in the Malaysian Media Council, but the matter needs to be agreed with the temporary working committee and stakeholders.
“The ministry is actively holding a series of discussions with a temporary working committee consisting of journalists, publishers, broadcasters and news organizations on the details of the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council.
“This discussion covers various aspects including the functions and funds of the Malaysian Media Council which are also contained in the draft bill of the Malaysian Media Council which is being updated for mutual agreement,” she said.
