Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, today launched the Malaysian Journalist Code of Ethics, which will serve as a guideline for media agencies, simultaneously uplifting the dignity of the media as a trusted source of news and information for the people.
The Malaysian Journalist Code of Ethics is a new version that has been re-examined by the Malaysian Information Department (JaPen) to replace the Code of Ethics that has been in use for the past 35 years.
The preparation of the Malaysian Journalist Code of Ethics, involving the Faculty of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and the Media and Communication Studies Center, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia will also be used as a reference for the management of the Media Accreditation Card (KPM) by JaPen. The KPM serves as an identification document for media practitioners from government-accredited media agencies, facilitating coverage of official events.
The Malaysian Journalist Code of Ethics, first published by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) in 1989, has been the primary reference for JaPen in managing KPM before this. With the evolution of the media industry, the code of ethics has been updated and adopted as a guideline by all holders of JaPen’s KPM in carrying out their duties to support the formation of an informed society.
The new Malaysian Journalist Code of Ethics consists of eight main ethics principles:
- Journalists are responsible for being the voice of the multicultural society;
- Journalists should be transparent and have integrity;
- Journalists are encouraged to be fair in conveying information;
- News reporting should not be influenced by personal interests;
- Accuracy and determination of information;
- Journalists must respect the privacy and confidentiality of sources;
- Journalists must understand the laws, acts, and policies relevant to their duties; and
- Journalists must prioritise continuous improvement of journalism skills.
