MELAKA, June 15 — The government has pledged to uphold press freedom and ensure journalists have the independence and capacity to report news professionally and ethically.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim called for stronger ties between the government and the press, highlighting the crucial role journalists play in giving the public a voice.

He said the government has always recognised the media’s role in delivering accurate and reliable information to the public, particularly in combating the spread of fake news and misinformation across social media platforms.

“We will continue to defend press freedom and ensure the media is empowered so that it can report news freely and independently.

“In the current climate, the role of the media is increasingly vital to ensure the public receives factual, accurate information that is not driven purely by sentiment,” he told reporters at the Hang Tuah Jaya Parliamentary Media Bowling Championship here last night.

Elaborating, the Hang Tuah Jaya MP said that media outlets adhering to professionalism and journalistic ethics bear a heavy responsibility in helping the public understand the reality of an issue, adding that the role of journalists is becoming increasingly significant in ensuring that the information society receives is authentic and reliable.

Commenting on the political climate ahead of several upcoming state elections, he expressed hope that journalists would continue to carry out their duties professionally and provide balanced coverage.

“We want to ensure that all media practitioners are free to provide coverage that spans a variety of perspectives, so that the public can make well-informed political judgments,” he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to journalists for their ongoing cooperation, describing the bowling event as a symbol of the close friendship and strong partnership between the government and the media. — Bernama