KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 — The proposed Malaysia Media Council which is still at the discussion stage could serve as keeper in the professional integrity of media practitioners, according to a veteran journalist.
Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar said the council could among others ensure that the social function of the media is accorded attention, have its own media accountability system and monitor fake news from the perspective of journalists.
“The functions of the council among others is to handle press complaints in our country which are becoming more vociferous. We hear at times complaints that a report is unbalanced or unfair.
“More importantly, it will ensure that media practitioners’ rights and legacy are given attention, while accountability and adherence to journalism ethics will be kept in check,” he said at the launch of National Journalists Day (Hawana) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here today.
Johan, a former Media Prima Berhad chairman was among Utusan Group’s former editors-in-chief who spoke at the event on behalf of the media fraternity.
Meanwhile, Johan encouraged political leaders to initiate more consultations with the media.
However, he said any move to introduce a policy or law that could curb media freedom or freedom of speech might be counter productive in the long term.
“To protect the integrity of professional journalism, it would be better for us to control from within rather than be controlled from outside.
“This council will essentially give true meaning to National Journalism Day,” he said.
Najib announced at the launch that Malaysia would celebrate Hawana on May 29 annually, beginning next year. — Bernama
