PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Media Council’s inaugural annual general meeting (AGM) and the election of its members mark a significant step towards strengthening professionalism in the country’s media industry.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the new body carried an important responsibility to ensure that, in the digital era, the quality of reporting is not compromised.
She also described the AGM as a historic moment, adding that the idea of establishing a national media council had been discussed since the 1970s.
“Today marks another historic milestone as we witness the first AGM being successfully held.
“Congratulations not only to those who have been elected, but also to all our media colleagues who have contributed to making today’s AGM a success,” she told reporters after the event.
Teo said the ministry required a media council to advise the industry on maintaining professional standards and to address ethical or other concerns, which can then be referred to the council.
“The council can provide professional perspectives rather than leaving such commentary to non-experts,” she added.
When asked whether the council would further strengthen Malaysia’s media industry, she said it would reinforce the media’s credibility and position.
“With the Malaysian Media Council in place, it can offer guidance on which media organisations or reports adhere to ethical standards and which may have breached codes of conduct.
“I believe this will help readers better distinguish between credible and questionable reporting and, ultimately, contribute to building a more informed and democratic society,” she said.
Teo also expressed satisfaction that women were among those elected to the council, reflecting the progressive nature of the media industry.
“This demonstrates that women’s influence in the media sector is strong and that the industry is very progressive, providing equal opportunities for all,” she said.
Earlier today, Media Prima News and Current Affairs deputy group managing editor Farrah Naz Abd Karim, who is also New Straits Times group editor, was among those elected to the board through the council’s inaugural AGM.
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