PUTRAJAYA: The media plays a crucial role in supporting law enforcement and the armed forces in maintaining national security.
National Resilience College (NRC) Commandant Major General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng said national security is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces, police, or enforcement agencies.
He said national security also depends on the cooperation of the media to disseminate accurate, timely, and essential information to the public.
“I believe the whole-of-society approach is crucial for national security because safety is not just the responsibility of the armed forces or police.
“The media has a significant role in assisting the military and police in performing their duties by conveying accurate information to the people.
“Through the proper delivery of information, we can reassure citizens during situations where they may be concerned about safety or crises,” Lim told the New Straits Times at the sidelines of an executive talk session hosted by Media Prima Bhd (MPB) Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid.
Also present were News and Current Affairs Deputy Group Managing Editor and New Straits Times Group Editor Farrah Naz Karim, MPB News and Current Affairs English Newsdesk Editor Azaria Tagaya, and Media Prima Group Corporate Communications General Manager Azlan Abdul Aziz.
Lim said that the relationship between the armed forces and the media must be grounded in partnership and mutual understanding.
“The military and media must collaborate to inform the public about the actions being undertaken. This will reassure the public and enhance effective operations on the ground.
“The media is always our ally. We can leverage it to improve the effectiveness of our missions and boost public confidence without compromising national security,” he said.
Earlier, speakers from Media Prima delivered a forum titled “Media: A Tool for National Security and Hegemony,” which underscored the media’s critical role in shaping public perception, supporting national interests, and bolstering the country’s security framework.
In his speech, Syed Hussian outlined MPB’s structure and operations to a cohort of 24 senior officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces and foreign militaries.
Farrah, in her presentation, highlighted the media’s vital role in communicating key government initiatives and fostering democratic discourse, especially within Malaysia’s dynamic multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
The National Resilience College (NRC) is Malaysia’s premier institution for strategic leadership development, focusing on strengthening national security, resilience, and defence capabilities.
Established under the aegis of Universiti Pertahanan Malaysia (UPNM), the NRC offers advanced education and training programmes for senior military officers, civil servants, and professionals across various sectors, equipping them to tackle complex security challenges at national and international levels.
The NRC conducts a diverse range of courses, seminars, and executive talks addressing key topics such as national defence policy, crisis management, strategic communication, and inter-agency collaboration.
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