MMC Must Operate Transparently, Strengthen Journalistic Standards - Ministry

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) must operate independently and with integrity in setting journalistic standards and handling public complaints related to the media with full transparency, the Communications Ministry said today.

In a statement, the ministry stated that the establishment of MMC represents a key reform in the country’s media industry, which is expected to strengthen the credibility of the sector and uphold journalistic ethics while safeguarding the professionalism and welfare of media practitioners.

It expressed confidence that the council will be able to carry out its responsibilities effectively, leveraging the diverse expertise and experience of its board members, who represent media companies, journalists, associations, as well as the public and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“With this renewed momentum, the ministry remains committed to supporting MMC’s role in enriching a credible media landscape and enhancing public trust in the media,” the statement read.

MMC is an independent body established as a self-regulatory mechanism for the national media industry, tasked with promoting journalistic ethics and media freedom.

Yesterday, a total of 12 individuals were elected to the MMC Board at its first annual general meeting, representing three categories: media companies, journalists and media associations, as well as the public and NGOs.

For the media company category, those elected include C Premesh, former interim chairman of MMC; Farrah Naz Abd Karim, Group Editor of New Straits Times; Star Media Group Berhad Chief Content Officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng Sek Yee; and Wong Yang Yong, General Manager of The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo.

For the journalist and media association category, elected members are Mohamad Fauzi Ishak from the Malaysian Media Clubs Federation (GKMM), Mariah Airens Doksil (Sabah Journalists Association), Mohd Ishak Abdillah Ngah (Terengganu Journalists Club) and Adie Suri Zulkefli (Kedah Elite Media Club).

In the public and NGO category, the elected members are Zaharom Nain, Terence Ooi Guan Tseng, Cynthia Lorraine Silva and Mediha Mahmood.

-- BERNAMA