Bernama, RTM Must Maintain Highest Credibility To Retain Public Trust - Suhaimi

By Norhayati Mohd Akhir

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) must consistently uphold the highest level of credibility to maintain public trust in the mainstream media, said Broadcasting Department director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman.

He said in the current digital landscape, media organisations must remain alert to information circulating on social media to ensure accurate dissemination to the public.

“Our responsibility is to provide information that is authentic and correct. If we are misquoted or inaccurate information is published, we must correct it immediately,” he told Bernama after speaking as a panellist at the forum, “The Role of Total Communications in Enhancing Public Service Productivity”.

Also appearing at the session was Media Prima Bhd chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar. The forum was held as part of the National Public Service Reform Convention 2025 in conjunction with the Rancakkan MADANI programme here today.

Suhaimi said continuous efforts are needed to correct misinformation, as media credibility is built through consistency in delivering the truth.

“If certain issues need repeated clarification, we should continue doing so. Ultimately, audiences will return to media organisations with credibility,” he said.

He added that various initiatives, including strategic communications efforts, have been implemented to address misinformation, but public awareness remained crucial.

“When we see something inaccurate, we must take the initiative to convey the correct information,” he said.

Despite changing consumption trends, Suhaimi said the public continues to refer to Bernama and RTM as trusted sources.

“When people come to us seeking confirmation, it proves that credibility remains. We must continue working hard to preserve it,” he said.

Earlier during the forum, Mohd Efendi said that public sector communication not only delivers information but also builds a wider ecosystem linking the government, the public, and strategic partners.

He said that in the current era of digitalisation, proper mechanisms are essential to ensure that information is delivered effectively and directly benefits people.

On the concept of total communication, he said three key aspects must be given attention, namely clear messages, easily understood language and concise presentation.

“If we want messages to be understood, we should avoid overly technical language. The language must follow the people’s tone,” he said, adding that media practitioners play a role in translating policy language into public language while safeguarding credibility.

The three-day Rancakkan MADANI programme, held at Dataran Putrajaya beginning yesterday, is organised by the Prime Minister’s Office through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU).

It is a continuation of the One Year with the MADANI Government and Two Years with the MADANI Government programmes, which have become the government’s annual platform to report its achievements directly to the people.

-- BERNAMA